Game console nvidia shield review. NVIDIA SHIELD TV in home theater

I put the console aside and switched to the Shield.

What do I want to tell you? Not just happy. Surprised. The future has arrived: you can play computer games without having a console. This is what was prescribed to MacBook owners - the opportunity not to spend money on a PC and a set-top box for 30 thousand rubles. A miracle in reality.

This is also a cool media player and Android set-top box with support for all imaginable and inconceivable formats. Yes, you can connect a flash drive too. I knew you would ask.

Nvidia Shield TV single-handedly replaces a cool receiver, a multimedia server, a device for streaming from a PC, a separate game console and (soon) a center smart home!

I didn't expect this from such a small box. Small, but smart.

The design is daring, but not youthful, I liked it

It may not be the main thing, but Shield TV will perfectly complement any interior and system. The design is incredibly cool, in the spirit of modern gaming PCs and laptops: a lot of polygons, different textures and signature green lighting.

The console will easily fit into a classic interior with furniture made of natural wood, as well as high-tech metal. Just place it next to the TV and carefully connect the wires. If you want - on your side, if you want - lying down. For more freedom, you can purchase a special stand from the official Nvidia store.


There are two modifications Nvidia Shield TV: a fairly large Pro version (if you saw the first option, its case is used) and a smaller, cheap version without a stand. There are few differences - the number of ports and the capacity of the internal storage. In person the dimensions are almost indistinguishable. If you have a “file dump”, but don’t have a receiver with multi-channel acoustics, you can buy it cheaper.

They put such iron here that WOW

Let me remind readers that Nvidia Shield TV is a continuation or development of the NVIDIA SHIELD line of portable gaming devices in a new form factor. The Tegra X1 processor used in it is one of the most powerful on the market.


Shield TV uses Nvidia graphics core based on Maxwell architecture. No TV set-top box can boast of such power: the graphics module is comparable to GeForce 9800 GT video cards! This set-top box supports all the key technologies of DirectX 12, API Vulkan and CUDA - traditionally computer technologies of the latest desktop hits.

The power is amazing. In terms of teraflops, the Shield is inferior to gaming consoles or desktop computers. But you don’t need to compare with them - why does a TV need a gaming computer? And not with Chinese boxes (including our favorite from Apple TV). All of them cannot decode true 4K HEVC at 60 frames per second and display it on the screen. Shied TV does this on the fly, without slowdowns or lags. It seems that only Nvidia has thought about the future of television.

There are so many ports and capabilities that Apple TV will be jealous

I would call the Shield TV (2017) a high-end streaming receiver. This set-top box is inferior to traditional audiophile things for 100 thousand only in communication capabilities.


The basic version of the ports has a minimum of: 2 USB 3.0, progressive HDMI 2.0b with CEC support for controlling a TV/set-top box with one remote control, and Gigabit LAN. The improved modification is equipped with a card reader, microUSB and an additional infrared receiver for operation of universal remote controls from other systems.

Both are equipped with modern dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.1. The speed is at maximum, so using the set-top box really doesn’t require a lot of wired connections or a large amount of internal memory.

Streaming and wireless technologies depend only on the quality of communication. Everything is fine with it on Shield TV. Therefore, in the basic version the drive is only 16 GB, although you can purchase the Pro version with a 500 GB hard drive. The latter is a laptop one and can be easily replaced with a more capacious one. Here is the finished server.

Amazing, the coolest gamepad was put right in the box

Included with Nvidia Shield TV 2017 of any modification are two manipulators: a remote control and a gamepad. The remote control is just like a remote control, although it is very convenient and functional. There is a microphone and a touch strip for control. It doesn't look like a gyro mouse. This role is played by the gamepad.

Without it, the 2017 Shield TV would be priced below Apple TV. But it is incredibly cool - perhaps the most comfortable of those I have ever held in my hands. Externally, it continues the design of the console: the same triangles, broken lines, green insert. All the beauty of the new Shield gaming controller can only be felt in your own hands.


It easily fits in both a woman's palm and a man's paw. The convenience will be the same. I don't want to let it out. Replacing it with a keyboard/mouse is even more so (for me, a die-hard fan of desktop PCs!). Although Shield TV allows the use of computer accessories, Chinese Bluetooth gamepads and Xbox controllers.


The original controller has its own audio decoder, headphone output and even a long-range microphone. Built-in battery - for 60 hours of continuous play! Connects via Bluetooth: a pair can be connected to a computer, and to the Shield TV itself - 4 at once.


The set of buttons is familiar: sticks, triggers, bumpers, crosses, XY/AB. The functionality is expanded with keys to control system functions: home, back and context menu. The volume is adjusted here using the touch strip.


Analog sticks are perfect: precise, comfortable, enjoyable. Try it - you'll definitely like it! All buttons are pressed as they should. They don't click, the stroke is short enough not to hold up. Xbox has it much worse.

The Nvidia Shield has Android 7.0 TV, and that's right

As operating system Nvidia developers chose Android 7.0 with the Android TV shell. We have talked more than once about the convenience of this system - and now we will tell you again.


In general, this is a regular “green robot” with the ability to install applications from a separate section of the Google application store. There are tons of multimedia applications, multiple browsers, and even office suites available. If you want, watch, if you want, work. But this regular features systems.

Android TV offers more than Google Play apps or TV-optimized images. The whole point is in integrated services and incredible optimization capabilities. You can set up a list of search services, and the phrase “New series of Game of Thrones,” said next to the remote control or gamepad, will display on the screen a soundtrack from SoundCloud, videos from your favorite service (or torrent tracker), videos from YouTube and any other materials. Choose for yourself.


Now Shield TV understands any commands related to navigation and search. Soon the developers promise to add support for an even cooler Google Assistant feature. When activated, the usual “Ok Google” will work and the Shield will become a universal control center for Nest cameras and thermostats, a Samsung SmartThings smart hub, and a bunch of other smart gadgets for home automation.

Who has the best support? Nvidia has Shield!

Users are accustomed to updating their gadgets every 1-2 years. This is the company's policy - to release and abandon the device to its own devices. Want new system, lack of bugs and modern features - buy a new piece of hardware.


That's why Nvidia is a unique company. Believe it or not, they support their Android gadgets for 4-5 years.

