NVIDIA Shield first impressions

by ImageMan
  1. This thing is snappy, very fast, very fluid
  2. No Netflix, yes I know it's supported but it will not allow you to install online or show up in the store. I assume this will be fixed soon but it's still annoying.
  3. Live Channels is amazing. I have a HDHomeRun Prime (TV Tuner) and this acts like the original Google TV. It has my local channels playing and overlays the Android TV menu over that. The channel guide is slick too. Its unintuitive to get it going, if you open the live channels app it does nothing. You need to install the HDHomeRun app first, then open live channels.
  4. No HBO Go, another annoyance. FireTv/Stick has it and it's nice to browse through. Casting it works fine and is fast.
  5. Plex is very slick, plays back very well.
  6. Voice recognition is great, haven't messed with it too much.

My main use case is live tv, Netflix, HBO Go, Hulu, and sometimes Sling TV (for NBA playoffs). It'll be complete when it can do HBO Go. There is a lack of apps but besides the ones I listed I don't do much on my TV so this is the ideal solution for me.

I'll answer any questions people have.

xtrmbikin

Update your Firmware. Netflix and YouTube 4k support

xtrmbikin

Check out Kodi if you want a local file playback interface

streetsahead_

can you turn it on/off using the game control or do you need to press the button on the console? Also can you plug head phones into the game control and listen to audio that way or does that only work with the remote?

throughballidea

Have you gave gamestream a go?

zoopz

Wish Plex would make a standalone/server app for this.

KenToTanTaYo

I got one today as well this thing is awesome, no lag and great image quality for everything. Here is a pic I took of playing Dirt 3 on GRID http://m.imgur.com/sjcHJ9F

ImageMan

One other thing I'll note is the Google Now voice stuff is convenient on the tv. When someone has a question, ie "How old is Lebron?", its really quick to just hit the mic on the remote and ask. Its a small thing but its really convenient. The alternative is unlocking your phone and going into search. Android TV feels a bit like Amazons Echo but isn't always on. I have a feeling down the road they'll let you opt-in to always listening and have the same functionality as Echo.

Bigsam411

How did you get live channels to work? I ran the system update and when I go in the app I can get audio but no video from my homerun. It even is getting guide data and everything. I am on HBO right now and I can hear Game of Thrones but see nothing.

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jamesking420

Can you sideloads apks?

Salander27

Did you get the Pro? If you did/didn't, does it look a hard drive can be added or upgraded like the PS4?

SockItToYa5

Loving my new shield as well. One drawback I didn't see reviews mention. Auto download and moving apps only works for sd cards. I saw no ability to move apps to my attached 128gb usb drive.

Also would be nice if controller had a power off command. That way I could ditch harmony and other remotes.

SockItToYa5

I have that one. But still don't see move apps to usb. Let alone move automatically like you see in the SD card menu. Notice the different description of usb and sd in that.

One other note. Harmony integration on shield works great. Better than nexus player since it's ir and not bluetooth. Harmony also surfaced many more commands in its shield profile than it did for its nexus player profile. But still couldn't find a power off command which makes me think it's not supported on the remote or Controller yet.

ImageMan

Amazon Prime VOD works good from casting a browser tab. On my Chromecast it was always sluggish. I imagine most web base things it had trouble casting will work well with the shield.

SockItToYa5

I noticed that the new shield update supports Logitech webcams. And that a long press on the home button on controller allows screen record. There are also mentions of Twitch as a recording service. I'm assuming this will allow live play videos ala the tablet? Anyone test? I'm just hoping Hangouts gets support soon.

craigbeat

Is it fanless?

djw39

Amazon instant?

syntax1993

I'm late but... Does the device come with Plex activated or do I still need to purchase a license to use it ($4.99 or something)?

Ordered mine yesterday but can't wait and want to be prepared for it.

Lord_Von_Fappington

Can you play media files from an external HD hooked up to it?