5 Reasons Why Nvidia Shield TV is a Must-Have Streaming Box

5 Reasons Why Nvidia Shield TV is a Must-Have Streaming Box

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction 1.1 The Nvidia Shield TV 1.2 Comparison with other streaming boxes
2. Expandability 2.1 Two versions of the Shield TV 2.2 USB ports for storage expansion
3. Exceptional Performance 3.1 The power-packed internals 3.2 Fast loading of apps and videos
4. Android TV Experience 4.1 Availability of Android TV 4.2 Major streaming apps support 4.3 Chromecast and Google Assistant integration
5. Plex Media Server Integration 5.1 Built-in Plex media server 5.2 Simplified access to personal media collection
6. Limitations 6.1 Transcoding issues on Plex media server 6.2 High price point 6.3 App limitations and Hulu shortcomings
7. Gaming Experience 7.1 Access to NVIDIA GeForce Now game streaming 7.2 Free game selection and compatibility with Steam 7.3 Retro game emulation capabilities
8. Conclusion

Top 5 Reasons Why the Nvidia Shield TV is Awesome

The Nvidia Shield TV has quickly become my go-to media streaming box, and in this article, I will share with you my top five reasons why it is truly awesome. While I acknowledge the great features of other streaming boxes like the Apple TV and Roku, there are certain aspects of the Shield TV that make it stand out from the competition. So, let's dive in and explore the exceptional qualities of this Android TV box.

1. Expandability

The Shield TV comes in two versions: the Pro Edition and the regular edition. The Pro Edition boasts a 500-gigabyte hard drive, while the regular edition offers 16 gigs of storage. However, the storage limitations are not a concern thanks to the presence of two USB ports that support hard drives. This expandability feature allows you to attach an eight terabyte drive to your Shield TV, making it ideal for users with a large library of movies, TV shows, Music, and games.

2. Exceptional Performance

What sets the Shield TV apart from its competitors is its impressive performance. Despite being released two years ago, the internals of the current generation Shield TV have remained unchanged from the first-generation version. This means that Nvidia packed in some incredible power into this device. Apps and videos load quickly, delivering a seamless streaming experience. If you're an impatient viewer like me, this is a feature that you'll truly appreciate.

3. Android TV Experience

The Shield TV runs on Android TV, and while some Sony TVs also have this feature, Nvidia's Android TV box offers a more versatile experience. All the major streaming video apps like Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu are readily available on Android TV. Additionally, the YouTube app on the Shield TV is excellent, and the device also comes with built-in Chromecast support, allowing you to easily cast content from your phone or Chrome browser. The inclusion of Google Assistant further enhances the overall user experience.

4. Plex Media Server Integration

For those with a vast collection of movies and TV shows on a hard drive, the Shield TV offers the perfect solution with its built-in Plex media server. Setting up a media server can be a hassle, but the Shield TV simplifies the process, making it easy to access your media from anywhere. This feature was particularly appealing to me, as I had previously relied on a dedicated media server that eventually stopped working. The Shield TV allowed me to resurrect my media server effortlessly and enjoy my collection once again.

5. Limitations

While the Shield TV boasts numerous advantages, it is essential to address some limitations. One significant drawback is its subpar performance when it comes to transcoding videos on the Plex media server. Users might experience issues in this area, and it's an aspect Nvidia could improve upon. Additionally, the price point of the Shield TV, at around $190, may be considered high by some consumers. Furthermore, not all apps on the device are exceptional, with the Hulu app in particular lacking support for profiles, live TV, and premium add-ons. It's worth noting that Hulu's support for Android TV is still under consideration.

7. Gaming Experience

One of the standout features of the Shield TV is its gaming capabilities. With the device, you gain access to the NVIDIA GeForce Now streaming Game service. This service allows you to play a considerable selection of games without paying a penny. Furthermore, if you have purchased games on Steam, you can also play them on the Shield TV through GeForce Now. This aspect personally drew me back into the world of gaming, and for retro game enthusiasts, the Shield TV serves as an excellent emulation machine. However, it is essential to familiarize yourself with local laws regarding video game emulation to ensure compliance.

8. Conclusion

In conclusion, the Nvidia Shield TV offers a range of compelling reasons why it stands out as a top media streaming box. Its expandability, exceptional performance, Android TV experience, Plex media server integration, and gaming capabilities make it an incredibly versatile device. While it does have limitations, such as transcoding issues and a relatively high price point, its strengths overshadow these drawbacks. If you are looking for a media streaming box that offers an excellent user experience and the ability to expand your storage and gaming options, the Nvidia Shield TV is definitely worth considering.

Highlights:

• Expandable storage options with USB ports
• Exceptional performance for quick loading of apps and videos
• Android TV experience with major streaming app support and built-in Chromecast
• Plex media server integration for Simplified access to personal media collection
• Gaming capabilities with NVIDIA GeForce Now and retro game emulation
• Limitations include transcoding issues and a relatively high price point

FAQ: Q: Can I expand the storage on the Nvidia Shield TV? A: Yes, the Shield TV offers expandable storage options through its USB ports.

Q: Does the Shield TV support major streaming apps like Netflix and Hulu? A: Yes, the Shield TV supports all major streaming apps, including Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, and more.

Q: Can I use the Shield TV for gaming? A: Definitely! The Shield TV provides access to the NVIDIA GeForce Now game streaming service, allowing you to play a variety of games. It also serves as an excellent emulation machine for retro gaming.

Q: Are there any limitations to be aware of? A: Yes, while the Shield TV excels in many areas, it may encounter transcoding issues on the Plex media server. Additionally, the price point of the device may be considered high by some, and certain apps like Hulu have limitations in terms of features and support.