For example, the Nvidia Shield tablet for gamers was the first among all devices to receive Android 7.0. And it was released in 2014. Even smartphones are abandoned in the second year after graduation.

TV boxes are usually abandoned after six months - the manufacturer simply releases a new device and forgets about the users. That won't happen with the Shield TV: Nvidia will keep releasing updates as long as Google works on Android. This is very cool: new features, new features – and reliable security for the gadget. In a world where hackers have taught how to hack coffee grinders, it is simply impossible to live without fresh updates.

IN Android world only Nvidia can afford to support devices for so long. Nobody works like that - the loss of income is too great. Imagine if your smartphone worked perfectly for 5 years!

Shield can play any video and music at all

Nvidia Shield TV can be used for streaming or viewing content directly from its own memory (or flash drive). The set-top box can also broadcast from home storage - all you need is a suitable program. For example, Plex or Kodi. And finally, Shield TV supports broadcasting images from any device source under Android control, iOS, OS X, Linux or Windows that support the standard.

If you have the appropriate equipment on the set-top box, you can also watch terrestrial TV. Also in the form of a digital stream - Shield TV is designed for streaming services and broadcasts. There are no equals: it copes with video streams in MPEG-2, H.264, H.265 (HEVC), AC-1, WMV9 and V9 - that is, with all common video formats and containers. Even with the most modern standard Ultra HD HDR, offering unique color rendering capabilities.

But there are some nuances with audio playback: Shield does not have Dolby licenses, so the audio stream goes without processing. To hear multi-channel audio, you will need an external device that supports it. Amazon Fire and Apple TV do the same.

Android games: a worthy continuation of the portable Shield

Games. That's what Shield TV is for. Although the main gaming features will be revealed a little later, it’s worth talking about the console’s own gaming capabilities.

You can directly install regular games from the Android app store into it. They're unlikely to impress desktop or console players. You probably won't find a better game than Asphalt 8, but their graphics won't impress you on the big screen.

Games created for Nvidia Shield are also not encouraging. Borderlands, Half-Life 2, Doom 3: BFG Edition, Knights of the Old Republic, Resident Evil 5 and many others look great on the small screen of an Nvidia tablet. But on a 50-inch TV, the 2013-2014 graphics are not encouraging.

You can stream real PC games from the cloud. Not yours

Broadcasting gameplay from your home PC to a modern TV radically changes the attitude towards Nvidia Shield TV. Branded GameStream technology in a few clicks allows you to transfer gameplay over a distance Wi-Fi coverage in maximum quality. Even multi-channel audio works when broadcasting. Any games work. If you want, fly in your favorite network planes, or if you want, chase the evil spirits on Roach.


In any resolution available for the system - although after 1080p or Ultra HD you will run for a new video card. It will be required because GameStream allows you to stream games only if you have an Nvidia video card. Otherwise you will have to play with the settings for a long time additional applications and wait for possible lags (although launching broadcasts without Nvidia is an unofficial possibility).

In 4K HDR, the gaming experience is unreal. It will be difficult to sit down at the monitor again. Vivid colors, clear pictures, huge field of view. At the very least, this makes Shield TV (2017) a way to reimagine existing gameplay and make it as seamless as possible.

Another way to expand the capabilities of the set-top box is a proprietary service Nvidia GeForce Now. Everything is simple with it: for a subscription fee you open a cloud service, install the game and broadcast it to Shield TV. You don't need a computer - just a stable Internet connection.


There are few restrictions: games will have to be purchased and installed, albeit not on local media. And pay $7.99 per month for GeForce NOW. Compared to cost desktop computer with the ability to run modern games at 1080p and 60 frames per second - nonsense.

The service's library includes 100 game hits. The Witcher 3, Thief, Tomb Rider... Soon they will add the entire Ubisoft catalog from the Uplay store, including Assassin's Creed, Tom Clancy's The Division, Watch Dogs and Far Cry Primal. Cool? And how.

What can Nvidia Shield do in Russia? Quite a lot

New technologies take root in our country with difficulty. Affordable Ultra HD is sweeping the world victoriously, but for Russian users this technology is still new. Few people have heard about extended dynamic range and an increased number of colors in the gamut.

But there are TVs. And with due persistence, they are little more expensive than regular Full HD. But there are still few sources of Russian-language content. Many Russian streaming services presented their applications for Nvidia Shield TV: Ivi, Amediateka, Megogo. There are even branded MTS TV, NTV and SPB TV. But Ultra HD is not there.

“Correct” broadcasts in 4K HDR can be found in the Amazon Video video service and the Netflix catalog. And Russian voice acting is scarce there, although the situation is slowly changing for the better. If you know English, then there is a lot of content: all Netflix series are released in Ultra HD. “Stranger Things”, “Daredevil”, “House of Cards”. Among them, several were released with HDR.

There will be more content - 4K HDR is the most promising video broadcasting standard for the next 5-10 years. Russian users will gradually give in to it.

Will it help you buy a TV? GeForce NOW.

Of course, its work is not ideal - but the service provides services that allow you to abandon a desktop computer costing 50-70 thousand! Add a little, and it’s enough for a cool TV. The experience of playing games and movies in maximum quality on Nvidia Shield TV is worth it.


Although it won't stop there. If you want to stream with home computer, you will have to update. There should be enough power for both the game and broadcast. So you need a top-end processor and a GTX 1080 (by the way, this is exactly the power a GeForce NOW user gets).

You will also have to update your router: broadcasting even from a computer to a set-top box is very demanding on the quality of communication. For GeForce NOW to work, you will need a constant connection at a speed of at least 15 Mbit/s when broadcasting in HD and 30 Mbit/s for Full HD. No ping, speed loss or other types of delays. This may even lead to a change of provider. But the game will be comfortable and will not require a noisy block for a lot of money.

Results and conclusions

At first glance, Nvidia Shield TV seems like an experimental device: you have everything, but you don’t know what to use it for. A little searching good content, a couple of movies watched, an hour of broadcasting the game from a desktop computer - and any doubts about the viability of the platform disappear.

In fact, this is television Nintendo Switch with an extended range of applications. They even have the same processor. Nintendo occupies a narrow but very popular niche in gaming. Shield TV is much more versatile.

