The usage I'd be wanting out of any device is basically running Kodi (accessing a shared directory on the network) and VPN+Streaming (outside the US but would like to access stuff like Hulu). From what searching around I've done, it seems that VPN part limits me a bit killing anything that's not running just Android TV with full Play Store access, so Apple TV is out and I believe Google TV is out. The Shield Tube/Pro seem perfect for this, but what seems to be memory issues causing the Tube to freeze and need restarts has me wary of going with that and the Pro seems completely like overkill as I really doubt I'll make use of any gaming features, although I'd never say never. Also, largely due to file sizes I'm unlikely to be playing many 4k files and I don't have any fancy audio setup, would maybe get a sound bar sometime in the near future (currently using a bose speaker as a pseudo sound bar), any 4k video would be from streaming.
Currently I have a HTPC setup with an ~8 year old NUC that's chugging along. It generally runs Kodi fine, but can't handle HVEC, pulseaudio is my nemesis, and it can't even handle streaming sites at this point. I was originally looking at upgrading that, but was thinking an AndroidTV box would be a cheaper solution and I would just demote the HTPC back to basically being a server.
Should the Nvidia Shield (Tube) handle this fine or the Pro is the safer bet? The upscaling is very enticing, but I've been living fine without such a feature. Is there some device I'm completely overlooking? In the EU if that impacts any suggestions.
The best answer is Nvidia shield tv pro is the best device for steaming period. I had couple of android boxes and firestick but since i bought the pro i have never that a problem with stuttering of stream or buffering issues. I would say wait for a deal on Pro if budget is the problem.
PS: i hardly have any game on it just pure streaming