NVIDIA SHIELD TV Gaming Edition | 4K HDR Streaming Media Player with GeForce NOW

The NVIDIA Shield TV 4K HDR Streaming Media Player is widely considered one of the best streaming devices on the market, thanks to its powerful performance, robust features, and versatility. Whether you're a gamer, movie buff, or tech enthusiast, it’s packed with technology and software enhancements that make it a top choice. Let’s dive into the details.Design and BuildThe NVIDIA Shield TV has a sleek, cylindrical form factor that’s compact yet visually unique. It measures around 6.5 inches in height and is easy to tuck away in any entertainment setup. The design is minimalistic, allowing it to fit into modern living spaces without drawing too much attention. With a durable matte finish, it’s built to resist fingerprints and wear, maintaining its clean look over time.PerformancePowered by the NVIDIA Tegra X1+ processor, the Shield TV is one of the most capable streaming devices available. The X1+ chip is powerful enough for smooth 4K HDR streaming and is backed by 2GB of RAM, which is more than sufficient for streaming, running apps, and multitasking. This processor also allows for smooth upscaling of HD content to 4K, making lower-resolution media look clearer and sharper.The device also uses AI-enhanced upscaling, which is a significant feature. It analyzes content frame-by-frame, improving details in HD content that can approach native 4K quality. This upscaling is a standout feature for those who want to make the most of 1080p and 720p content on a 4K display.Streaming and Video QualityAs a 4K HDR streaming device, the NVIDIA Shield TV supports HDR10, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos, which is excellent for audiophiles and cinephiles alike. Dolby Vision and HDR10+ are particularly impressive, as they enhance the color range, contrast, and brightness for a more immersive viewing experience. You’ll notice deeper blacks, brighter whites, and more vibrant colors across compatible content, especially on platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video.The Shield TV also supports various audio formats, including Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby Atmos, so you’ll get an immersive sound experience if you have a compatible setup. This feature makes it ideal for home theater systems, where high-quality sound is essential for the full experience.Software and User InterfaceRunning on Android TV OS, the NVIDIA Shield TV gives users access to the Google Play Store, meaning they can download a variety of apps, including streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, YouTube, and more. The user interface is clean, customizable, and easy to navigate, with the Android TV OS allowing for a high level of personalization compared to other platforms.A notable feature here is Google Assistant integration, allowing for voice search, smart home control, and Google’s comprehensive ecosystem of services. The built-in Google Assistant lets you control playback, search for content, and even control smart home devices through the Shield TV’s microphone on the remote. For those invested in the Google ecosystem, this device functions almost like a Google Nest Hub with enhanced streaming capabilities.Additionally, NVIDIA updates the Shield TV’s software regularly, meaning users benefit from new features and security improvements for several years after purchase. This long-term support is rare among streaming devices, which typically stop receiving updates after a year or two.Gaming CapabilitiesOne of the Shield TV’s biggest advantages is its gaming capabilities. It supports NVIDIA GeForce Now, a cloud gaming service that allows you to play AAA PC games at high settings by streaming them from NVIDIA’s servers. If you’re subscribed to GeForce Now, you can access popular games like "Fortnite," "Cyberpunk 2077," and "Control" directly on the Shield TV without needing a gaming PC.The Shield TV also has support for Steam Link, allowing you to stream games from your PC to your TV if you have a compatible gaming rig. This feature, combined with GeForce Now, offers a high level of gaming flexibility and makes the Shield TV stand out as a streaming device that also doubles as a solid gaming solution.While it’s not a full gaming console replacement, its ability to handle titles via cloud gaming and streaming from a local PC means it can appeal to more casual gamers who want an all-in-one entertainment device. It’s compatible with a range of Bluetooth controllers, allowing users to pair Xbox or PlayStation controllers with ease.Remote ControlThe remote control has undergone a significant upgrade compared to previous models. It’s compact, ergonomic, and backlit, making it easy to use even in low-light settings. It features motion-activated buttons, voice search with Google Assistant, and dedicated buttons for popular functions, like Netflix. The remote also has an IR blaster, which allows it to control volume and power on compatible TVs and sound systems, eliminating the need for multiple remotes.One of the best features of the remote is the customizable menu button, which can be mapped to various functions based on user preference. The remote is powered by two AAA batteries, which is convenient for those who don’t want to worry about charging their remote.Connectivity and PortsThe Shield TV comes with a Gigabit Ethernet port, which is essential for those who want to ensure a stable and fast internet connection, especially for 4K streaming and gaming. It also has dual-band Wi-Fi, supporting 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. The device also supports Bluetooth 5.0, making it easy to connect wireless peripherals, such as headphones, controllers, or keyboards.Unfortunately, the Shield TV lacks USB ports, which may be a downside for users looking to expand storage or connect USB drives directly to the device. However, users can add storage via microSD, which is sufficient for most purposes, especially for users who want to sideload apps or store some offline content.App Ecosystem and Content CompatibilityThe Shield TV supports almost every major streaming app, from Netflix to Disney+, Hulu, Prime Video, and more. It’s also compatible with a wide range of file formats, including MKV, MP4, AVI, and H.265, making it ideal for local media playback through apps like Plex or Kodi. The inclusion of Chromecast 4K allows users to cast content from their smartphones or tablets directly to the Shield TV, further expanding its versatility.Cons and Areas for ImprovementThe Shield TV’s biggest drawback is its price. Priced higher than many other streaming devices, it may be hard to justify for those who only want basic streaming functionality. The device's impressive specs and gaming capabilities make it a solid choice, but not necessarily for everyone, especially if you don't need the AI upscaling or advanced gaming features.Another minor drawback is the lack of USB ports. While the microSD slot offers storage expansion, some users may still prefer USB access for external hard drives or peripherals. Additionally, as powerful as it is, the gaming performance does rely heavily on the quality of your internet connection if you’re streaming games from the cloud, which can be a limiting factor for users with slower or less reliable internet.Final VerdictThe NVIDIA Shield TV 4K HDR Streaming Media Player is an excellent choice for tech enthusiasts who want more than just basic streaming. It delivers top-notch 4K HDR quality, AI upscaling, and a wide array of supported video and audio formats. The powerful Tegra X1+ processor, Google Assistant integration, and support for gaming through GeForce Now set it apart from other streaming devices on the market.For those looking for a high-quality streaming and gaming experience in one device, it’s a premium option that provides significant value. However, if you’re looking for a simple streaming solution without advanced features, there are more affordable options that might fit the bill better.