At least because it is a full-fledged home multimedia server. And the most powerful on the market. So much so that she has enough reserves for many years to come.


The cost of the basic version of Nvidia Shield TV is 17,990 rubles. This is a lot, if you don’t look at your competitors. Apple TV will cost 10-12 thousand. Popular Chinese media boxes with 4K support cost at least 5-7 thousand, and can do almost nothing.

NVIDIA SHIELD Android TV: media set-top box with gaming services

Today, there is a huge selection of manufactured TV set-top boxes that operate on the Android OS. They are mainly presented Chinese brands. Nvidia Shield TV is a product of an American company. This device has a wide range of capabilities. It is positioned as a multifunctional TV set-top box. Its main feature is support for 4K resolution and High Dynamic Range Imaging technology. Among other consoles, this model stands out with its powerful graphics subsystem and voice control.

Characteristics

There are two versions of the presented TV set-top box. They differ from each other only in the amount of internal memory. All their other characteristics are identical.

The set-top box runs SoC Nvidia Tegra X1

Basic parameters of Nvidia Shield TV:

• support for the HDMI 2.0 interface standard with the HDCP 2.2 content protection system;
• CPU – 64-bit Tegra X1 chip;
• OS – Android 7.0 (based on Android TV);
• RAM volume – 3 GB;
• wireless local area network standard – 802.11ac;
• Bluetooth 4.1 support;
• storage capacity of 16 GB (in the Shield model) and 500 GB (in the Shield Pro model);
• frame transmission technology – Gigabit Ethernet;
• There are connectors for USB 3.0 x 2, micro-USB 2.0 and micro-SD.

Extra options:

• a voice assistant that is already available in consoles from other manufacturers;
• a new standard supporting 4K resolution (30 and 60 fps), created for digital TV and graphics (providing the highest image quality);
• NVIDIA GRID cloud gaming technology, which allows you to stream video games from the Internet;
• availability of a large selection of entertainment applications;
• ability to install Android games;
• Over-the-air updates available.

Equipment

The Nvidia TV set-top box comes in a box with a classic black and green design for devices from this manufacturer. On the side it shows the characteristics of the device.

In the box, in special inserts, all the components are located: the device itself, a proprietary power supply for it with replaceable blocks for sockets of different standards, minimal documentation, a remote control and a gamepad with a charging cable.

The kit contains the following elements:

• power unit;
• wireless gaming controller Shield Controller using Wi-Fi standard Direct;
• multimedia cable high definition(HDMI) and USB interface 3.0.

The standard kit is small, but it is enough for full operation of the device. But if you wish, you can purchase additional accessories, for example, a Shield remote control. He has stylish design, headphone port, support for voice commands and is easy to use. However, its capabilities do not extend to games. This accessory communicates with the main device via Bluetooth. Its price ranges around 4,500 rubles.

There is one more accessory – a stand for the Smart Set-top Box, which is purchased additionally. Its cost on the official website is 2.5 thousand rubles. It allows you to install Nvidia Shield in a vertical position (the device has a very thin body). The demand for this device is small, since not everyone is ready to purchase this expensive auxiliary element.

Appearance of the console

Both versions of the multifunctional device have the same design, which combines glossy and matte surfaces. It is made in a futuristic style. The compact body has big number edges and lines with sharp corners. The small size of the TV set-top box allows it to be placed anywhere. On the front of the case there is a touch button decorated with the manufacturer’s logo. When the device is turned on, a green V-shaped indicator lights up.

The plastic is mostly matte, but the sides and insert on the top panel are glossy

Remote Control

The gamepad is supplied in one set with the console. It is one of the key elements of the device. The Controller has a stylish design, but it is not compact. It has triggers, 2 analog sticks, a 4-way button and 2 buttons on the front side. In addition, on the body there is a location with navigation touch keys. There is also a headphone jack. Autonomous operation of the device is possible for 40 hours due to the built-in battery. It is recharged via a micro-USB port.

Technical component of the console

Nvidia is a giant in the industry of producing graphics accelerators and processors, as well as system logic sets. Therefore, the manufacturer did not skimp on the technical component of the new smart set-top box. The device is powered by a powerful sixth-generation Tegra X1 processor. It was released in 2015 and has 8 cores divided into 2 parts. One half is designed for high loads, it consists of 4 cores and is based on Cortex-A57 architecture. The second half is used at low load times and is more energy efficient. It is based on Cortex-A53 architecture.

A similar method of dividing processor cores into classes has long been practiced in mobile device chips. This allows you to reduce battery consumption, which does not matter for the presented set-top box, since it only functions when connected to the network. Such characteristics allow you to play games that have high system requirements.

The console uses Google's proprietary launcher, which is oriented towards working with Android TV, which is somewhat unusual for users of “regular” Android

Another important technical component of the system was the microarchitecture for the Maxwell graphics processor. It operates at a frequency of 1000 MHz, which is superior in performance to devices from Qualcomm.

The Shield TV game console is equipped with 3 GB of RAM. The memory size on the drive differs between the two versions of the devices. So, in Shield it is 16 GB, and in PRO it is 500 GB. The graphics subsystem supports the 4K image resolution standard (30 and 60 fps), developed for digital cinema and computer graphics. It ensures the highest image quality.

The Nvidia set-top box runs a specially adapted Android TV OS. System updates occur regularly. But there are not many applications for it in the store. Not all browsers are adapted for this OS, so you have to install programs from third-party resources or resort to installing the standard Android system. The Shield PRO model runs on Android Nougat OS, which appeared in 2016 and is constantly being improved.

Device performance characteristics

Due to its performance, the presented TV set-top box competes with similar devices from other manufacturers. In addition to standard functions, it allows you to install Android games. There is a specialized store where gaming applications compatible with Nvidia Shield are a separate offer.

The screen has several zones with large icons

The hybrid TV set-top box supports any programs from the Play Market. Some PC releases are also gradually being adapted for Shield TV. The manufacturing company is establishing cooperation with various game developing companies, which indicates the preparation of new gaming products compatible with the console.

The console works in conjunction with the GeForce NOW cloud service. It opens up new possibilities for games that no longer need to be downloaded or updated. The excellent performance of the Pascal GPUs installed on the SHIELD device is made possible thanks to this service. Servers Nvidia They themselves process and present the image to the user’s screen using the console. This process only requires a continuous Internet connection.

