Android Integrated Smart TV or Shield?

by thecrazyman68

Hello all,

I'm looking to build a nice living room set-up and have completely fallen in love with Android TV since finding out what it is. My original plan was to buy a 4k Smart TV and then have a PS4 for gaming with friends and possibly an HTPC (plex machine) hooked up to it. Primarily I use Netflix, but I am experimenting with PSVue as shows on Netflix keep disappearing.

My ideal TV is a 55 inch 4k HDR TV with low input lag and high refresh rates (120hz?) for around $600-$700. I know those specs and prices don't go together very well which is what I'm asking below.

Would you all recommend that I save up for a Sony/Sharp Android TV or go buy a Vizio (or something along those lines) and just pick up a shield? I'm somewhat new to this so excuse the noobness.

Sargos

Buy the best looking panel regardless of smart features and then plug in a Shield. Even TVs with Android are not good because they become out of date and lack features. So get a great looking TV and hook up a smart box to it that you can keep up to date.

Also the Shield is a great Plex machine and you probably won't need the HTPC. I have my Plex server running on my Shield and it works great.

BiggussDikkuss

If you primarily use PSVue / Netflix and especially 1080p Netflix then you will find you get better 1080p > 4K upscaling video quality from Netflix when used on the Smart TV vs the Shield.

Be aware Netflix (& Amazon) will not output 5.1 Audio on the Shield if you are not hooked up to a HDMI connected EAC3/DD+ Audio receiver. This is a known issue due to the Shield having no Dolby Audio Licence.

Going forward - Ultimately the Shield's Hardware will be far superior to that in any Smart TV.

kensukin

Same as the poster above, my setup throughout the house is a Vizio P series paired with a Shield TV and I have Plex running on my Shield as well as PS Vue. Get the best panel you can afford (the vizio does have some smart features when you're in that much a rush) and pair it with a shield.

JimboLodisC

I can rock the same TV for 10 years without a problem. I dunno if any other gadget, be it smartphone or tablet or streaming console, would last even half that.

Buy the best looking TV in your budget and attach a streaming device that you can upgrade. Now, if the best looking TV in your budget happens to be running Android TV, then that's neat. You'll probably still buy a new box in a few years as the performance, features, or support drops off for the TV.