Is there currently a "go-to" for android tV boxes?

by MJDTA

I'm looking for an Android TV box - something I can use to watch sports or netflix or youtube from my bed. Something that has a good web browser as well (though I assume they're all the same). I've got a TV already. There is a chance I'll be playing some games on it, though that is not my main focus. My monitor is a pretty old 1080p monitor, though if I replace my current PC monitor, I may put a 1440p monitor in its place.

I want something I can connect my phone to and something that I can use a set of bluetooth headphones with (the kind that comes with a USB dongle). I'd prefer it it came with one of those bluetooth mini keyboards that have a built in touchpad. And one that has a good wifi card as I won't be able to run a wire to my room. I'm also in Canada so my selection might be somewhat limited ( here is an amazon search of android TV )

SnardleyF

Nvidia Shield TV

Sponplat

That's not Android TV devices, those are frankenboxes running modified mobile versions of android (this sub is for official android tv devices).

There are two android tv devices that you can buy, the nvidia shield or the xiaomi mibox.

The shield is the best, but also the most expensive.

Downunder35m

I had a few boxes until I settled for the Shield during a special sale.
Had a pretty decent Mi box too at some stage, so I know both worlds.

The one thing that makes the Shield stand out is the pure power of it, thanks to the Nvidia logo on everything.
For example, I had no issues playing Riptide GP2 on any of my boxes but they all struggled to give me true 4K and still a good response on my TV.
Playing it on the Shield with all possible options set to max and it still runs smooth as in 4K.
App and firmware support is another thing.
The Shield simply puts the standards where they are, everything below is not really the best from a user experience.
The Mi gets along fine on HD but lacks the true gaming support and streaming capabilities.
Running Plex for example is still possible but a true pain if you try realtime transcoding for your streams.

Is it worth the price tag?
I struggled at first to justify the buy but the more I use the Shield the more it becomes clear how superior this thing really is.
The available Nvida content and additional Steam options make it a ture gaming station.
For general use of things like browsing, Emails, Kodi, Youtube and so on on a standard HD screen it is not really worth investing the money.
Here the Mi box will do the same with no Nvidia clutter that you would not need anyway.
When it comes to supporting hardware or being able to enjoy the latest Dolby features then for a big surround system the shield is still a good choice.
A lot of things that just did not play right on the Mi or clones works fine ofr me on the Shield, now even Atmos sound :)

The number one thing to look out for before buying is formware support.
You just don't want a box that never gets any updates or bug fixes.
Regular OTA updates are fine, for a ture owner access to downloadable firmwares is a must have.
Otherwise a stuffed OTA could mean having useless paperweight.

greyfox-70

there is a nice little box for sale at prime cable it is a 4k 2gigs ram only 50$ Canadian on sale.