Every year, games are released with higher demands on the performance of the playback device. The new generation of set-top boxes, which is Shield TV, does not require the owner to constantly purchase more powerful components. The first 30 days of a GeForce NOW subscription are free, but later you will have to pay 650 rubles per month for it. If you don’t want to purchase a subscription, then you can only place an order for specific game releases.

With a good internet connection high quality pictures during the gameplay are provided. But, as with any device, fast-paced combat can cause some delays in processing.

Interface

At the rear end of the case there is a micro-USB port used to connect a computer or charge. The model is also equipped with several connectors for USB 3.0 and an HDMI interface, which transmits high-resolution digital video data. It is possible to connect cable Internet to the set-top box. Additionally, Nvidia Shield TV has a slot for micro SD card(maximum volume 2 TB).

The top block displays dynamic recommendations from programs installed on the device

The presented device combines the following functions:

• Chromecast service (a digital media player designed to play streaming video or audio content via Wi-Fi from the Internet or from a local network);
• SteamLink, which broadcasts images from a computer to a TV;
• full-fledged console set-top box;
• servers that process audio and video signals, media streams and files, allowing your TV to work with a variety of Internet content sources.

Games

Received the console active cooling, which is represented by a small cooler. It blows air out through holes located on the back wall and bottom of the case. This cooling system allows you to run games without overheating the device.

Access to game content is provided through a special service from NVIDIA. The same subscription principle is used here as in the Xbox and PlayStation consoles. The difference is that in the first case, not only games are rented, but also virtual power. GeForce Now offers a free month trial use, after which a subscription fee becomes a requirement.

The client can use any available product. In this case, you do not have to download anything, since the launch occurs instantly. All data about backups, installations, etc. is located in the NVIDIA cloud storage. The set-top box only acts as an intermediary, exchanging data between the user and the company’s servers. This is very convenient, since the content does not take up much space, as when downloading and installing, and boring games do not have to be deleted, making room for new ones. In addition, video processing does not load the device.

The only drawback is not too big choice games in the NVIDIA library. It is not yet filled with as much content as Steam service or the PS4 store. But the developers do not stand still and are gradually replenishing the game library.

Conclusion

Today we can safely say that Nvidia Shield TV is a very tempting offer in the hybrid set-top box market. The developers keep up with the times, so they have released a product with many useful functions. The exclusivity of some of them attracts more and more people who want to buy this console. For example, play Android releases on a gamepad, beat modern games without spending a lot of money on buying a powerful PC - all this can be offered by a simple smart console. The future belongs to such devices, because the easier it is to perform standard features, the more popular the console becomes in consumer circles. Nvidia Shield TV will easily fit into the interior of a smart home. The manufacturer was able to implement a high standard of multifunctional equipment in the presented device.

The market for TV set-top boxes on the Android operating system is represented by a huge number of Chinese-made models. Only a few are represented by major brands. This number includes Nvidia Shield, which came to us for review today. This is not quite the usual set-top box needed to access online cinemas. The company, known more for the production of graphics chips, equipped its brainchild with hardware to run quite demanding games. Thanks to collaboration with Google, Nvidia has provided its portable device with current version operating room Android systems TV, as well as ample opportunities. Let's see if the Nvidia Shield can hold the title of a full-fledged console.

Updated Nvidia Shield TV and Shield TV Pro

The first Nvidia Shield Android TV appeared on the market at the beginning of 2015. Compact devices have appealed to many users. You can watch movies on them and play games comfortably. However, Nvidia Shield did not become a full-fledged console, no matter how much manufacturers and fans wanted it. By overpaying just a little, you could get a full-fledged game console from Sony or Microsoft. This prevented Nvidia Shield TV from becoming widespread.

At CES in 2017, Nvidia representatives announced that the previous models would be replaced by new ones on the market. Among the features in the releases, we can note support for 4K video, as well as a 500 GB drive, which will be installed in the PRO version. They will go on sale soon. The only thing that raises doubts among users is the cost: $199 per simple version and $299 – PRO version. For this money today you can buy the latest generation game console from well-known companies. However, don’t rush to cross Nvidia Shield Android TV off your wish list – this set-top box has its advantages.

Characteristics

First, we'll look at the specs. Please note that there is a serious difference between two versions of the console in one – in the built-in memory. Otherwise they are identical. In addition, we take the characteristics for updated models, because there is no particular point in buying an old one.

• Operating system: Android 7.0 (on Android based TV)
• Processor: 64-bit Tegra X1 chip from Nvidia
• RAM capacity: 3 GB
• Storage: Shield (16 GB); Shield Pro (500 GB)
• Wireless: 802.11ac; Bluetooth 4.1
• Wired: Gigabit Ethernet
• Video inputs: HDMI 2.0 with HDCP 2.2
• Connectors : Micro-USB 2.0, USB 3.0 x2, microSD

Additionally:

• Video support in 4K resolution (30 and 60 fps)
• Voice assistant
• Working with Nvidia GRID cloud gaming service
• Android game support
• Huge number of entertainment applications
• Over-the-air updates available

Packaging and delivery

Now the device comes in a neat box in black and green, which is characteristic of Nvidia. It is likely that other packaging designs will appear in the future. The Nvidia Shield box lists all the specs and features. In addition to the console, there is a Shield Controller, familiar to many gamers, as well as a power supply, hdmi cable and USB 3.0. The delivery set may not be the most impressive, but it is enough for full-fledged work.

You will have to pay extra for the remote control and stand

Nvidia, in order to earn more money, offers to buy several more accessories separately. First, the Shield remote. The device is quite controversial, and also expensive - the user will have to pay about 4,500 rubles for it. It is, of course, very well made: elegant appearance, convenient buttons, high-quality assembly. However, it only serves to control the Nvidia Shield console - you won’t be able to play on it. There are simply no necessary buttons here, but there is a headphone port. It communicates with the set-top box via a Bluetooth module, which allows control even through walls. Supports voice commands. It's up to you to decide whether to buy or not.

The second accessory looks even more dubious and less necessary. This is a stand. The fact is that Nvidia Shield can only be installed in horizontal position– the body is too thin. But the manufacturer also provided for this nuance by releasing a separate special stand. What's special about it? Nothing but cost. On the company’s website the price is stated at 2,500 rubles. I don’t think many users will want to pay a lot of money to have the console stand upright.

