Discover if the NVIDIA Shield TV Pro is the Perfect Streaming Device for You

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Personal Reason for Purchasing the Nvidia Shield TV Pro
3. Plex Server Functionality
4. AI Upscaling Feature
5. Bluetooth Mouse, Keyboard, and Controller Compatibility
6. Nvidia Game Stream
7. Minor Hiccups with Plex
8. Audio Issues with Select Formats
9. YouTube Buffering Issues
10. Lack of Auto Frame Rate Switching Option
11. Recommendation for Nvidia Shield TV Pro
12. Comparison with Apple 4K TV
13. Game Stream Setup Process
14. Conclusion

Nvidia Shield TV Pro: Is It the Right Streaming Device for You?

I have been using the Nvidia Shield TV Pro for about eight months now, and in this article, I would like to share my experience with this streaming device. While this is not a full review or a direct comparison to the Apple 4K TV, I will discuss what the Nvidia Shield TV Pro does well and where it falls short. Whether You should choose the Nvidia Shield TV Pro or consider other streaming devices depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Personal Reason for Purchasing the Nvidia Shield TV Pro

One of the main reasons I bought the Nvidia Shield TV Pro was for its Plex server functionality. I wanted an easy and quick way to access my 4K UHD Blu-ray rips that I personally ripped from movies in my collection. Additionally, having quick access to demo scenes allowed me to efficiently review speakers and AV gear. These demo scenes provided a consistent benchmark, as I knew how they should sound. The Nvidia Shield TV Pro exceeded my expectations in this aspect.

Plex Server Functionality

If you are considering purchasing the Nvidia Shield TV Pro for Plex, I highly recommend it. The Plex server functionality is outstanding, allowing me to play my personal 4K UHD rips from my own library seamlessly. Not only that, but I can also consistently get Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos using Plex. Backing up my movie discs legally while maintaining Dolby Vision metadata with no picture or audio quality loss is a major AdVantage. Additionally, chapter markers, subtitles, and multiple audio tracks, including commentaries, enhance the viewing experience.

AI Upscaling Feature

I was pleasantly surprised by the AI upscaling feature of the Nvidia Shield TV Pro. While it doesn't magically Make Content look like true 4K, it does enhance the quality of lower resolution sources. For instance, when fed a high-quality 1080p Blu-ray rip, the upscaling results are impressive. However, the quality of the source remains critical, as a low-bit-rate signal from streaming platforms like Netflix won't yield the same improvement. On medium settings, the AI upscaling feature works exceptionally well.

Bluetooth Mouse, Keyboard, and Controller Compatibility

The Nvidia Shield TV Pro offers the convenience of using a Bluetooth mouse, keyboard, or controller. The ability to use them simultaneously adds to the device's versatility. Alternatively, you can connect a Logitech USB dongle to one of the USB ports for a seamless navigation experience. This feature is particularly handy when using Nvidia's game stream or navigating through menus.

Nvidia Game Stream

Nvidia's game stream functionality on the Shield TV Pro works surprisingly well. While the initial setup process can be challenging and requires an Nvidia graphics card, the quality of the stream is decent, especially when hardwired. Some minor compression artifacts may be noticeable during fast-moving scenes, but overall, it provides a satisfactory gaming experience. However, input latency may pose an issue for those sensitive to it.

Minor Hiccups with Plex

While the Plex server functionality is excellent overall, I have experienced a few minor hiccups. Occasionally, certain movies may stutter during startup, requiring a restart to play smoothly. Although I haven't determined the exact cause, it is not significant enough for me to invest time in troubleshooting. Additionally, I encountered audio issues with select formats, specifically DTS High-Resolution (HR). However, this is a rare occurrence and doesn't significantly affect the overall experience.

YouTube Buffering Issues

An issue specific to YouTube on the Nvidia Shield TV Pro is occasional buffering for no apparent reason. Strangely, this problem only occurs on the Shield and not on other devices in my network, such as the Apple 4K TV or PS5. Despite being hardwired to the router, this buffering issue persists exclusively on the Nvidia Shield TV Pro. While it may be an isolated incident or a potential defect in my unit, it is worth mentioning.

