Anything comparable to the Shield TV?

by ScampSlayer07

After doing a lot of research, I've found that the Shield TV seems to be one powerful machine. I have been looking for something to run as an emulation machine, run Kodi, and just be clean and easy to use (for the wife when she wants to use it!). Would this be my best bet? I know the price is somewhat higher than other Android based TVs, would you all say its worth the extra money you have to put in. Would emulators and Kodi run pretty smoothly on this. Also, is there any sort of Tuner that you could run through this for OTA?

Jonkampo52

as far as a tuner look into HD Homerun it will integrate right with the Live TV section on the shield

hertzsae

I was really excited for the Razer Forge TV to come out. They released it a bit before the Shield came out. However, it had problems (game streaming and neflix are still not supported 3 months later) and they were pretty tight lipped about when things would get resolved. Then the Shield came out and it like the Forge never existed. I got a Shield and couldn't be happier that I spent the extra money.

As for emulators, it really depends on what you're trying to emulate. Any Android TV box will emulate the NES just fine. As you get to more modern consoles, you may run into limitations. The Shield currently has the fastest CPU and GPU, so it's going to have a better chance of supporting more modern emulators. I currently just emulate NES and N64 because those are the consoles I have fond memories of. They both work great on the Shield.

I don't run a tuner, but I believe the HDHomeRun tuners work well with the Shield.

Yes you pay a bit extra for the Shield, but I feel like I am getting a premium experience with it. Nvidia seems to be responsive and communicates well on their forums whenever there is an issue. I didn't get the same impression when I was thinking about the Forge before the Shield was released (but that could have changed now).

ChrebetEighty

I'm able to do all of these things with the Nexus Player except for tuner(haven't tried). HOWEVER, it definitely suffers from some crashes every now and then and some inconsistencies. So if you're okay with spending the money, go with the Shield.

I'll upgrade when a box comes out that supports the HDMI pass thru that Google mentioned during their initial Android TV announcement. Maybe one day...

eoinster

If you're into gaming beyond emulation, it's a no brainer, especially for streaming your PC games, which is my primary use for it. While the Nexus Player probably runs a few emulators I'd imagine it's not nearly as well, and with a fantastic controller bundled with the SHIELD I say it's well worth the higher price tag.

orangedrink888

I've had mine for 3/4 weeks now and it is working out great for all my media. Including Kodi and 1080p mkvs. As for emulation, it is very smooth. (All .emu apps work flawlessly on the machine) including PPSSPP (PSP emu) and ePSXe (PS1 Emu). I've tried Reicast (Dreamcast) and it does seem to work on some games. It's still in early stages though.

mattdementous

Nothing comes close except my now non-functional Shield TV, Mr. Shields. Worked fine for a few weeks. I fell in love with it. And it died. I called Nvidia and they said they'll send me a replacement but I don't want a replacement, I want my Mr. Shields! This replacement Shield TV will never take his place in my heart (or Google Play Music device library list). No but seriously, the price is high but it's a fantastic device as long as it's functioning.

trinipirate

I'm considering Supa Box as a cheap alternate. Search youtube for supa box Check out the vid. Also like the wetek play