What I Like

The 2019 NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro is a great streaming device. It’s still one of the best on the market, even though NVIDIA removed some features from the last version. Unfortunately, we had come to enjoy those features.

Here are my thoughts on what this device can do.

Microconsole

Compared to its predecessor, the 2019 version of the microconsole now sports a sleeker design. But it hasn’t strayed too far from its original form, unlike the 2019 NVIDIA SHIELD TV. The basic model now comes in a tubular shape.

It’s a great travel companion for those who are always on the go. You can play hundreds of games from your hotel room. Or just unwind after a business meeting by listening to Amazon Music.

The microconsole can be positioned horizontally, making it easy to access the dual USB, HDMI, Gigabit ethernet, and Power slots.

If you’re dealing with a tight entertainment setup, you can also position it vertically. This saves space with the help of a SHIELD TV stand, sold separately at $19.99.

Processor

The device is equipped with the Tegra X1+ processor, featuring a 256-core NVIDIA GPU. This makes it noticeably quicker than the previous model.

It boosts device performance, resulting in stunning visuals and crisp audio.

The AI-Enhanced Upscaling feature runs seamlessly on this processor. It delivers exceptional precision to handle the system demands.

I never experienced speed issues with the old model’s processor. But the upgrade to the Tegra X1+ processor makes a huge difference in the sharpness of the image quality.

Remote Control

NVIDIA redesigned the remote control. This is one of the most significant updates.

The remote now has motion-activated, backlit buttons, making it much easier to use in a dimly lit home theater. This is a feature that should have been implemented long ago.

The built-in microphone’s voice search is very responsive. It flawlessly executed my basic search commands.

I used it for playback control of streaming content and powering off the TV. I even tested searching for actors with this feature.

It also integrates with Alexa, a plus for those who prefer this voice assistant.

My entertainment system has a fantastic soundbar. The remote control’s infrared blaster (IR blaster) is a great feature. It sends clear signals directly to the television for volume and power control.

It’s a great workaround if you have a receiver blocking the signal from your remote. Especially if the receiver is placed in front of the TV.

The HDMI-CEC settings are a great addition too. They provide CEC command shortcuts for easier interface navigation.

Just like the NVIDIA SHIELD TV, the Pro version’s Bluetooth connection to the TV is excellent. Pairing it as an RC device was a breeze.

The lost remote locator is my favorite feature. I installed the SHIELD TV app on my phone and linked it with my SHIELD TV.

The remote locator is impressively quick. I was amazed at how fast it located the device.

The remote now uses two AAA batteries. The old model used CR2032 coin batteries.

This reportedly delivers a longer-lasting power source. The higher continuous drain rates and capacity benefit the remote. However, I’ve noticed it drains quickly with heavy use.

Picture Quality and Screen Features

The NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro features AI-Enhanced upscaling. Users can adjust the picture quality to low, medium, or high for optimal clarity.

When comparing the basic to enhanced picture clarity, there’s not much difference between the SHIELD TV and Pro versions. Especially when using the AI-enhanced feature.

This feature is a game-changer for those whoenjoy watching HD content at 4K resolution. It eliminates the pixelation that often occurs when the video source is 1080p or lower.

Some users who acquired the device during its initial release week experienced a minor color display issue. It’s worth noting this happened.

NVIDIA quickly released a software update. This hotfix addressed the problem. It also included bug fixes for volume control and 4K playback.

As of December 2019, NVIDIA has released three hotfixes to enhance device features. However, these updates don’t apply to older models.

Gaming Features

Both SHIELD TV models feature GeForce NOW, NVIDIA’s cloud gaming service. Users can select from a library of over 400 supported games.

The new processor significantly improves loading times. Games can be played on any device.

The original NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro was designed with gaming enthusiasts in mind.

The main difference between the 2019 model and the basic, more affordable version is access to Advanced Android Gaming. The basic model previously had this feature. However, it’s no longer available in the 2019 version.

Most game emulators are compatible with both devices, thanks to NVIDIA. One exception is the Dolphin emulator, which is exclusive to the Pro version.

When it comes to gaming, the Pro version’s 16GB of internal storage is a significant factor. I experienced smooth gameplay without any lag or interruptions. However, the downgrade from 500GB is still a bit disappointing.

