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A Plex server is a popular method for accessing your media files from almost anywhere as long as you have a compatible device. The key benefit here is viewing your entire media library, such as music, movies, or photos, and streaming them over your private home network. The NVIDIA Shield is one of the best Android TV streaming boxes since it's a powerful yet versatile device. As such, using the built-in Plex server feature on the NVIDIA Shield is one of the easiest ways to stream your media files.
NVIDIA TV Shield vs. Chromecast with Google TV (4K): Which streaming device is right for you?
Android runs the show for both of these excellent streaming devices, but is one better than the other?
The NVIDIA TV Shield (2019) and the Chromecast with Google TV (4K) are two phenomenal streaming devices, and both peripherals just so happen to be powered by Android. On the NVIDIA end, it's tried and true Android TV, while the Chromecast runs off its titular OS, Google TV. Both interfaces are packed to the brim with features. But when it comes time to watch your favorite movie or TV show, which of these two Android gadgets will give you the kind of experience you'll want to write home about? Well, that depends on what you prioritize in the world of apps, games, and picture upscaling.
3 reasons the Nvidia Shield TV Pro is my favorite media player Prime Day deal
You can save $45 off the retail price, the deepest discount yet
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I've been an Nvidia stan on Android since the very first Shield TV launched all the way back in 2015. As a matter of fact, I'm still running my 2015 Shield in my living room, and I have been since its release, and the damn thing is still supported somehow, seven years later. Nvidia's commitment to supporting Android is unparalleled, that much is clear. But I'm not here to talk about the OG Shield, nope. I'm here to direct your attention to the Amazon Prime Day sale for the latest model of the Shield TV Pro, a streaming box that I've been running in my bedroom since the Tegra X1+ device launched in 2019, and thanks to that exceptional chip; the Shield TV Pro can upscale content like no other box on the market, the very reason I volunteered to write this article, as the device is at an all-time low at $170, making Prime Day the perfect day to pick up one of my favorite Android devices.
How to choose the right Plex server: PC vs. NAS vs. Shield vs. Raspberry Pi
Some are cheaper, some are better
You can still load discs into a dedicated player like a caveman if you want, but we live in the age of streaming. Almost every piece of media you could ever want is at your fingertips... as long as you can figure out which streaming service it's currently on. If you care about control, you can manage your own media library with Plex, and the first step in that journey is to decide what kind of hardware will run your Plex server. You can just use your PC, but a dedicated piece of hardware like a NAS box is more efficient. What's a movie buff to do?
Android 11 for the Nvidia Shield is breaking apps and Plex servers
Scoped storage is probably to blame, but there's a partial fix
Nvidia released the first Shield Android TV boxes back in 2015, and it's still updating them in 2022. The various generations of Shield just recently saw an update to Android 11, but owners have reported numerous apps, including the device's built-in Plex server, have stopped functioning. Nvidia is still working on a patch for the software, but you can (probably) get it fixed now if you're impatient.
The Nvidia Shield TV's long-awaited Android 11 update has arrived
After skipping Android 10, the long wait for a version update is finally over
We were all a bit surprised to see Nvidia decide against updating its Shield TVs to Android 10, instead opting to leave the devices on Android 9 until a more comprehensive update arrived. Considering the lack of user-facing changing changes, this now appears to have been a shrewd move. The wait for a significant update is coming to an end, though. The company has been testing Android 11 as part of a closed beta program on Shield TVs since October 2021, and now it's ready to deliver the stable version to eager users.
With Android 11 for the original Shield TV, Nvidia is about to set an Android update record
Was here, now gone
Nvidia is one of the few Android TV manufacturers that supports its devices for a substantial amount of time. The company announced that it would skip the Android 10 update for its Shield TV lineup but has since started beta testing the Nvidia Shield Experience 9 based on Android 11 on the devices. A few days ago, the company posted recovery images for the Shield Android TV 11 update, but it has since removed them.
Nvidia isn't updating the Shield TV to Android 10 because it's not different enough
But that doesn't mean future updates aren't in the works
For years, if you wanted to get Android running on the biggest screen in your home, the Nvidia Shield TV was your best option. Cheaper devices like last year's Chromecast and Walmart's recent Onn streaming box are finally available on the market, but the Shield has kept some of the exclusive benefits that helped make it a fan favorite. If you've been waiting for an update to Android 10, you'll want to stop holding your breath — though that doesn't mean the Shield's future is uncertain.According to a forum post published by Nvidia last month, the company has chosen to skip Android 10 for its streaming boxes altogether, leaving the lineup stuck on Android 9 for the time being (via 9to5Google). That's not to say development for the Shield has ceased, however. Here's Nvidia's full statement from its forums:
The Nvidia Shield TV is back on sale, in case you missed it the first time around
Take advantage of a rare discount
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Before the launch of last year's Chromecast with Google TV, the Nvidia Shield TV was far and away the best Android-based streaming box you could buy — and arguably, it still is. Nvidia has built a strong, passionate fan base with this gadget, which is probably why it doesn't go on sale all that often. Right now, you can grab the Shield TV at a rare discount from Amazon, Best Buy, or B&H.Although $130 may not sound like a significant discount over the usual MSRP, it's actually within $5 of the all-time low on Amazon. Seriously, this thing never goes on sale, which makes it a perfect time to scoop one up if you're interested. Despite costing more than twice the price of Google's latest Chromecast, it features excellent 4K AI upscaling and a better processor. Nvidia's services like GameStream and GeForce Now make it a bona fide gaming hit once paired with a controller. And with a built-in microSD card slot for storage expansion, you can load it up with as many apps and games as you want.
