The Shield TV Multimedia Box – the third version – adopts a tubular design. The manufacturer has also undertaken to add some welcome new software features.
Points forts
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Smooth Android TV system.
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The SoC is performing at every level.
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Full HDR management (Dolby Vision + HDR10).
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Media playback: Smooth HD and 4K videos, even at high bit rates.
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DTS and Dolby audio management (including Atmos).
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Various video game offerings: Android, GameStream and GeForce Now.
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Persuasive voice recognition.
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Backlit remote control.
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Convincing upscaling system.
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Google Assistant and Chromecast 4K built-in.
Weak points
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There is no USB port.
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Fan cooling system.
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Mains unit integrated in the case: trouble in case of malfunction.
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Only 8 GB of storage space (expandable via microSD).
The Shield TV version 2019 brilliantly takes up the torch of previous models by offering flawless playback of videos, photos and music – be it streaming or local playback. Its new format also allows it to be easily hidden behind a piece of furniture or a television, and its features have been greatly improved with the arrival of full HDR support and a scaling system. Nvidia also always offers different ways to play video games out of its box, brand-specific features. And if we add to this the exemplary software support provided by Nvidia, it undoubtedly makes it a benchmark Android TV box.
Note: The price drop reported is calculated by comparing the lowest price of the day with the average of the lowest prices charged for the product by all merchants in the previous month, excluding in-store prices. with protective rules for those whose VAT policy is unclear (so-called “grey” stores, usually in the case of imports from China).
An alternative
Chromecast with Google TV is a nice little 4K media box. It is perfect for playing videos from SVOD packages. The content collection system is convincing and avoids having to wrangle between different services to find ideas for movies or series. Google’s new interface is convincing, even if it’s not perfect yet. Above all, this box offers quite a pleasant experience with fairly fluid navigation. With its low price, Google’s little pebble hits the mark, even if it offers a less complete service than the Nvidia Shield TV.
