the SHIELD TV right now is the most powerful and updated Android TV box out there

If you don't have a budget then get the Shield. And this is a sub for Boxes with the Android TV OS installed on it. Not for chinese Android Boxes. So not too many options for Android TV stuff, but the Shield is the number 1.

I was toying with the nvidia shield, but wanted something a little more "up to date" (read that as newer technology)

I know the Shield is running an X1 from 2015, but they used the same exact chip in the 2017 model because it's still the best chip on the market. It blows all competition away. The X1 can do 4K HDR and even transcode video and run a Plex server. There's not a whole lot left to add to this machine that would necessitate an update ( check here ), which is crazy because the original came out almost 3 years ago. I can't think of any box that could be released today that would outclass it. The power to do 4K streaming has existed for years. I don't know what you're after by asking for a more "up to date" machine.

And also, if you're finally ditching those cheap Android junk boxes and switching to the Android TV platform, then there's really only 2 devices that are on shelves: the Shield and the Mi Box.

I have had my shield for 2 weeks now. It is hands down the best Android box I have used. if the price isnt an issue then go for it. I bought the 2015 model as well as going by reviews and other info there isnt a massive upgrade for what i want it for (streaming, kodi etc). I've thrown MKV's with ATMOS audio at it and its breezed them.

Can't comment on the gaming aspect as I dont use it for that.

Shield TV duh.

Want to say I have fire stick, firetv, and mi boxes. I have used them all. I got the shield about a month ago. It is the most responsive box I have ever used. The gaming we played with a little but that was awesome as well. I got the newest one with the game controller for 199

I've owned all the fire tvs, mi box, and both gen shields. Aside from gen 1 fire TV, all excellent devices. My favorite is definitely the shield. Not only can it handle anything I've ever thrown at it, it's very durable. My gen 1 shield is used nearly all day everyday, as I am home most of the time with it playing in the background.

Another major perk, is Nvidia's customer support and updates is stellar. There are Nvidia employees here regularly who will personally DM you to give you one on one help and support. Several times they've offered to look at buggy uncommon 3rd party apps I use and attempt to find a fix and will push it in next update if possible.

They never leave me unsatisfied.

https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/shield/shield-tv/ it supports 4k HDR and Netflix in 4k obviously

My minix has served me well, but I assume this falls into the same category as cheap Chinese boxes?

Im assuming the main difference on these boxes compared to say the shield is licensing?

Should I get the 2017 version, or does the older version (2015?) do the same thing?

Oh and to add, is there an IPTV app (such as perfect player) on the shield?

Thanks for the advice

Given the meagre requirements for a set top box, you don't see much movement with respect to the chipsets, though there may be a changing of the guard with the Amlogic SoCs later this year.

The Shield is the most powerful as many have said, but it's unable to do VP9 Profile 2, which is what Youtube needs for HDR.

The Mi Box can, but until Oreo is pushed onto it, it's not going to be great at it. So not impossible, but 6 months from now there might be better devices.

New Sony TV's have all the above... Android TV operating system, 4K resolution, and HDR. If you can't afford at least $999 for one of those TV's then go for a Nvidia Shield like others said for $180. It supports 4K but I am not sure if it has had a software update to support HDR or not. Check out their website or call their support to find out.

You are indeed correct. Seems I’ve had it for about 4 years. But it’s been a loyal box.

I’m fairly made up on this. The minix needs rebooting at least once a week due to lock ups.

Perhaps it can find its place in silicon heaven.

Do you want a device that plays mixed SDR as well as HDR in a seamless manner ?

Because what all the Shield Fanboys are not telling you is a dirty little Shield Firmware secret called No auto colorspace switching. That feature is not included in it's Android Nougat Firmware.

I'm not making this stuff up, please read: https://forum.kodi.tv/showthread.php?tid=325625

The AMLogic based MINIX U9 has auto colorspace switching both for Android and LibreELEC Kodi. 4K HDR Android TV's auto switch colorspaces as well when Apps video streaming. (Bypassing Google's Nougat colorspace limitation)

The Apple TV 4K also has it, they call it tvOS auto Dynamic Range matching. You basically set once and forget, and it works seamlessly with virtually all SDR / HDR Apps.

The Shield will be fine if you set it to a permanent 4K REC.2020 10bit colorspace manually and leave it there and all you watch is 4K HDR content. Watch out when refresh switching tho.

Watch anything else like SDR without digging deep and manually fiddling with Android settings first, and the color output will be mapped wrong.

Good Fast hardware that is in the Shield is only half the equation, you also need good device Firmware especially when it comes to complicated shit like SDR and 4K HDR usage.

Android TV / Android Oreo might, I repeat might fix this colorspace deficiency if Apps also support such switching.

Personally I would be sitting on my hands at the moment till Oreo arrives or buying a dirt cheap AMLogic S912 MECOOL M8S Pro L that will give you 1080p only Netflix and 4K HDR LibreELEC Kodi Krypton with all the working SDR & 4K HDR Kodi Krypton trimmings and bells and whistles. You apply a small bit of DIY elbow grease.

All this depends on how much you value things like correct color outputs and 1080p > 4K picture upscaling and Kodi Krypton working properly.

Infomir MAG 324 or MAG 410 are good solid boxes.