NVIDIA’s latest SHIELD TV device is now here.
In fact, NVIDIA has two new Android TV streaming players. One is the all-new SHIELD TV with its cylinder shape, while the “Pro” model is more of a traditional SHIELD.
The former is designed with everyone in mind, while the latter targets those looking for the best in class performance and specs.
Meet the all-new SHIELD TV
It might seem like an age since the first SHIELD TV device arrived and yet in spite of only one revision between now and then, SHIELD TV remains the most powerful streaming device on the market.
It is presumably this lack of competition that has led NVIDIA to opt for a less traditional SHIELD device this time around. As the all-new SHIELD TV is not specifically aimed at the same market the previous ones were. Instead, the all-new SHIELD is all about giving the user a reliable SHIELD experience, but one that’s buried within a device that’s easy to hide from view.
In SHIELD talk, it’s a very small device.
Yes, there are similar small devices that look to do the same thing. Most notably, the “TV stick” but even they are not quite as hidden away as the all-new SHIELD TV is. While the new SHIELD is bigger than your average TV stick, it’s been designed to blend into the cable chain as if it is part of the cable. That’s the level of thinking that’s gone on here with the new SHIELD TV.
The design is not the only improvement either as the all-new model does come with Dolby Vision and AI-Enhanced upscaling. Both of these are designed to offer an improved viewing experience.
Gaming on the other hand is a different story. While you can game on the all-new SHIELD, that purpose is better-suited to the other SHIELD device.
Normal service resumes with the new SHIELD TV Pro
If the all-new SHIELD TV is the Android TV player for everyone, the new SHIELD TV Pro is specifically for the existing SHIELD customer base, or consumers like them. It is for those that know the SHIELD is a powerful device.
In fact, NVIDIA even refers to the Pro version as one that’s “built for enthusiasts.” As this is the true newer version, the design has not changed much compared to the previous versions.
With this in mind, anyone looking to upgrade from an existing SHIELD device should really only be looking at the Pro model. While the all-new version is more visually appealing and feels newer, it lacks in many respects compared to the Pro model. In fact, it lacks in many respects compared to the previous SHIELD models.
For example, the Pro model is the only new SHIELD device that supports Plex Media Server. It is also the model that’s been designed with advanced gaming in mind. Add to that, the Pro model comes with 3GB RAM and 16GB storage. While those figures are the same as the previous models, they are very different to the all-new SHIELD’s 2GB RAM and 8GB storage.
For those in need of knowing how the full specs of both new SHIELDs compare to the 2017 model, here you go. Those just in need of the full specs for the new SHIELDs, see below.
NVIDIA SHIELD TV (2019) and SHIELD TV Pro (2019) specs
| SHIELD TV (2019) | SHIELD TV Pro (2019) | |
| RAM | 2GB | 3GB |
| SoC | NVIDIA Tegra X1+ | NVIDIA Tegra X1+ |
| Storage | 8GB | 16GB |
| Video | 4K Dolby Vision HDR AI-Enhanced upscaling | 4K Dolby Vision HDR AI-Enhanced upscaling |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos Dolby Digital Plus | Dolby Atmos Dolby Digital Plus |
| Remote | Bluetooth connectivity IR blaster Voice search Replaceable AAA batteries Motion-activated backlit buttons Built-in lost remote locator | Bluetooth connectivity IR blaster Voice search Replaceable AAA batteries Motion-activated backlit buttons Built-in lost remote locator |
| Voice Assistant | Google Assistant built-in Works with Alexa | Google Assistant built-in Works with Alexa |
| Connectivity | 802.11ac 2×2 MIMO 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi Bluetooth 5.0 Chromecast 4K built-in | 802.11ac 2×2 MIMO 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi Bluetooth 5.0 Chromecast 4K built-in |
| Ports | MicroSD Gigabit Ethernet HDMI 2.0 | 2x USB 3.0 (Type A) Gigabit Ethernet HDMI 2.0 |
| Dimensions | Height: 1.57 in Width: 1.57 in Depth: 6.50 in | Height: 3.58 in / 9.8cm Width: 6.26 in / 15.9cm Depth: 1.02 in / 2.593cm |
| Dimensions (Remote) | Height: 6.10 in / 15.5 cm Width: 1.24 in / 3.14 cm | Height: 6.10 in / 15.5 cm Width: 1.24 in / 3.14 cm |
| Weight | 4.83 oz / 137 g | 8.8 oz / 250 g |
| OS | Android 9 Pie | Android 9 Pie |
| Price | $149.99 | $199.99 |
| Buy | Amazon | Amazon |
The new SHIELDs are priced, accordingly
The specs are not the only difference between the two new SHIELD TV players as price is also significant. That is, at least compared to each other as both versions are somewhat expensive when compared to other devices aimed at their respective markets.
While the all-new SHIELD is now technically the entry-level SHIELD, it is still launching with a $149.99 price tag attached. That already makes it fairly expensive compared to the majority of the streaming players in the market, let alone their entry-level counterparts.
The SHIELD TV Pro comes in at $199.99 at launch. This makes it comparable in price to the two previous models. For example, both the 2015 and 2017 models also launched at $199.99.
Yes, there was a 2017 Pro version which cost $299.99 at launch and so arguably, this Pro version is much cheaper than that one. However, there were some fundamental differences between the previous and current Pro models. Most notably, 500GB storage compared to 16GB. In reality, this Pro version is more comparable to the previous standard 2017 version.
The remote is the real upgrade here
Regardless of which 2019 SHIELD TV you opt for, you get the same remote. That matters as the remote is arguably the biggest upgrade.
NVIDIA has drastically changed the remote with the newer version capable of doing far more. To name a few of the features, the new remote includes voice commands, dedicated volume, power, and fast-forward/rewind/pause/play buttons, and a lost locator feature.
This is in addition to motion-activated backlit buttons and a move to AAA batteries.
While the remote is certainly a reason to buy the new SHIELD on its own, it’s not going to be the only reason. NVIDIA has confirmed the new SHIELD Remote works with all SHIELD TV products and will be available to buy later in the year.
When it goes on sale, the SHIELD Remote will be priced at $29.99.