Android TV is doing some last-minute prep work for this week's arrival of Stadia support
You'll have to wait until Wednesday to actually play anything
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If you've owned a Chromecast with Google TV since last fall's launch, your long wait for Stadia is nearly over. Despite having been on the market for nearly a year and a half now, Stadia still isn't officially playable on Android TV — but that's changing, and soon. Earlier this month, Google announced that there'd be an official Stadia client up and running on Android TV on June 23rd, but if you're really impatient, you can get the app pre-installed on your device right now.Starting June 23rd, Stadia will be available for download on any Android TV device. Similar to early mobile support, only a handful of devices are officially supported, but the list includes several of the most popular Android TV dongles, boxes, and sets. If you're using one that's not on the list, you can still download the app and enable "experimental support" to play, but Google warns it might not be an ideal experience.Here's the full list of devices that'll be fully supported out of the gate:
Nvidia Shield TV is getting a Google TV-like facelift
With an emphasis on a̶d̶s̶ ̶f̶o̶r̶ ̶s̶h̶o̶w̶s̶ ̶a̶n̶d̶ ̶m̶o̶v̶i̶e̶s̶ content discovery
Shield TV devices are widely regarded as some of the best Android TV boxes money can buy. Nvidia's historically been great about software support, too, providing updates for years. A new one is landing today: Shield TV is getting a revamped home screen that looks a bit like the Chromecast with Google TV's.
Apple TV is finally available on all Android TV devices
Now you can decide for yourself if Ted Lasso is overhyped (it's not)
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Although Android TV isn't as popular as Roku or Amazon's Fire TV, access to the Play Store makes it one of the best ways to watch your favorite movies and shows. Up until now, it's been missing a major service from its library, but that all changes starting today. Apple TV is now available on Android TV devices, including the Nvidia Shield TV.
Nvidia updates the Shield TV with AI upscaling fixes, stability improvements, and more
The best Android TV box gets even better
Google TV may be the hot new thing, but Nvidia's Shield TV is still one of the most popular Android TV devices out there. We called it the best Android TV box at the time of release, and it's getting even better thanks to a new update rolling out now.
Chromecast audio streams can now play in the background on Android TV (APK download)
No more interruptions if you go back to your homescreen
Earlier this month, an update to the Chromecast built-in app on Android TV finally brought with it speaker grouping, but it was removed soon after. It turns out this update introduced another feature that went unnoticed until 9to5Google spotted it: Chromecast audio streams no longer need to remain in the foreground to keep playing, they now support background playback.
Nvidia's Shield TV hardware has been some of the longest-supported in the world of Android. With today officially marking our ten-year anniversary as a website, we thought that a giveaway in keeping with our site values and history would be in order. After five years covering the Shield TV and its consistent software support, there wasn't much of question in our minds, so we've teamed up with Nvidia to give one lucky reader one of Nvidia's new hotdog tube-style Shield TVs and a Shield Controller.
The new Nvidia Shield TV stick is on sale for $130, $20 off (Update: More stores)
Just in time for coronavirus binge marathons
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- If you prefer buying from other stores, the Shield TV is now on sale at Best Buy, B&H Photo, and a few other retailers.
Nvidia released two new Shield TV devices late last year: a sequel to the existing Shield set-top box, and a new slightly-cheaper streaming stick. The latter usually costs $150, but it has already gone on sale for $130 once. If you missed out on that deal, here's another chance to get the new stick at a lower price.Amazon currently has the Nvidia Shield TV 2019 model for $129.99, a discount of $20 from the usual price. The stick has a Tegra X1+ processor, 2GB of RAM, and 8GB of internal storage. There's also a microSD card slot for adding more storage, and an Ethernet jack for a wired network connection. The main differences compared to the larger Shield box is that this unit has less RAM (2GB vs 3GB) and uses 32-bit Android TV to reduce memory usage.
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Nvidia introduced the two newest products in its Shield line of Android TV devices: the cylindrical Shield TV dongle and the more box-like Shield TV Pro. The slim, discrete Shield TV has received its first real discount since release. While it typically retails for $150, you can now pick one up for $130 from many retailers.During our review, we found the Shield TV to be an easy recommendation for most users. While the Shield TV doesn't pack quite as much power (or sufficient RAM to run 64-bit applications) as the Shield TV Pro, Nvidia has managed to pack an impressive number of features into the device's sleek, discrete housing. Our reviewer was impressed by the quality of the AI image upscaling, the implementation of current audio and video standards (Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision HDR, respectively), the improved design of the remote, and the unobtrusive form factor of the device itself. As for the remote, we've written something up that should help you remap its dedicated Netflix button if you'd rather have direct access to another app.
This $20 discount appears to apply across most retailers that sell the Shield TV, so there's no need to worry if your first choice is out of stock by the time you read this. If you happen to be considering a new Android TV device and want to snag one of the best currently on the market, follow one of the source links below.
Late last year, Nvidia released a pair of new Shield TV devices: the tube-shaped Shield TV dongle, and the more traditional Shield TV Pro. It was later discovered that the dongle ran a 32-bit version of Android TV, which caused some to worry about incompatible apps, but you (probably) have nothing to worry about.
Nvidia's Shield TV has been Android nerds' streaming box of choice for going on half a decade, and for good reason: it's got ample power, plenty of features, and software that's always up to date. Now, the company has introduced two new versions with a bit of a twist. The base model, this tube-shaped guy right here, fills a role that's decidedly niche: a premium Android TV box (cylinder?) that does everything you'd want a streamer to do and nothing else, for a price that's high-end but not too high-end. I'm not sure how many people are looking for exactly that, but I'm confident anybody who is will be thrilled with this year's Shield TV.
To nobody's surprise, Nvidia's extensively-leaked new Shield lineup is now official. There are two devices: the tube-shaped "dongle" simply called the Shield TV and a higher-end model that more closely resembles prior models named the Shield TV Pro. Both are available now from Nvidia.