Nvidia Shield Controller

It’s worth talking separately about the gamepad that comes with the console – it’s still a key part of the device. It is here for games and for controlling other functions. Externally, Nvidia Shield Controller is quite good, although it is not fundamentally different from the same XBOX gamepad. But only if you look at him. It turned out to be quite large and cumbersome. Just when you think that you will have to play it for hours, you feel sad. However, in reality it turned out to be not so bad. For users who have been using controllers from Sony or Microsoft consoles for a long time, of course, it will be a little difficult at first, but you can still get used to it.

The set of controls is not particularly surprising. There are two analog sticks, four buttons, a four-way button, as well as two front buttons and triggers. In addition, there is a platform with touch keys, which are necessary for navigating the Nvidia Shield interface. You can use the built-in 3.5 mm jack to connect headphones. The Shield Controller runs on a battery that can last for 40 hours without interruption. Charges via microUSB port.

Appearance

Photo: Nvidia Shield 2017 appearance

In this regard, the Nvidia Shield Android TV console is absolutely fine. PRO version The design is no different from the original one. The console is made in a neat futuristic style. The body is represented by a large number of lines and faces with sharp edges. The manufacturer used matte and glossy plastic during assembly - it turned out quite nice. Nvidia Shield is very compact. In photographs it looks quite large, and besides, the picture of “large dimensions” is completed by the subconscious, which is accustomed to the fact that if a device is for games, it means it is large. Thanks to its size, the console can be placed anywhere.

On the front side there is a small company logo. It looks simple and doesn’t catch the eye, which only benefits Nvidia Shield. It is also a touch button to turn on the power. During operation, the console body is decorated with a beautiful V-shaped indicator, which is green. Looks very cool.

Despite the compact dimensions of the Nvidia Shield, there are quite a lot of connectors. All of them, which is not surprising, are located on the rear end. There was also a place for full-size HDMI, there will be no users left without USB (2 3.0 connectors), and there is even an Ethernet port. In addition to them, we see a slot for microSD, which is especially important for the younger version. The manufacturer announced support for memory cards up to 2 TB. And in addition, there is a microUSB port for recharging or connecting to a PC and subsequent configuration. Nvidia Shield isn't anything, but it's a console, so it has an active cooling system. It is represented by a small cooler that blows air out through holes on the bottom and rear end.

What is inside

Yes, this is not a full-fledged console with a bunch of releases, so you don’t expect to see modern and powerful hardware. Be that as it may, the manufacturer clearly did not skimp on the “stuffing” of the Nvidia Shield. The basis was a fairly powerful Tegra X1 processor, which the company developed independently. It is built on 8 cores, which are divided into 2 parts for various tasks. 4 cores are built on Cortex-A57 architecture, they operate during high loads and complex tasks. Of course, at such moments the Nvidia Shield gets hot. The other 4 cores are built on the more energy efficient Cortex-A53. Accordingly, they are involved in moments of not the heaviest loads.

This system of dividing processor cores into classes appeared in mobile chips quite a long time ago. The operating principle helps to significantly save battery power. It quickly snuggled up, so Nvidia became interested. Although it is not clear why it is needed in the Shield, which is constantly connected to the network. There are no performance issues despite this separation.

Yet the highlight of the system was the Maxwell graphics core. Works for clock frequency about 1000 MHz, surpassing even flagship solutions from Snapdragon in terms of performance. Nvidia Shield received 3 GB of RAM. The storage capacity depends on the version: junior – 16 GB; PRO – 500 GB. The system supports hardware decoding of high-resolution content up to 4K (60 fps).

operating system

Nvidia Shield runs on the Android TV operating system, which was adapted by the developers specifically for set-top boxes. Considering Nvidia's influence on the market, you can be sure regular updates. The updated versions of the Nvidia Shield console, which are our review, received the latest Android Nougat. However, not everything is so rosy with Android TV - this is far from the same operating system that we see on smartphones. It is designed for use on TV set-top boxes, and the range of applications in the store is significantly limited. For example, many browsers are not adapted. You can, of course, install applications from third-party resources, but this is not always possible. On thematic forums you can find instructions that describe installation methods regular Android to the Nvidia Shield console.

Taking into account specifications Nvidia Shield, it is not surprising that the interface works without a single lag. The same goes for most apps and games. Unfortunately, due to the operating system version, it is not possible to install many synthetic tests to see the results. According to the 3DMark Sling Shot benchmark, the console's processor scores about 4000 points. There is no need to go into tests - all available programs and games run without problems. And points are a minor matter.

Nvidia Shield and games

Well, let's move on to the most interesting thing in the Nvidia Shield review? When using the console, I got the feeling that it was created not only as a competitor to similar devices based on the “green robot”. High performance hints that Nvidia Shield TV is ready, in some way, to impose a fight on the main representatives of the console market today - PlayStation 4 and XBOX ONE. The console provides the user with the widest gaming capabilities.

So, games are available on Android. Absolutely any release will work, but with some there are problems in terms of control, since they are “tailored” for touch. There is a store that separately displays games adapted for Nvidia Shield. There are no problems with these at all. You can’t say much about the graphics settings - any application from the Play Market is set to maximum. In addition to Android games, full-fledged PC releases are gradually appearing on the console. Nvidia, significant in the computer hardware market, cooperates with many gaming companies, so we can expect interesting releases.

GeForce NOW – real acceleration?

Perhaps an integral part of the Shield is the GeForce NOW service. The principle of its operation is very simple: powerful hardware on Nvidia servers processes and transmits the image to the user’s TV or monitor via the console. Thus, all you need is a stable Internet connection for any game. You can forget about buying expensive components by enjoying 60 fps in The Witcher 3. Quite tempting, isn't it?

Such services are not new, but many died after a few months of operation. GeForce NOW deserves attention, as it is being developed by a leading company in the technology market. The service is available for free for the first 3 months so that the user can, so to speak, try out all the delights. And then you have to pay. A monthly subscription costs about $8, which isn't that much. You don't have to subscribe, buying only interesting releases.

