The Nvidia Shield TV (Shield Android TV or just Nvidia Shield[1]) is an Android TV-based digital media player produced by Nvidia as part of its Shield brand of Android devices. First released in May 2015, the Shield was initially marketed by Nvidia as a microconsole, emphasizing its ability to play downloaded games and stream games from a compatible PC on a local network, or via the GeForce Now subscription service. As with all other Android TV devices, it can also stream content from various sources using apps, and also supports 4K resolution video. It is produced in two models, with the second Shield TV Pro model distinguished primarily by increased internal storage.
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| Also known as | Shield Android TV |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Nvidia |
| Product family | Shield |
| Type | Set-top box, microconsole |
| Release date |
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| Introductory price | US$199.99 |
| Operating system | Android TV |
| System on a chip | Tegra X1+ |
| Memory | 2 GB or 3 GB |
| Storage | 8 GB or 16 GB flash memory |
| Display | Up to 4K HDR, 60FPS |
| Controller input | Remote |
| Connectivity | 802.11ac 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.0, HDMI 2.0 |
| Online services | GeForce Now Google Play |
| Mass | 250 g (8.82 oz) |
| Related | Shield Tablet |
| Website | www |
In 2017, Nvidia released a refreshed version of the 16 GB Shield, which has a smaller form factor that drops MicroSD and infrared support, comes with an updated controller, and is otherwise identical in hardware to the original model. In 2019, Nvidia refreshed the Shield TV lineup with upgraded processors, and revised the base model with a smaller form factor and less internal storage.
Specifications
editThe Shield utilizes Nvidia's Tegra X1 system-on-chip, based on the ARM Cortex-A57 CPU and Nvidia's Maxwell microarchitecture GPU, with 3 GB of RAM. The device supports 4K resolution output at 60 FPS over an HDMI 2.0 output, with support for HEVC-encoded video. The Shield can either contain 16 GB of internal flash storage or a 500 GB hard drive, expandable via microSD card or removable storage. 2015 and 2017 Shield models with a 500 GB hard drive are branded as Shield Pro.[2][3][4] It contains two USB ports.[4] For internet connections, it supports gigabit Ethernet and 802.11ac Wi-Fi. The console ships with one wireless controller; a wireless micro-USB-rechargeable remote with voice control and a headphone jack is sold separately[3][5] but is no longer available from official channels.
The Shield runs Android TV; games optimized and ported for the device are offered through a separate Shield Store app.[3] The device can also stream games through Nvidia's on-demand subscription cloud gaming service, GeForce Now (formerly Nvidia GRID), and from a local computer using the GameStream function of supported Nvidia graphics cards via the GeForce Experience application. In addition to native Android gaming and game streaming, retro gaming emulation[6] is popular on the Nvidia Shield TV.[5][7][8]
On January 16, 2017,[9] Nvidia announced Shield Experience Upgrade 5.0, which is based on Android 7.0 "Nougat". It adds software features from the updated 2017 model, including HDR support for 4K video, new apps (including Amazon Video), SmartThings integration, Google Assistant support, and a new Nvidia Games interface. Google Assistant support requires a new iteration of the Shield Controller.[10][11] In June 2018, Nvidia released an update to Android 8.0 "Oreo".[12]
On June 23 2021, an update of Android TV to Google TV made Google Stadia available for the 2019 versions of Nvidia Shield TV and Nvidia Shield TV Pro.
2017 version
editOn January 16, 2017, Nvidia unveiled a refreshed version of the 16 GB Shield. It has a revised form factor with a smaller size but no microSD slot, and is supplied with Shield Experience Upgrade 5.0. A revised Bluetooth remote control with no headphone jack and replaceable CR2032 battery is now bundled, as well as an updated controller with an always-on microphone. The 2017 model contains the same Tegra X1 system-on-chip as the 2015 model.[4] The 2017 Shield replaced the original 16 GB version. Nvidia continues to market the larger, 500 GB Shield Pro model.[13]
There appears to be a two revisions of this model, one with a green sticker on the older revision there was a light up partial triangle. More citation is needed
2019 version
