Final words and conclusion
Final words and conclusion
The end-conclusion really can be simple, the best got a little better. The versatility and flexibility of the Shield TV 2019 are 98% the same as the older models. I've tagged the last-gen units as 'the gift that keeps on giving' a couple of times, as even to date they offer almost exactly the same as the 2019 edition offers. That said, I do prefer the 2019 model as it's a notch faster, gets slightly more GPU performance and offers a new AI Enhancing/Upscaling feature that actually does its job well. The previous models offer proper good quality, however, compared to native content playback on say Samsung's Tizen media app / UPnP playback over a NAS or something, it lacked a certain amount of detail. The AI optimization solves that for the bigger part. That's purely output quality I am talking about, as on all other fronts the TV Shield, of course, is much better and faster at it. That also means that all Smart TV functionality can be replaced by shield TV with proper compatibility. I mean even in the year 2020 how many TV's really can handle with features like HD audio / Dolby Atmos / DTS:X / DTS HD and everything you can come up with? That among other things, is the power of this android TV device.
Do I need to upgrade to the 2019 model?
That's difficult to answer. Being media playback savvy, the new AI feature for me would be worth it. But if you own a 2016/2017 model, really 98% is the same as NVIDIA does deliver on its promise to support these devices. You will get all new and hip features that Shield 2019 offers for free as they keep the devices up to date with OTA firmware updates. Even that five-year-old Shield runs pretty much as fast and even with Android 9. The Shield hardware basically is the same aside from a bump in speed for the 2019 models. New is the remote of course, I did like the old ones, the new one offers slightly more in terms of functionality and buttons. I honestly don't have a preference for either one.
In the end, you might think that the Shield 2019 is simply an Android TV device. Fact remains that the software functionality and features this unit offers are second to none. It probably is the best content streaming device your money can get you. From a hardware point of view, the X1+ SoC is fast, versatile and offers all you need, it is a powerful SoC (System on a Chip) that can deal with anything thrown at it. The hardware has no issues with any kind of content whether that is 1080P or 4k Ultra HD / 60Hz content with full support for HDR10 as well. Combined with the Plex or KODI, the Shield remains to be my number #1 media box, that is, however, is a personal statement and I know that sounds a little subjective, but trust me when I say that I am that 'nitpicking dude' when it comes to content playback for both audio and video.
Gaming is another core fundament of the Nvidia Shield Android TV box, the X1+ definitely is one of the faster Android game devices out there, but pales away in the sighting of any modern console. GeForce Now is what this product initially was is all about. Nvidia invested heavily in server farms spread over data-centers worldwide. I mentioned this in the earlier review as well, the problem, however, remains the fact that you'll have a hard time getting PC gamers on that streaming path. Streaming is and remains something for perhaps a younger generation, which needs to be a console type of individual slash gamer, at home in front of that telly.
Final Words
For the 2019 release, Nvidia offers the Shield Android TV and PRO edition. The last one has that traditional console-like design with actual USB ports, we tested the cheaper version. Hardware-wise it is sufficiently fast enough for anything you throw at it. So the 1GB extra memory on the PRO version really is relative, but I can see some benefits for software like Plex, etc. You also get some more storage on the Pro edition, 16GB opposed to 8 GB on today's tested model. For both models, I find that value a bit lackluster considering the money you have to pay for these devices. Insert a Micro SD card on the cheaper version, or USB flash drive on the PRO model and that issue is quickly resolved though. The regular version has a tubular design, so you can tuck it away and hide it. That works well but does look a little weird truth be told. Then again, you don't see it anyway so I cannot be bothered by it either. You can add in a Micro SD card for extra storage, lacking however is some sort of USB port. The heart of the hardware might is a notch faster allowing the new AI content enhancing feature that not just upscales the content to 4K, it improves it as well. As skeptical as I was, I find my self leaving it enabled. It's a trained algorithm that actually does work. To paraphrase someone, it just works.
Shield TV can replace your Smart TV functionality completely, and be better at it with full support and decode Dolby Atmos / DTS:X / and all HD audio you throw at it. Next to that, it offers full HDR support. The software is now updated towards Android 9.0 and runs incredibly smooth. The menu is fast and responsive and with the new remote control very so easy to navigate. While Shield Android TV 2019 an incremental update, it is a fascinating one with fantastic potential. The regular model sits at a 150 USD marker where the Pro model is sitting in that 200 USD range. For an android box that might seem a little steep however, in reality, it is hard to not be impressed by the device. The success that Shield is, is not just the hardware, it's the extended feature set, quality and continued updates that NVIDIA gives the platform. That goes from Dolby vision and Atmos support to full application with things like Plex and KODI, all the way down to CEC support where the Shield disabled itself one you select live TV on your telly. That's clever stuff.
The only reason for you to upgrade from the last-gen devices would be the new AI feature enabled by a slightly faster running SOC, that and the remote control. Realistically, the new AI upscaler/enhancer, however, is impressive. And when you are a bit of a perfectionist like yours truly, it might be worth that upgrade. But I also understand that for many of you that is not enough. But as far as Android TV boxes go (and there are plenty available on the market), there's little left to be desired with the Shield TV 2019 series as it ticks and tickles all boxes.
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