As already mentioned, for a comfortable game a stable Internet connection is required, and it is desirable high speed access. If the speed drops, then the picture quality will drop. In general, everything is excellent: high quality, no lags or subsidence. However, don't expect to not notice the brakes at all. Dynamic battles with a lot of effects can all cause slight lags. Of course, there are not thousands of GeForce NOW games, but the list is constantly expanding. For example, today you can play the latest Witcher, survive with Lara Croft, visit dank Gotham with Batman.

Forget about multiplayer in top games

But you won’t be able to stream comfortably yet – the company’s servers are located in Europe, which leads to slow work. The disadvantages of GeForce NOW and Nvidia Shield are that you won’t be able to play multiplayer. This is not due to the laziness of the manufacturer, as one might think, but to the fact that the service puts Nvidia Shield players at a disadvantage, increasing response time. Over time, this situation may change.

Now a little about another interesting feature - Nvidia GameStream. It is available to Nvidia Shield owners and allows you to stream gameplay from a personal computer to the console. It’s much more comfortable to sit in a soft chair in front of the TV with a gamepad in your hands than to sit on a chair, bending over the keyboard. True, there is a nuance. Nvidia GameStream requires that your computer has a video card from the manufacturer no older than the 600th model.

It is impossible not to mention the “omnivorous” nature of Nvidia Shield Android TV in relation to peripherals. Is it inconvenient to play on Nvidia Shield Controller? Connect your favorite DualShock. Are you a mouse and keyboard fan? Not a problem, there are USB ports.

Multimedia capabilities

It's clear that people buy Nvidia Shield TV because gaming opportunities, but what to do when you get tired of running after monsters in The Witcher? The multimedia capabilities of the console come to the rescue. And there are a lot of them here. Nvidia Shield allows you to relax on the couch and enjoy your favorite series or TV show. The set-top box supports 4K video content, which owners will especially appreciate modern TVs. Popular video hosting sites and online cinemas have already been installed, which you just need to launch to start watching. This is not enough? Install the desired applications.

In addition, there is a Plex function. It allows you to access files on any device connected to the network. This way, you can launch a freshly downloaded movie onto your computer or tablet without any extra effort. Let's add here a lot of pleasant and useful additions, extensive system capabilities - one of the best media centers today is ready.

Bottom line

Even now, Nvidia Shield TV looks very interesting. What other device will offer the user to play Android releases on a gamepad, beat modern games, without spending a lot of money on buying a powerful PC? I am sure that if the price were a little lower, Nvidia Shield would appear on many TVs.

IN WHICH COUNTRIES CAN I BUY NVIDIA SHIELD TV?

SHIELD TV is currently available in the following countries:

• - USA
• - Canada
• - Great Britain
• - Germany
• - France
• - Italy
• - Spain
• - Austria
• - Norway
• - Netherlands
• - Switzerland
• - Russia
• - Poland
• - Czech Republic

WHAT SOFTWARE IS PRE-INSTALLED ON NVIDIA SHIELD TV?

NVIDIA SHIELD TV comes preloaded with Android TV™ and select Google apps, including Google Play, which gives you access to hundreds of apps and a huge selection of streaming content. SHIELD TV also comes pre-installed with:

• Netflix - Watch thousands of Netflix series, movies and shows on your TV in up to 4K HDR resolution.
• Amazon Video - Stream thousands of popular movies and TV shows to your TV in up to 4K HDR.
• PLEX - Stream videos, music and photos from your PC to your TV.
• PLEX Media Server – Access your catalog of digital media content from anywhere in the world.
• NVIDIA Games is a new app that lets you discover and access games on SHIELD TV, including exclusive Android games, GeForce NOW games, and PC games streamed using NVIDIA GameStream technology.
• NVIDIA Share - Stream and stream your favorite games.

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO INSTALL NVIDIA SHIELD TV?

All you need is an HDMI-enabled TV with Internet connectivity (Ethernet or Wi-Fi) and an HDMI cable. To connect to a 4K or HDR TV, you will need an HDMI 2.0 compatible cable.

WILL SHIELD TV WORK WITH MY TV?

SHIELD TV works with virtually any HDMI-enabled TV or display. SHIELD TV can be connected directly to your TV or receiver.

Please note: To play 4K Ultra HD or HDR content, your display must support these formats. If you connect SHIELD TV to a 4K HDR-capable TV via an AV receiver or soundbar, it must support HDMI 2.0 (with HDCP 2.2).

HOW TO TURN ON THE SHIELD TV MEDIA PLAYER? DOES IT HAVE A POWER BUTTON?

SHIELD TV turns on immediately after connecting to the included power source and automatically goes into sleep mode to save power consumption. There is no power button on the console.

HOW CAN I UPDATE ON SHIELD TV?

We have made this process simple and fast. All software updates for SHIELD TV are released directly by NVIDIA. You'll receive a notification, found in the Recommended Content section of your home screen, when an update is available. After your confirmation, the system will automatically download and install the update. You can manually check for a software update. To do this, go to Settings > Device > About device > System update.

WHAT ACCESSORIES ARE AVAILABLE FOR SHIELD TV?

At the time of release, the media player has three accessories available for it: additional SHIELD controllers, a proprietary vertical stand and additional SHIELD remote controls (including remote controls with a headset jack). Please note that SHIELD TV comes with one game controller and one remote control.

All additional devices can be purchased from NVIDIA.

CAN I CONNECT THE SHIELD CONTROLLER AS A CONTROLLER TO OTHER ANDROID DEVICES OR GAMING PCs?

Yes. You can connect the new SHIELD controller to other Android devices as a Bluetooth controller. It can also be used as a game controller supporting the Xinput standard with computers equipped with GeForce GTX graphics cards.

WHAT APPS SUPPORT 4K ULTRA HD CONTENT?

4K TVs are becoming very popular, and the volume of 4K content is constantly growing. Listed below are the most popular apps that support 4K streaming:

• Netflix (series such as House of Cards, Daredevil, Breaking Bad, Marco Polo, and many others)
• Amazon Video (TV shows and series such as The Grand Tour, Bosch, Goliath, and many others)
• YouTube (4K movie trailers and channels like RocketJump, GoPro, Devinsupertramp, and many more)
• Ultraflix
• Vimeo
• Media players such as Plex, Kodi, VLC, MX Player, and pre-installed Photo and Video app

Make sure your subscription plan supports 4K streaming. On Netflix, this requires a subscription with the Premuim plan.