I also experimented with the USB 3.0 ports as an alternative to Bluetooth. I’m pleased to report that the connection remained stable throughout.

Similar to my experience with the NVIDIA SHIELD TV, the GeForce Now library on the Pro offers a vast selection of games.

If you have games from platforms like Steam and Google Play, you can easily download them directly to your NVIDIA SHIELD TV. This is a great way to build up your gaming collection.

I was able to play games from my desktop on my SHIELD TV Pro by casting them through NVIDIA GameStream. This feature utilizes GeForce Now.

To enable 4K streaming, I directly connected both my SHIELD TV Pro and PC to my home network using wired ethernet.

The OPTIMIZE GAMES feature on the NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro worked flawlessly. With this feature enabled, the device automatically adjusted each game’s settings to match my TV’s display resolution.

The 4K HDR (high dynamic range) capabilities significantly enhanced the gaming experience. The images were richer, and the details were much more defined.

Smart Home Compatibility

The NVIDIA Shield TV Pro seamlessly integrates with Samsung SmartThings devices. You can manage various devices, including cameras, hubs, sensors, bulbs, outlets, and buttons. This can be done using Wifi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, or Z-Wave Plus.

By transforming your Pro device into a central smart hub, you gain the ability to create custom commands. For instance, you can set up automation to dim the lights or verify if the doors and windows are securely closed.

Plex Media Server

 The 2019 NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro comes with both the PLEX client and the PLEX Media Server pre-installed.

If you have a vast media library, including photos and music, this feature helps to keep everything organized and easily accessible for streaming.

Instead of relying on Plex on your computer or mobile phone, you can utilize your SHIELD device to manage your extensive library. This offers greater convenience.

However, it’s important to be aware of certain limitations with this feature. When transcoding video sources that are not in H.264, H.265 (HEVC), or MPEG 2 formats, the device’s functionality might be reduced.

Additionally, if your device is running low on storage space, or if you’ve nearly filled up the available 16GB, you might experience issues with content playback.

Built-in Chromecast

The built-in Chromecast feature is a convenient addition. It allowed me to effortlessly cast content from my smartphone to my TV. I haven’t had the chance to test it with my tablet, laptop, or other mobile devices yet, but I’m hoping for a similarly smooth casting experience.

This is a major plus for me because I, like many others, have encountered issues with slow casting speeds. Whether using Chromecast directly or other devices, it’s always been a frustration. However, I’m happy to report that this device has been performing flawlessly so far.

Download Speed Tests

When using streaming devices, download speed plays a crucial role, especially when dealing with large HD files. I conducted a thorough speed test using a 200 Mbps internet service and the 5 GHz band on my Asus AC3100 router.

For this test, I utilized IPVanish, which is widely regarded as the fastest VPN currently available. The Speed Test tool from the TROYPOINT App was used to measure the speeds accurately.

With both the Ethernet and VPN connection enabled, the download speed was slightly above 50 Mbps, and the upload speed reached 30 Mbps. Disabling the VPN resulted in a significant increase in download speed, nearly doubling the performance. The upload speed also saw a slight improvement, reaching close to 36 Mbps.

Switching to a Wi-Fi connection did not have a significant impact on either download or upload speeds. The difference was minimal, with a reduction of only 2 to 3 Mbps at most.

Overall Performance

The NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro truly shines in terms of performance.

Its exceptional picture clarity, impressive audio quality, and microconsole features make it a top-notch streaming device. This is especially true for gaming enthusiasts.

Just like the basic SHIELD TV model, I didn’t encounter any major lag issues as long as I had a stable internet connection. Sufficient storage space is also essential for seamless movie streaming.

However, while the new features are welcome, and the downgrades are acknowledged, the overall impact of the device feels a bit underwhelming. Especially when considering the long wait NVIDIA fans have endured for a substantial update.

Purchase the 2019 NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro

What I Don’t Like

Just like the basic SHIELD TV model, there are some aspects of the NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro that are frustrating.

This is particularly disappointing given the considerable amount of time it took for this update to be released.

Hardware

The decision to remove the MicroSD slot for storage expansion is a significant drawback.

Receiving “low space” warnings is practically unavoidable as your device fills up with downloaded content.

This is especially frustrating when you’ve invested time and effort in building your gaming library.

