Shield TV user looking for a cheaper alternative for parents...

by smernt

Hi all,

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I'm UK based and I'm set up with Nvidia Shield Pros. I've stuck with them since they first came out 5 or so years ago (although I've just updated to the 2019 ones), and I know they just work.

Back in 2016 I got my dad a fire TV stick (4K version) so that I could also set him up with plex, netflix etc all in one place.

However, I'm starting to really feel the pain every time I have to 'fix' something on the stick because it's so damn slow & un-responsive...

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Can anyone recommend something that's more like the Nvidia Shield (i.e. REAL Android TV OS and not just the tablet version of android like those cheap 'android boxes' you see, as well as being FAST), but is like WAAY cheaper? I'd love to buy him a £150 Shield TV, but I just can't afford at the minute.

Ideally I'd like to avoid Amazon stuff since their version of the OS sucks (IMO).

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Any help is appreciated!

rtechr

It's not really like the Shield, but if you want certified Android TV, the cheap version is the Mi Box. It retails at $60 but goes on sale at Walmart for $30 every so often.

Edit: I just realized that you are in the UK. No idea if you can get anything from Walmart there so a sale probably wouldn't matter. There are sites you can buy from in the UK though. Search for Mi Box S.

Chris22044

Wait a little longer for the new Chromecast Ultra. It will run pure Android TV (likely to be renamed Google TV) and come with a remote. Expect price to be £69.

leftleveled

What about your old shield that you updated from?

Dwardle70

I recommend the mibox s. Works perfectly and still gets android updates.

latinriky78

Certified Android TV devices WITH Netflix and Prime Video certifications:

- Xiaomi Mi Box S

- Xiaomi Mi TV Stick

Certified Android TV devices with Netflix ONLY certification:

- Engel EN1015K

- JBL Link Bar

Certified Android TV devices with Prime Video ONLY certification:

- Mecool KM1

- Mecool KM3 (With Android 10 update available at mecoolonline.com )

Certified Android TV devices WITHOUT Netflix and Prime Video certifications:

- Mecool KM9 Pro

- Minix Neo T5

For more info about all certified Android TV devices, head over to Android TV Guide website.

vandalous1

Not sure if you can get it outside of the US but I love Tivo Stream 4K($49-$69). It not as powerful as a shield(nothing is) but gets the job done. It runs android tv and you can do anything you can with any android tv device. I don't think it can host a plex server but it can run a plex client to connect to the server. Check out the youtube reviews and maybe buy one on ebay if you cannot buy directly from Tivo.

It was designed to be easy to use and have a familar user feel(android devices) without a learning curve(like special ways to install apps like amazon). It has its own tivo app that is a content aggregator that combines several sources so you can have one place to go to see your shows and figure out what service has it.

victor305

Xiaomi mi box

BiggussDikkuss

You are not going to get something a FAST as the Shield at a cheap price.

That is just delusional thinking.

The closest you would get is the newer AMLogic S905X2 chipset devices.

If you want Near maintained free, fast and snappy get an Apple TV 4K.

scumb4ll

Roku 4k HDR is £30 if you just need streaming apps... Best selection for the UK.

https://smile.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07XJ7DTZ4/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_-hw1EbEM99T35