Check out the settings on some standard TVs that need to be enabled to support HDR:

• For HDR Samsung TVs: Menu->Image->Image Options->HDMI UHD Color->Enable->Reboot
• For LG HDR TVs: Home->HDMI->Settings->Advanced->Image->HDMI ULTRA DEEP COLOR->Enable->Restart
• For Sony HDR TVs: Home -> Settings -> External input device -> Signal format via HDMI -> HDMI [select SHIELD TV input device] -> Enhanced mode (TV will reboot)

WHAT HDR CONTENT IS AVAILABLE TODAY?

Netflix and Amazon Video have large libraries of HDR-ready content in 4K resolution. On the description page for a movie, TV series, or show, look for the “HDR” icon. On Netflix, this icon will only appear when an HDR-compatible display is detected (also requires a Premium plan subscription). Amazon Video displays this icon whether your TV supports HDR or not.

With NVIDIA GameStream™ technology, HDR-ready games are now also available.

WHAT TVS SUPPORT HDR10?

WHY DOES MY TV OR RECEIVER TURN ON/OFF WHEN I TURN NVIDIA SHIELD TV ON/OFF?

By default, SHIELD TV is configured to signal your TV or receiver to enter or exit sleep mode. You can disable these features by going to Settings -> Display & Sounds -> Power Management.

WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE THERE TO EXPAND YOUR MEMORY?

The new version of SHIELD TV supports external USB flash drives And hard disks. To provide maximum speed and performance, NVIDIA recommends the drives listed below. You can connect SHIELD TV to your network attached storage (NAS) over the network to access content.

To expand SHIELD TV's internal memory to store games and applications, the USB drive must be installed as internal storage. Go to Settings -> Storage & Factory Reset -> Select the drive name and then click on “Set as internal storage”.

NVIDIA recommends using the following USB flash drives for SHIELD TV.

HOW DO I ADJUST THE AUDIO VOLUME ON THE TV OR RECEIVER USING THE SHIELD REMOTE OR SHIELD CONTROLLER?

You can set the SHIELD remote control to send an IR signal to adjust the volume on your AV receiver or TV. Go to Settings->Display and Sound -> Volume Control -> Enable IR Control

Android TV and smart home

SHIELD TV runs Android 7.0 in the Android TV shell, running smoothly at 60 frames per second even at 4K resolution. A very simple, but at the same time functional interface contains three rows of large icons - applications, games and recommendations. The latter includes recently launched games or, for example, popular content from YouTube. If necessary, you can prevent each program from individually offering its recommendations.

To navigate the UI, all you need is four directional buttons on the remote or gamepad and the Forward/Back keys. It's just inconvenient to enter text using the on-screen keyboard. SHIELD TV relies on voice commands to do this. On this moment speech is used only for basic actions (like launching an application) and searching for content. The set-top box recognizes the Russian language without any problems, but has difficulty distinguishing English words in Russian phrases, which makes it almost impossible to launch applications in this way.

In one of the next updates, NVIDIA will add Google Assistant software, which will expand the capabilities of speech communication. The program recognizes the meaning of messages in the context of a conversation, is activated by the command “Okay, Google” and, in addition, learns to understand the user better the more often it is used. Owners of the 2015 SHIELD TV will also not be left out, but they will have to buy a new gamepad, since only it has a constantly working microphone, necessary for Google Assistant.

Along with Google Asistant, there will be a smart home application compatible with various third-party devices - Nest cameras and thermostats, Samsung SmartThings hub, countless lighting lamps, speaker systems, kettles, etc. NVIDIA will also release its own accessory for controlling home devices - the Spot microphone and speaker .

Since SHIELD TV does not have a sensitive screen, most applications created for mobile devices cannot be downloaded to the console from Google Play, although they can be easily installed from .apk files and controlled with the mouse or the right stick of a game controller. And even if you install, for example, Chrome browser, its interface will be too large for a large screen. However, SHIELD TV can still be turned into a desktop, if there is such a need, using special shells (like Leena Desktop UI) or even installed on an Ubuntu console.

⇡ Audio and video

When looking at SHIELD TV's multimedia capabilities, we'll start by playing local content stored on the built-in ROM, external DAS or NAS. The set-top box supports hardware decoding of all image formats in which films are distributed - MPEG-2, H.264, H.265 (HEVC), AC-1, WMV9 and VP9, ​​but does not have licenses for decoding various Dolby multi-channel audio formats. The latter can be broadcast in “raw” form to an external receiver or DAC via HDMI, USB or an adapter from USB to SP-DIF. To do this, you can use the PLEX program pre-installed on SHIELD TV, or alternative software - for example, Kodi. Finally, Tegra X1 can also handle software audio decoding using VLC Player and other third-party players (the native Android player is still too primitive to use for watching movies).

Streaming video to reverse side- from external devices to SHIELD - provides Chromecast. Moreover, since this is a cross-platform standard, the source can be a phone or tablet on both Android and iOS, as well as a computer running Windows control, MacOS and Linux. However, there is a caveat: Chromecast works differently than VNC and similar remote desktop protocols. Every single program you plan to stream on SHIELD TV must support Google API Cast.

Finally, the set-top box can show terrestrial television using Google Live Channels and a TV tuner with UDP/IP broadcast function on a local network.

But of course, the main source of content for SHIELD TV is streaming services. Netflix and Amazon Video already offer a collection of films in 4K resolution, in particular with HDR. In addition, you can buy movies and music on Google Play and install applications for individual TV channels, including Russian ones.

⇡ Games

Despite the wide multimedia capabilities of SHIELD TV, let's not forget that first and foremost it is a gaming console. NVIDIA offers three ways to play: Android games, broadcasting from a computer on a local network, and the GeForce NOW online service.

Since the time of the first SHIELD, more “serious” games have appeared on Android, in particular ports of classic or simply successful projects of past years from PC. NVIDIA itself had a hand in some of them (Half-Life 2, Knights of the Old Republic, DOOM 3 BFG Edition, etc.). As a result, games only run on SHIELD devices and are often not compatible even with the SHIELD mobile console, as they use Kepler and Maxwell GPU capabilities. Recent additions to the game library include Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (the original was released in 2014), Metal Gear Solid: Revengeance and The Witness (a rare example of a completely new cross-platform game on Android). A port of Tomb Raider from 2013 is currently being prepared for release. A list of all SHIELD TV compatible games can be found on the NVIDIA website.

