Nvidia Shield TV

The Nvidia Shield TV, Shield Android TV, or simply the 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.

Nvidia Shield TV
Also known asShield Android TV
ManufacturerNvidia
Product familyShield
TypeSet-top box, microconsole
Release date
Introductory priceUS$199.99 US$299.99 (pro version)
Operating systemAndroid TV
System-on-chip usedTegra X1
Tegra X1+ (2019 models)
Memory2 GB (Shield 2019)
3 GB (Shield 2015, Shield 2015 Pro, Shield 2017, Shield 2019 Pro)
Storage8 GB Flash memory (Shield 2019)
16 GB Flash memory (Shield 2015, Shield 2017, Shield Pro 2019)
500 GB Hard disk (Shield Pro 2015)
microSD card reader (Shield 2015, Shield 2015 Pro, Shield 2019)
Controller inputGen 1: Wi-Fi Direct (Shield 2015, Shield 2015 Pro) Gen 2: Bluetooth (Shield 2017)
Cameravia USB
Touchpadvia companion app
Connectivity2.4 GHz + 5 GHz Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.1, Gigabit Ethernet, 2x USB 3.0 (Shield 2015, 2017, 2019 Pro), Micro USB (Shield 2015, Shield 2015 Pro), HDMI 2.0
Online servicesGeForce Now
Google Play
Related articlesShield Tablet
Websitewww.nvidia.com/en-us/shield/

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

The Shield utilizes Nvidia's Tegra X1 system-on-chip, based 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 remote with voice control and a headphone jack is sold separately.[3][5]

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.[5][6][7]

On January 16, 2017, 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.[8][9] In June 2018, Nvidia released an update to Android 8.0 "Oreo".[10]

2017 version

In January 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 remote control 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.[11]

2019 version

In October 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.[12][13]

See also

References
  1. Smith, Ryan. "NVIDIA's SHIELD Console Becomes SHIELD Android TV". Anandtech. Retrieved 5 May 2017.
  2. "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. Retrieved 5 May 2017.
  3. "NVIDIA Announces SHIELD Console: Tegra X1 Android TV Box Shipping In May". Anandtech. Retrieved 4 May 2017.
  4. "Nvidia's new Shield TV is a refined media box, but it's still best for gamers". The Verge. Retrieved 5 May 2017.
  5. "NVIDIA Shield TV review: the best Android set-top box you can buy". Engadget. Retrieved 4 May 2017.
  6. "NVIDIA's GeForce NOW - GRID Cloud Gaming Service Goes the Subscription Way". Anandtech. Purch, Inc. Retrieved 4 May 2017.
  7. "Nvidia finally launches GeForce Now cloud gaming for Shield set-top console". VentureBeat. Retrieved 2016-07-18.
  8. "The updated Nvidia Shield is now available". The Verge. Retrieved 5 May 2017.
  9. "Old Nvidia Shield TV will also get Google Assistant in update". Pocket-lint. Retrieved 5 May 2017.
  10. "NVIDIA Shield TV Android 8.0 Oreo update rollout is back on!". Android Central. 2018-06-27. Retrieved 2018-07-18.
  11. "Nvidia Shield (2017) review". Techradar. Retrieved 5 May 2017.
  12. Welch, Chris (2019-10-28). "Nvidia Shield TV (2019) review: totally tubular". The Verge. Retrieved 2019-10-31.
  13. Shilov, Anton. "NVIDIA Reveals New SHIELD TV: Tegra X1+, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos". www.anandtech.com. Retrieved 2019-10-31.
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