Nvidia launches new Shield TV, smaller, cheaper and more powerful

Nvidia has just launched the new generation Shield TV models, which are a significant upgrade over the 2017 model. They are also cheaper, the Shield TV 2019 is priced at $149.99, while the Shield TV Pro version is priced at $199.99.

Previously, Shield TV was originally priced at $199.99 for the regular version, and this 2019 model will be completely reduced by $50. That doesn’t mean the hardware is cut down. Nvidia uses the new Tegra X1 + system-on-chip (SoC) for its Shield TVs 2019, a 25% increase in performance over the old version (for comparison, Nintendo Switch uses the previous generation Tegra X1).

Here is the detailed configuration:

• CPU – Nvidia Tegra X1 processor with 256 core GPU
• Memory – 2GB RAM
• Storage – 8GB (expandable with a microSD card)
• Wireless connectivity – Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) + Bluetooth 5.0
• Ports – GbE LAN, HDMI 2.0b, microSD
• Operating System – Android 9 Pie
• Dimensions – 4 x 4 x 16.5cm
• Price – $149.99

Shield TV Pro upgrades more RAM (3GB) and increases hard drive space (16GB). It also swaps microSD memory cards with a pair of USB 3.0 Type-A ports for connecting to other USB devices and hard drives, as well as support for running Plex Media servers.

Both the Shield TV and Shield TV Pro support 4K (up to 60fps), HDR (Dolby Vision and HDR10), and Dolby Atmos audio encoding.

“These new models are a huge step forward for Shield, which has continuously created innovative breakthroughs in the living room since its launch five years ago,” said Jeff Fisher, vice president of Consumer Business at Nvidia. . “They deliver the best in entertainment, powered by Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision and breakthroughs in AI to improve video streaming.”

Nvidia also said the new product will have AI upscaling. 720 and 1080p can push to 4K with a maximum frame rate of 30fps. This AI is specific to the Tegra X1+ processor, so this is a feature that cannot be applied to older generation Shield TVs.

Both new versions have voice control remotes (using pairs of AAA batteries), and are now sold in the US, Canada and some European countries.