Lack of Auto Frame Rate Switching Option

One major drawback of the Nvidia Shield TV Pro is the absence of an auto frame rate switching option. Unlike Plex and Kodi, which have this feature, most streaming apps, including Netflix and Disney Plus, lack the capability to switch frame rates automatically. This results in judder and compromises the smoothness of motion during playback. The only available option, called Match Frame Rate, is still in beta and exhibits sporadic functionality with Netflix. This limitation may be a deal-breaker for those who prioritize auto frame rate switching.

Recommendation for Nvidia Shield TV Pro

In conclusion, I would recommend the Nvidia Shield TV Pro with some considerations. If you primarily use the device for Plex, it is an outstanding choice. The seamless Plex server functionality and auto frame rate switching within Plex make it an ideal streaming device. However, for those who prioritize auto frame rate switching in streaming apps and are not particularly interested in Plex, the Apple 4K TV might be a more suitable option. The Apple 4K TV offers a user-friendly interface with auto frame rate switching built-in, negating the need for manual adjustments.

Comparison with Apple 4K TV

When comparing the Nvidia Shield TV Pro to the Apple 4K TV, there are several distinct differences. While both devices offer streaming capabilities, the Nvidia Shield excels in Plex functionality, AI upscaling, and compatibility with Bluetooth peripherals. On the other HAND, the Apple 4K TV surpasses the Nvidia Shield TV Pro with its auto frame rate switching option and overall user experience with streaming apps. Selecting between the two depends on individual priorities and preferences.

Game Stream Setup Process

Setting up game stream on the Nvidia Shield TV Pro can be convoluted and time-consuming. While the quality of the stream is commendable, the added input lag and complexity may deter users from utilizing this feature extensively. For optimal quality and minimal latency, connecting a PC directly to the receiver via HDMI is a preferable alternative. This setup provides superior quality without introducing unnecessary latency.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Nvidia Shield TV Pro is a capable streaming device with notable features like Plex server functionality, AI upscaling, and Bluetooth compatibility. While it excels in certain aspects, such as Plex playback and media management, it falls short in areas like auto frame rate switching and the ease of setup for game stream. Whether the Nvidia Shield TV Pro is the right choice for you depends on your specific needs and priorities. It is essential to consider all the pros and cons discussed in this article before making a purchasing decision.

Highlights:

• The Nvidia Shield TV Pro offers exceptional Plex server functionality for seamless playback of personal 4K UHD Blu-ray rips.
• The AI upscaling feature enhances the quality of lower resolution sources, resulting in an improved viewing experience.
• Compatibility with Bluetooth peripherals allows for easy navigation using a mouse, keyboard, or controller.
• Nvidia's game stream feature provides a satisfactory gaming experience, although input latency may not be suitable for everyone.
• YouTube buffering issues may occur exclusively on the Nvidia Shield TV Pro, with no apparent cause.
• The absence of an auto frame rate switching option in most streaming apps is a significant disadvantage, affecting the smoothness of motion during playback.
• Depending on individual preferences and priorities, the Apple 4K TV may be a more suitable streaming device, offering auto frame rate switching and a user-friendly interface.

FAQ

Q: Can the Nvidia Shield TV Pro play 4K UHD Blu-ray rips via Plex? A: Yes, the Nvidia Shield TV Pro is capable of playing 4K UHD Blu-ray rips with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support through the Plex server functionality.

Q: Does the Nvidia Shield TV Pro support auto frame rate switching in streaming apps? A: No, the Nvidia Shield TV Pro lacks auto frame rate switching in most streaming apps, which may result in judder during playback.

Q: What are the audio issues with select formats Mentioned in the article? A: The Nvidia Shield TV Pro may encounter audio issues with select formats, particularly DTS High-Resolution (HR). However, these issues are rare and do not significantly impact the overall experience.

Q: Can the Nvidia Shield TV Pro be used for gaming? A: Yes, the Nvidia Shield TV Pro offers game stream functionality. However, the setup process can be complicated, and there may be noticeable input latency.

Q: Does the Apple 4K TV have auto frame rate switching? A: Yes, the Apple 4K TV features auto frame rate switching, making it a more convenient option for those who prioritize this feature.