NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro: Android/Plex Media Center (Review)

The NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro is a 4K@60Hz console, compatible with Dolby Vision, Google/Android TV 11. But that doesn’t quite do it justice, and it’s the Rolls Royce of media center consoles.

We’re reviewing both the NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro (this review) and the NVIDIA SHIELD TV Dongle NVIDIA SHIELD TV: The Dongle You Need Above All (review). There are a lot of similarities with all the relevant information from the SHIELD TV dongle review, so you might want to start there first.

Australian review NVIDIA SHIELD TV Model P2897

SHIELD Website Product Page Price $349.95 Attention: If buying second-hand, make sure it’s a 2019 or later model P2897 with Google Android TV 11From Harvey Norman and many IT and CE stores. (GPU), GeForce Now cloud gaming and graphics API software. More news and reviews from CyberShack NVIDIA

We use Fail (below expectations), Pass (meets expectations) and Exceed (exceeds expectations or is class leader) against many of the items below. We occasionally give a Pass+ rating to show that it’s good but falls short of Exceed.

You can click on most images to enlarge them.

Repeat: We are only adding new information about the Pro version and we recommend that you read the SHEILD TV review first.

Essential differences between Nvidia SHIELD TV Model P4340 (tube) and Pro Model P2897

Some reviews call this the 2019 model; technically, the hardware is the same. The operating system is Google/Android TV 11, and the firmware is now at 9.1 and offers many more features.

FormatTubeConsoleRemoteSameSameRAM/Storage2/8GB/microSD to 512GB 10MBps UHS 1 or faster3/16GB/USB storageProcessor16nm Tegra X1+ works in 32-bit mode (normal for Android 11 TV)Same: works in 64-bit mode GisgaPower, HDMIPower process Ethernet ( mountable network storage) In addition to 2 x USB 3.0 5V/.9A/4.5W, 480MbpsExtra Smart Home functionalitySmart Home Plex or Kodi server expansionVideoHDMI 2.0b 18Gbps compatible with Dolby Vision, HDR10+ 4K@60fpsSameWi-Fi MIMO×24-Fi ACW2.2425 GHz and 5 GHzSameChromecastBT 5.0 + LE 4K ChromecastSame

First impression – Avant-garde – Exceed

This is about the size of an old VHS video cassette, 2159 x 98 x 26mm x 250g, with a lot more jitter and a subtle NVIDIA green light dot. As you can see from the table above, it runs Google/Android TV 11 in 64-bit mode (faster), has more storage (16GB is still the minimum), and adds 2 USB-A 3.0 480Mbps ports that can be connected to a computer , NAS, etc.

Inputs are via Wi-Fi 5 ac 2X2 MIMO or Gigabit Ethernet and the full range of Google/Android TV 11 apps and streaming services.

Output is only via HDMI 2.0 to a TV.

Setup: Pass if you’re tech-savvy

According to the dongle review, it is via Google/Android TV.

But the key to this device is the expansion via the two USB ports and it works as a Plex media server. To use this, you need to be tech savvy.

Plex Server and Client – PASS

The NVIDIA Plex client does most of the things you’d expect, though you do need to add an external NAS (Network Attached Storage) or USB-C storage device.

It has enough power to run a paid VPN like Private Internet Access or NordVPN that also supports torrenting. We tested with PIA and it increases ping times by about 10-15ms and reduces DL speeds by 5-10% (depending on VPN server location). We didn’t test it thoroughly with simultaneous 4K playback, but the Tegra X1+ processor seems capable.

Alternatively, you can load a media player like VLC or Kodi to play external content.

USB-A (PRO version) – OVERCOME with warnings

The PRO’s two USB-A 3.0 ports can, subject to power requirements (maximum 5V/.9A per port)

Acts as a DVR: handles 512GB USB flash drives and HDD/SSD up to 2TB (at least)
Play content from a USB device: the maximum transfer speed is about 200 Mbps (25 Mbps suitable for 4K)
Supports 720p-4K webcam/microphone
USB receiver or dongle for keyboards and mice
It supports a TV tuner (Hauppauge WinTV-dual HD DVB-T2 #1590 for Australia), but may require Plex, Kodi or Android TV live channels to act as an OTA interface. Not tested, so buy from a retailer that allows returns if it doesn’t work). More here.
Outputs sound to an amplified speaker or DAC-equipped AV receiver
We haven’t been able to test with a USB-A hub, but it should work if the voltage/amperage is within spec.
Bluetooth 5.0 can support a keyboard or mouse such as Logitech keyboards and mice.

If you select the USB device as “internal” storage, it will format it accordingly and you won’t be able to use it on a computer without reformatting, so it’s a permanent addition.

Storage Warnings: PASS(able)

To keep costs in check, it only has 16GB of internal storage, about 10GB free before adding too many apps, games or 4K movies (compressed movies are about 3GB each).

Therefore, you need to add an external NAS (Network Attached Storage) or USB storage for most uses.

NAS: Gigabit Ethernet (1000Mbps/125Mbps Full Duplex)

It can access most network storage devices. We tested on a 2TB NAS, achieving just over 80MBps, although this dropped to 30MBps when accessed by multiple devices, still more than enough for 4K. No USB voltage/amp issues here.

CyberShack’s take: For the extra $100, techies should buy NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro via dongle.

Enough has been said about the capabilities of the SHIELD TV and Pro.

Apart from the gaming ability, it is a perfect streamer with the ability to bring content over a network, USB or the Internet. It’s Google Android TV 11, and regardless of your current smart TV operating system, it adds a lot of extra features.

Disadvantages: You need to be a bit tech savvy to use all of its features.