Hi there. As in the subject, I need a device that is capable of playing 4K video files smoothly via a USB drive or an external HDD. Nvidia shield seems to be the gold standard, but it has been released for a quite long time, besides it is a pricey device. Is anyone aware of any alternative, that you have tried yourself and know for sure will work? I see a new NOKIA device (Nokia streaming box 8000), and a HUMAX device (A1). Thanks in advance.
Just get the nvidia shield pro. You will only waste money on the other Chinese cheap boxes.
You wont regret buying one
The nokia streaming box 8000 is not all that new, but it is a decent device. The new model is the 8010 which is not available yet.
The humax A1 is new device, but I haven't seen it for sale anywhere yet. Have you?
Yeah, the key is a device that can read a drive formatted to xfat or NTFS so it can have files bigger than 4gb on it. Any 4k device can probably play the files up to certain bitrates.
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I believe you can add storage to a Chromecast with Google TV device. See https://9to5google.com/2021/11/02/chromecast-google-tv-storage/
Get the 4k version, get the correct usb hub, and you should be good to go. The Chromecast with Google TV 4K is $50.
I have the 1080 version and don't have a USB hub for this purpose, otherwise I would try it out for you. Do some research and look on YouTube to see if this is working.
There is nothing better than the Shield. Just save up and buy it. Don't buy the tube/cylinder version.