The Shield series developed by Nvidia is the first set top box series from Nvidia. It is built to ensure the gaming buffs get a dedicated set top box with other features. The stand out feature of the device is that it is an android TV box which is only third in its category. The shield series was first used in the Shield Portable and then on Shield Tablet which was exclusively designed for full HD games with amazing graphics. The Shield android TV set top box is much more than its predecessors. It offers everything in a single package.
The device is powered by the latest high-end 64-bit processor, Nvidia Tegra X1, developed by Nvidia itself which is relatively more powerful than any other processor on any phone or tablet. Clubbed with a 3 GB RAM and 16 GB of internal storage, the device also has the option to be expanded by using a microSD card. The box supports Dolby 7.1 crystal clear audio output to the AV receiver and CEC controls for HDMI and multimedia sync settings. Nvidia Shield is the only android TV box to support 4K video output. It also has gained the certificate from Netflix for the streaming the 4K videos.
The size of the Shield is however bigger than the other two Android TV boxes but its cutting edge design gives it a whole new look. The size also helps in accommodating a number of ports including the HDMI port, micro USB port, Ethernet jack, two USB ports for charging and expansion of memory and also a microSD card slot. An optional stand comes in the package which can be used to keep the console vertically upright but it can also be kept flat near the TV like other Set top boxes.
Shield Wireless Controller can connect directly to a wifi network in the range by Wifi direct and improve the response time of the console. The Shield Android TV can be can be controlled even by the voice input and direct audio output with the help of a 3.5 mm headphone jack. The console can connect upto four controllers including the Shield Wireless Controller. The device also supports external input devices like the mouse, keyboard, webcam and joystick.
The software of Nvidia Shield is similar to any other Android TV box. It has additional software support for connecting the NVIDIA Shield peripherals. The Shield hub amasses the gaming content which can be synchronized easily with the Shield TV Box. Priced at $199, the product is a great buy for the gaming guys. Additional TV support and 4K HD streaming and video play is something to show off.
The Nvidia Shield is indeed a device of the future with all the latest technologies composed in a single console. The design of the box is also very appealing and the metal finish with cuts and slits gives it a great look. The latest and best processor till date makes it a device which would never slow down. The Tegra series is famous for the quality and its use in Shield would never disappoint its user. It indeed is a best buy device which would revolutionize the world of TV set top boxes.
