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nVidiaThe NVIDIA SHIELD Android TV Pro is a powerful media player designed for an enhanced viewing and gaming experience. It boasts the advanced NVIDIA Tegra X1+ processor, making it significantly faster and more responsive compared to its predecessors. This speed is a major strength for users looking for seamless streaming and gaming performance.
With 3 GB of RAM and 16 GB of storage, it should handle most apps and games comfortably, although heavy users might find the storage a bit limited and may need external storage via the USB ports. Running on Android TV, it offers a user-friendly interface with access to a wide range of apps like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. The device also supports 4K HDR, delivering high-quality visuals when paired with compatible TVs and content. Dolby Vision and Atmos further enhance the audio-visual experience, making it a great option for movie enthusiasts.
Connectivity is robust, featuring Bluetooth 5.0, dual-band Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet, and multiple USB ports, ensuring versatile and stable connections for various peripherals and internet speeds. AI upscaling is another highlight, improving HD content to near 4K quality, which can be particularly beneficial for users with 4K TVs but limited 4K content. A minor drawback is the need for a separate stand, which could be an inconvenience for some users. Additionally, the initial setup and occasional need for technical adjustments might pose a slight challenge for non-tech-savvy individuals. Despite these minor issues, the NVIDIA SHIELD Android TV Pro stands out as a top-tier streaming device with exceptional performance, making it ideal for users seeking high-quality streaming, gaming capabilities, and advanced connectivity options.
The NVIDIA SHIELD TV is a compact and powerful Android TV box that stands out for streaming 4K HDR content smoothly. Its NVIDIA Tegra X1+ processor is quick, offering about 25% better performance than older models, which means you get fast loading and smooth navigation. The SHIELD TV supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, which together deliver impressive high-quality picture and immersive sound, turning your TV into a more cinematic experience. One standout feature is AI upscaling, which sharpens HD videos to near-4K quality in real time, improving older content's appearance.
With 2GB of RAM and 8GB of built-in storage, it’s suitable for most streaming apps like Netflix and YouTube but might feel limited if you plan to install many apps or games. The device runs on Android TV, giving you access to a wide range of apps and Google Assistant voice control for hands-free searching and commands. Connectivity options include Gigabit Ethernet for stable internet, HDMI 2.0b with HDCP 2.2 for reliable 4K HDR output, and a microSD slot to expand storage.
The SHIELD TV is great for anyone wanting a high-quality streaming experience with clear visuals and rich audio, especially if you already have a 4K HDR TV. However, if you need lots of storage or more RAM for heavy multitasking or gaming, this model might feel a bit limited. Also, it includes only one HDMI port, so make sure your setup supports direct connection or compatible AV receivers. It represents a solid choice for those prioritising top-notch picture and sound quality in a simple, easy-to-use device.
ThomsonThe Thomson Streaming Box 270UK Plus is a compact Android TV box designed for those who want easy access to popular streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video in crisp 4K Ultra HD. It runs Google TV, which offers a user-friendly interface and supports Google Cast for streaming from your phone or tablet. With a quad-core processor, 3 GB of RAM, and 32 GB of storage, it provides smooth performance for everyday streaming without much lag, though the storage might feel limited if you plan on installing many apps or games. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI, USB, and IR, covering most needs for wireless and wired connections.
The built-in speaker and microphone support hands-free voice control, making it easy to search or control playback without the remote, which is handy especially since it also has a feature to find the remote by sound if misplaced. On the video side, it supports Dolby Vision for sharper colors and Dolby Atmos for immersive sound, but to fully enjoy these, you’ll need compatible TVs or sound systems.
This box suits users looking for a stylish, budget-friendly streaming device with modern smart features, especially if you want voice control and high-quality video in a simple setup. Those needing extensive storage or guaranteed long-term updates might want to consider other options.