editOn October 28, 2019, Nvidia unveiled two new Shield TV models. Both models use the Tegra X1+ system-on-chip, ship with Android 9.0 "Pie", support Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision, and include an updated remote control, and a new "AI-enhanced" upscaling system that can upscale high-definition video to 4K resolution. The new base model uses a cylindrical form factor rather than a set-top box style, and has 2 GB of RAM and 8 GB of flash storage, expandable via MicroSD card (in place of USB ports). The Shield TV Pro uses the same set-top box form factor as the previous model, and includes 3 GB of RAM, 16 GB of flash storage, and two full-size USB 3.0 ports. A gamepad is no longer included.[14][15]
Models
edit| Model name | Model # | Launch | Form factor | Processor | RAM | Storage | microSD | USB | IR receiver | HDMI / DP | Ethernet | WiFi | Bluetooth | Bundled accessories | VQ- playback (max) | VQ- capture (max) | Upscaling | HDR | Dolby Atmos | Voice control |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SHIELD TV | P2571 | 2015 | Box | Nvidia Tegra X1 | 3GB | 16GB | Yes | 3x (2x 3.0 typeA, 1x microUSB) | Yes | HDMI 2.0 w/ HDCP 2.2 & CEC (HDMI 2.0b by FW update) | GbE | 802.11ac 2x2 MIMO | 4.1 / LE | Gamepad | 4K at 60fps | 4K at 30fps | HDR10 | Passthrough | ||
| SHIELD TV Pro | P2571 | 2015 | Box | Nvidia Tegra X1 | 3GB | 500GB | Yes | 3x (2x 3.0 typeA, 1x microUSB) | Yes | HDMI 2.0 w/ HDCP 2.2 & CEC (HDMI 2.0b by FW update) | GbE | 802.11ac 2x2 MIMO | 4.1 / LE | Remote, gamepad | 4K at 60fps | 4K at 30fps | HDR10 | Passthrough | ||
| SHIELD TV | P2897 | 2017 | Box | Nvidia Tegra X1 | 3GB | 16GB | No | 2x (3.0 typeA) | No | HDMI 2.0 w/ HDCP 2.2 & CEC (HDMI 2.0b by FW update) | GbE | 802.11ac 2x2 MIMO | 4.1 / LE | Remote, gamepad (V2) | 4K at 60fps | HDR10 | Passthrough | |||
| SHIELD TV Pro | P2571 | 2017 | Box | Nvidia Tegra X1 | 3GB | 500GB | Yes | 2x (3.0 typeA) | Yes | HDMI 2.0 w/ HDCP 2.2 & CEC (HDMI 2.0b by FW update) | GbE | 802.11ac 2x2 MIMO | 4.1 / LE | Remote, gamepad (V2) | 4K at 60fps | HDR10 | Passthrough | |||
| SHIELD TV | P3430 | 2019 | Cylindrical | Nvidia Tegra X1+ | 2GB | 8GB | Yes | No | No | HDMI 2.0b w/ HDCP 2.2 & CEC | GbE | 802.11ac 2x2 MIMO | 5.0 + LE | Remote (V2) | 4K at 60fps | AI upscaling | HDR10 and Dolby Vision | Decode + passthrough | ||
| SHIELD TV Pro | P2897 | 2019 | Box | Nvidia Tegra X1+ | 3GB | 16GB | No | 2x (3.0 typeA) | No | HDMI 2.0b w/ HDCP 2.2 & CEC | GbE | 802.11ac 2x2 MIMO | 5.0 + LE | Remote (V2) | 4K at 60fps | AI upscaling | HDR10 and Dolby Vision | Decode + passthrough |
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Smith, Ryan. "NVIDIA's SHIELD Console Becomes SHIELD Android TV". Anandtech. Archived from the original on 3 May 2017. Retrieved 5 May 2017.
- ^ "NVIDIA SHIELD And SHIELD Pro Review: Easily The Best Android TV On The Market, But Don't Toss Out Your Game Consoles Just Yet". Android Police. 28 May 2015. Archived from the original on 19 May 2017. Retrieved 5 May 2017.
- ^ a b c "NVIDIA Announces SHIELD Console: Tegra X1 Android TV Box Shipping In May". Anandtech. Archived from the original on 16 February 2017. Retrieved 4 May 2017.
- ^ a b c "Nvidia's new Shield TV is a refined media box, but it's still best for gamers". The Verge. 16 January 2017. Archived from the original on 13 July 2017. Retrieved 5 May 2017.
- ^ a b "NVIDIA Shield TV review: the best Android set-top box you can buy". Engadget. Archived from the original on 18 February 2017. Retrieved 4 May 2017.
- ^ moe (2020-12-03). "Best NVIDIA Shield TV Emulators - Best Android TV Emulators for SHIELD". Tech Up Your Life. Archived from the original on 2020-12-07. Retrieved 2020-12-04.
- ^ "NVIDIA's GeForce NOW - GRID Cloud Gaming Service Goes the Subscription Way". Anandtech. Purch, Inc. Archived from the original on 10 March 2017. Retrieved 4 May 2017.
- ^ "Nvidia finally launches GeForce Now cloud gaming for Shield set-top console". VentureBeat. 30 September 2015. Archived from the original on 2016-08-31. Retrieved 2016-07-18.
- ^ "Support Shield". Nvidia. Archived from the original on 2020-11-26. Retrieved 2020-12-28.
- ^ "The updated Nvidia Shield is now available". The Verge. 16 January 2017. Archived from the original on 18 January 2017. Retrieved 5 May 2017.
- ^ "Old Nvidia Shield TV will also get Google Assistant in update". Pocket-lint. 31 January 2017. Archived from the original on 28 April 2017. Retrieved 5 May 2017.
- ^ "NVIDIA Shield TV Android 8.0 Oreo update rollout is back on!". Android Central. 2018-06-27. Archived from the original on 2018-07-18. Retrieved 2018-07-18.
- ^ "Nvidia Shield (2017) review". Techradar. Archived from the original on 7 May 2017. Retrieved 5 May 2017.
- ^ Welch, Chris (2019-10-28). "Nvidia Shield TV (2019) review: totally tubular". The Verge. Archived from the original on 2019-10-31. Retrieved 2019-10-31.
- ^ Shilov, Anton. "NVIDIA Reveals New SHIELD TV: Tegra X1+, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos". www.anandtech.com. Archived from the original on 2022-06-06. Retrieved 2019-10-31.