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For getting content to the Shield, you can move it there over the network. But honestly, I would seriously consider getting the non-pro model and setting up a Plex server on a PC if you can. If you can't, then go with the Pro and load that puppy up with movies. Mine shows up as a drag-and-drop destination in Explorer on my network.
Gamestream isn't great on WiFi but it's manageable just FYI. get Ethernet if you can
I got my Shield TV a week ago and I love it. I had an Oppo BDP-103 for 3 years, and the ShieldTV is superior in almost every way.
My little HTPC (powered by a modest G3258) is about to retire. It can't push 4k content and games are struggling, even 2D indies.
Another idea is that you can buy a GTX 1050 Ti and add it to this system. It does not require a special power supply or power connectors. It will have no problem playing 2D Indie games and most 3D games at 1080p medium settings. It's less than $150.
It has no problem playing back 4K videos.
Just a thought.
One question-- how the hell do I rip movies to this thing? I'm guessing I rip the DVD to my desktop, then connect the Shield to my desktop via USB and sort of drag-and-drop the files???
This is exactly what Plex Media Server is meant for my friend.
Just install the server software on your PC, point it to the folders with my movies and TV shows. Plex will automatically catalog it, add album art, descriptions, metadata, etc.
You can use the Plex app on the Nvidia Shield to stream videos from your plex server.
You can even stream to your phone on outside networks using the iOS and android Plex apps.
Going with the Shield Pro is the right move IMO.
I made the mistake of buying the 2017 16GB Shield. Then I decided to play Gamecube, PSP, and a ton of other older emulated games on the Shield. 16GB is nothing so I ended up buying a fast 256Gb flash drive. That costs another $50.
Then I wanted to use my older Logitech Harmony Remote that needs IR to work. The cheaper Shield doesn't have IR built in, so I needed to buy the FLIRC USB IR dongle for another $30.
Now with the flash drive and IR dongle plugged in, I have no more free USB ports, and I spend $80 on top of the price of the Shield.
If I got the 500GB Shield Pro to begin with, I would have had everything I needed built in from the start.
Host my kids' Disney movie collection (100 movies should be more than sufficient, I'm hoping to hit that mark with the 500gb hard drive??)
If you don't want to run a Plex media server all the time, you can throw all those movie onto a portable USB hard drive and just leave it plugged into the Shield.
1TB would be plenty for 100 movies: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CRZ2PRM/
Why don't you go with something like a new generation NUC that can stream 4K content?
Since you are into mobile games, then Shield is best bet for you. If you are more into AAA console games, than the $300 is better spent on a console and then $70-80 for a streaming only box (can do light mobile gaming, nothing heavy on CPU/Graphic)
Right now heavy mobile gaming and streaming, Shield is really the only option.
Nvidia Shield is the best in class and it's ability to act as a Plex Media server makes it best in class for movies specifically.