The media could not be loaded. I have/had the fire TV stick, Apple TV, a smart TV, etc. I also had an Xbox 360Come birthday time. This past April. I was looking to upgrade my fire stick.Then I started talking about buying a new gaming device. I’m not really big into gaming, but I like to play some games every now and again.My brother-in-law is telling me about the Nvidia shield gaming edition. I’m like well it’s $200 I don’t know blah blah blahSo I go with him to Best Buy to pick up his. We go back to the house, I help him set it up, by the time I go home I’m sold.Less than one month later I place my order here on Amazon for my very own Nvidia shield gaming edition.Everything I like to do has been put into one strong stable android/Google deviceThis set up was easy. The user interface is easy to navigate. You don’t get lost in setting after setting in sub setting after sub setting only to keep exiting to have to start all over again. You know what I mean LOLIf you are new to setting up equipment like this it might seem a little daunting, at first, but trust me when I tell you, after using this device a few times you are a pro.You quickly learn how to tweak it to your preferred settings and you are off to the races.The games I have been able to play for free. Free. 100% free. Have blown my freaking mind. I am loving the Harry Potter Lego, Batman Arkham asylum, etc.There are so many fun games for all age levels, experience levels, interests, etc. even fortnight.It’s also cool because you can buy games and store them right here on the device.Same goes for movies from the Google play store, vudu , fandango, prime, etc.I’ve had to use a few APK filesTo download a few of my favorite apps such as titanium, but that was very simple to do.For some crazy AF reason DIRECTV now app does not allow the Google play store to carry it. So I had to use an APK to access my monthly subscription. But that’s OK. I’m willing to do these few extra steps because the Nvidia shield is worth it.I put a few pictures attached to this review. There is also a six minute video I made for a friend of mine.Definitely not professional YouTube quality, but it will give you a quick description/explanation of what I do with my Nvidia shield.Of course there was a lot more I could have put in there, but I ended before I really went off lolI’ll admit I was quite skeptical. This device is not something I hear about a lot. Which is quite surprising to me.I watch a lot of the tech review channels on YouTube, follow a lot of the tech pages, etc. and Nvidia shield gaming edition comes up sporadically .I loved my fire stick. Have nothing against it. Except for the gb limitations . Same goes for my Apple TV.All in all, if you are truly looking to cut the cord, just have your regular Internet connection, this device is something everybody in your family will love.You don’t even have to subscribe to Netflix or DIRECTV now app- like I do.The only reason why I even get the DIRECTV NOW is because of the deep discount I get because of my cell phone plan. If that did not exist, that app would not exist on my device.I truly don’t even need Netflix with things such as cyber flicks and titanium, but I have multiple people sharing the cost w/me.You could also personalize by adding in a memory stick/card with your own videos/movies, I listen to music every day with my iHeartRadio app, watch YouTube, I’ve even surfed the net a few times.I put a few of my personal pictures to use as screensavers/wallpaperI’ve barely touched what this thing is capable of in the short amount of time I have owned it.I did not think there is a device like this out there. That will allow me to completely cancel my expensive cable package.Like I said with apps such as titanium and cyber flicks, or if you prefer get something like Kodi, Netflix and sling TV are things of the past.I might come along and edit my review as time passes.All in all, the price is going to pay for itself in less than six months. I do suggest getting a decent Internet speed package. If you get the lowest cheapest package you might have problems with streaming. Get something in the middle to the highest you can afford. I started off with the cheapest package available and there was constant buffering and sputtering and it was a nightmare.All in all, the price is going to pay for itself in less than six months.I do suggest getting a decent Internet speed package.If you get the lowest cheapest package you might have problems with streaming.Get something in the middle to the highest you can afford.I started off with the cheapest package available and there was constant buffering and sputtering and it was a nightmare.I have the middle priced package at less than 50 bucks a month for my Internet connection, and I am as happy as a white gal on pumpkin spice latte release day (I am One of them PSL gals BTW )Like I said, this is definitely something everybody in your family can get good use out of. From regular TV watchers to gamers. A good selection of apps. I don’t see how you can lose with this device.