Borderlands: TPS and Borderlands 2 have arguably the best graphics SHIELD TV can afford. Even if, compared to the PC version, textures of reduced resolution are noticeable, and the image is displayed on the screen in 720p mode, for a mobile system-on-a-chip the result is amazing. After all, on previous generation consoles (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3) these games look about the same.

Borderlands: the Pre-Sequel

The frame rate is also quite tolerable for the console, although in heavy scenes there are drops down to about 20 FPS. Unfortunately, I had to test it on a subjective basis, since the Android build on SHIELD TV lacks the settings necessary for running applications that measure framerate.

Another game we launched on SHIELD TV, The Witness, has simpler graphics and feels like it delivers at least 60 FPS, although it also runs at 720p.

Be that as it may, AAA games are a rare guest on Android, and considering that the main base of devices running this OS are gadgets with completely different hardware capabilities, you can’t count on active additions to the list. However, the fact that the Nintendo Switch also has an NVIDIA SoC installed inspires some hope.

The priority direction for SHIELD TV is broadcasting games from your home PC and the Internet. Local streaming (GameStream) requires a computer with GeForce video card and the GeForce Experience program. Resolutions up to 4K are supported (in the latter case, an accelerator of at least GeForce GTX 1080 is required) and HDR (available only on Pascal architecture GPUs). It is best to connect the set-top box to the router via wire, but Wi-Fi will also work, preferably at a frequency of 5 GHz. It is recommended to use a router from the NVIDIA approved list of devices. As practice has shown, a cheap access point at a frequency of 2.4 GHz does not provide either a high-quality picture or a short response time.

There is virtually no setup required to start playing. The console detects your computer, and then you just need to select the game you want in the NVIDIA Games app. Obstacles in the process can only arise due to the Steam interface or the game “launcher” interrupting the loading process. In such cases, the set-top box shows the working Windows table, and the mouse cursor is moved with the right stick of the gamepad. In a large number of games, the SHIELD gamepad is supported out of the box with a ready-made button layout, or at least its basic functions are available. In the worst case scenario, you will have to uncover your keyboard and mouse.

We tested GameStream in Fallout 4 and Rise of the Tomb Raider at 4K resolution, connecting the console to a computer Ethernet channel 1 Gbit/s and must admit that the system works flawlessly. The picture looks indistinguishable from what the computer directly displays on the screen, and the latency when controlling the gamepad is more than acceptable. If you use a mouse, the lag is felt even less than in PC games with V-sync enabled. Players with a predominantly console background, where 30 FPS and VSync are the norm, won't have much to complain about. In addition, the higher the resolution, the longer the response time. Playing in 1080p mode is a little more comfortable than in 2160p.

GeForce Experience on PC

In addition to connecting within a local network, GameStream can work over the Internet, provided that you leave the computer turned on when leaving home. Of course, to get an image without artifacts and acceptable latency under such conditions, you need a phenomenally high-quality connection to global network both devices.

Finally, you can stream games bypassing GeForce Experience using a similar feature on Steam and the Android app. You don't even need a GeForce video card for this.

The most intriguing of the SHIELD gaming features is the GeForce NOW online service, which grew out of the previous NVIDIA GRID project, which we met two years ago on the example of the SHIELD Tablet K1. GeForce NOW is based on the same idea: NVIDIA offers a library of games that run on SHIELD (all three devices are supported - handheld console, tablet and set-top box) in the same way as through GameStream, only from cloud servers.

Changed mainly technical side question. The user receives at his disposal computing power, equivalent to the power of the GeForce GTX 1080, and all the capabilities of the Pascal architecture. In addition to American servers, NVIDIA opened clouds in Europe, East and Southeast Asia. Over time, as a company representative told us, the GeForce NOW server may appear in Russia.

Games are streamed in 720p or 1080p resolution (with 30 or 60 Hz refresh rates), which requires a channel with throughput 12 and 25 Mbit/s, respectively, and a ping of no more than 60 ms. Depending on the quality of the connection, the set-top box will select the resolution and refresh rate automatically, but you can also set a fixed value.

The Witcher 3 on GeForce NOW

We had the opportunity to test GeForce NOW for the first time in Munich, where the Central European server is available with a ping of 5 ms. Under such favorable circumstances, the gameplay is practically no different from broadcasting within a local network. In Moscow, the ping already reaches 50 ms, which corresponds to the latency when playing on a PC at a frame rate of 20 FPS, even if you do not spend additional time decoding the video signal. Note that this calculation has nothing to do with the actual frame rate. The picture is of impeccable quality, and the smoothness of the video is only disrupted by the occasional loss of frames. It is the reaction time to player actions that suffers from high ping. But, oddly enough, you can still play, despite some discomfort.

Thief on GeForce NOW

Tomb Raider on GeForce NOW

More serious GeForce problem NOW is due to the limitations of its current business model. For a subscription fee of $7.99 per month, the user gets access to more than a hundred games, but about forty of them (naturally, the newest and best) are sold for a fee. Thus, if a copy of the game has already been purchased on Steam, you will have to pay for it again on GeForce NOW. In addition, it is impossible to transfer saves between GeForce NOW and any other platform, and the catalog of games is not that large yet. Luckily, NVIDIA is working on integrating Uplay accounts into GeForce NOW, which will work in a future app update.

NVIDIA will offer a more flexible service for broadcasting games on PC and Mac, early access to which will open in March of this year. The user will receive a dedicated virtual machine with 1 TB of storage, to which they can connect Steam, Uplay, Orign, Battle.Net and GOG accounts and install individual free-to-play games. However, the access fee will be quite high, depending on the performance: $25 for 20 hours of gaming with an analogue GeForce GTX 1060 or 10 hours on a GTX 1080.

Finally, we note one more feature of SHIELD TV related to games. The console allows you to record gameplay at 1080p resolution and broadcast it to Twitch at 720p resolution, but in both cases the frame rate is limited to 30 Hz. Possible simultaneous recording voices and images from a webcam.