It’s also important to note that the USB ports have the potential to interfere with Bluetooth signals.

This interference can lead to intermittent signal loss or a decrease in Bluetooth performance.

For

Although it’s a cool feature, the remote control still lacks a headphone jack. This would be for viewers who want private listening.

It’s the same issue I’ve had with the previous version. It still is a wonder why the makers haven’t thought of integrating such a feature. Especially when they’ve already thought of adding so many other things.

Storage

For those who have gotten used to the old version, a 500GB storage space being reduced to 16GB is disappointing.

Serious gamers are known not to compromise their experience over affordability. This has lead other NVIDIA fans to suspect that it has redirected its marketing efforts towards movie streamers instead.

It also doesn’t move the data of any downloaded application to an external drive. So expect for your storage to be used up pretty fast when you’re getting the hang of things. This could be downloading your favorite games, or using the DVR capability of the Plex Media Server, for example.

Game Controller

Similar to the basic SHIELD TV model, NVIDIA excluded the game controller in this package. It was previously included as part of a bundle.

I don’t see the point of making its gaming feature more advanced but leaving out the game controller in the bundle.

New NVIDIA buyers shouldn’t be deprived of the same components that were available in the previous model. That’s just my opinion.

But then again, there are cheaper options out there. You can find equally competitive compatible game controllers.

In addition, it still doesn’t come with a bundled HDMI cable in the package. So users will need to purchase a separate HDMI 2.0-compliant cable.

Performance

As stated above, there’s really no big difference between the performance of the 2019 and older versions of the Pro edition.

Save for the AI-Enhanced Upscaling and a cool remote control, I find that my experience is similar. I experienced no system crash since I started using it, but it’s essentially the same as the older model.

Price

For a 4K streamer at $199.99, it’s still a bit expensive for such a product in this category. This is even though the older version still retails for $279.99 (as of this writing) at Amazon.

If movie and TV streaming is more of your thing instead of gaming, other device players may be better. Options such as the Amazon Firestick at $49.99 are good enough for most of your cord-cutting needs.

2019 NVIDIA SHIELD TV Streaming Services

Below are some of the content streaming services that work best with the NVIDIA SHIELD TV.

How It Compares with the 2019 NVIDIA SHIELD TV

If you want a higher-end device, the NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro version is a good option. But the cheaper alternative is its basic version.

Below is a comparison table for the NVIDIA SHIELD TV and the Pro version.

You can purchase the 2019 NVIDIA SHIELD TV here.

The 2019 NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro is available for purchase.

Who is it For?

The NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro is a great choice for gaming and streaming enthusiasts. Especially those who desire top-tier picture quality and ample storage.

It’s also a good fit if you appreciate USB port access, user-friendly voice search, and a lot of gaming options.

If your needs extend beyond simply streaming HD movies and shows, this is a solid alternative to the basic SHIELD TV model.

Who is it Not For?

If you’re thinking about upgrading from an older NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro, I’d advise against it. I’d recommend holding onto your current device unless AI picture enhancements and an upgraded processor are priorities.

To be completely honest, I haven’t found many differences between them.

If you are primarily interested in watching movies and TV, I highly recommend a more budget friendly option. I’d suggest exploring something like the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4k.

It offers ample performance for streaming HD content smoothly.

To learn more about the Amazon Firestick, check out our popular guides below. We’ve compiled a lot of helpful information.

Amazon Firestick 4K Review

Amazon Firestick Resource Guide

How to Jailbreak Firestick

Bottom Line

The 2019 NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro has generated a lot of excitement. Streaming enthusiasts and cord-cutters have eagerly anticipated its arrival since the release of the previous generation.

From my experience, the Tegra X1+ processor is a standout feature. It effectively ensures a lag-free, seamless streaming experience.

The AI-Enhanced Upscaling is another highlight. It’s a feature that’s sure to impress even the most discerning viewers.

However, if you’re looking to upgrade from the previous generation. I’d say there’s not a whole lot to get excited about.

While the lower price is appealing, it also comes with the removal of certain features. This highlights the fact that you generally get what you pay for when it comes to streaming devices.

For those new to cord-cutting or looking for a more affordable option, the Amazon Firestick continues to be our top pick. It’s a device that provides great value overall.