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OUYA Console by Ouya
Permalink: http://amzn.com/B0050SZD18
VS
G-Box Midnight MX2 Android 4.2 Jelly Bean Dual Core XBMC Streaming Mini HTPC TV Box Player by Matricom
Permalink: http://amzn.com/B00CH643A8
Which one should I go for guys, especially in terms of hardware. Tegra 3 vs A9+Mali400, apparently both have no issues with XBMC or 1080P playback. I do not plan to use either for games, mostly media and music and dowload box. If it doesn't matter, I might go for the MX2 as there are more connectivity options there.
I think that, in terms of brute force, Tegra 3 overhelms A9+Mali400. OUYA bears the last Tegra3 revision and, theoretically, NVIDIA works with OUYA Team to boost it up.
If you buy OUYA, you gain a Bluetooth controller for the same prize which can be used as remote.
At, the end, nobody knows if OUYA nor G-Box thing will have support from the scene, which, for me, is a key value.
I'd say if you're not interested in gaming, I'd go with the G-box. The ouya is marketed as a game console, and while they may add support for some media features in the future, for right now we're busting our tails trying to get better compatibility with the play store apps. the G-box is designed as a media player, and it already supports XBMC with some great reviews. It also includes the play store, so you can easily download the latest versions of netflix, hulu, etc.
Cool, I think that settles it for me, I wasn't aware that the regular playstore apps wouldn't work on the ouya. I will get an MX2 and post a review soon. Also it helps that I can connect a few spare portable hard drives and use this as a streaming box to other TVs in the house.
Didn't mean to mislead, because some play store apps will work. However, a lot don't, or are glitchy or crash occasionally, and they all have to be sideloaded because there is no play store access at all yet...
The gbox is pretty good. I have had it for a few days now and use my Logitech keyboard that also has a touch pad. It works great. Honestly, I would probably hate it if I didn't have the keyboard. The play store works perfectly. I haven't had a problem installing any apps. It is fully rooted. There has been a few times when it has restarted but it is android, it isn't perfect. Especially for 100 bucks. External hard drive works great but sometimes loses power. I don't think the gbox puts off enough juice. A powered hub would fix this issue. I wish there was development for the gbox but metronix or however you spell it won't release source.
Sent from my SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2
ouya vs mx2
plasmafire said:
OUYA Console by Ouya
Permalink: http://amzn.com/B0050SZD18
VS
G-Box Midnight MX2 Android 4.2 Jelly Bean Dual Core XBMC Streaming Mini HTPC TV Box Player by Matricom
Permalink: http://amzn.com/B00CH643A8
Which one should I go for guys, especially in terms of hardware. Tegra 3 vs A9+Mali400, apparently both have no issues with XBMC or 1080P playback. I do not plan to use either for games, mostly media and music and dowload box. If it doesn't matter, I might go for the MX2 as there are more connectivity options there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well i have the G-Box MX2 i love it but it died on me. Wont boot up, stuck on the Matricom Screen. I love all the usb it has, was even able to use my Logitech Revue K700 Kb and add a 2TB WD Passport to it with an SDcard. But i think it needs a Quadcore to be a lil more fluid for video. I will return it to get the ouya. Dont like the fact that the Ouya has only one USB port but you cant have everything i guess. i hope the Ouya gets the same XBMC support as the G-box. Only had it for 17 days died on day 14 . Tried the reset option but that didnt work. Maybe it was my box. But when it worked it was awsome.
I'm actually going to be doing a review on the MX2 today and uploading it tonight, I'll be comparing it's gaming features to the Ouya and stuff.
Spoiler alert, the Ouya is way ****ing better.
EDIT: Vid's up, see the Ouya destroy the MX2 for yourself.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=miTst6QE-34
Interesting topic. I was also looking at the Gbox before I pre-ordered the Ouya. I think the Tegra 3 on the Ouya would do a better job on graphics than the dual core Gbox Midnight. It's not just processor speed and number of cores, but also graphics processor. Plus, the bluetooth on the Ouya means one less USB dongle to plug in.
I went with the Ouya, hoping the hard working people on XDA will get a pure Android ROM for the Ouya soon. If I'm stuck with the Ouya's Android skin, it'd probably be an even split which way I'd go.
I saw the "XIOS DS Media Play" and considered it against the Ouya. I think these box with out of the box rooted + Play Store compatibility is better for the majority, especially non-geeks who don't want to fiddle flashing/etc. Not having PlayStore is still a big flaw for the Ouya in term of satisfying a wider audience imo.
For me the Ouya is the clear choice, it have a dedicated XDA forum section for a reason, it will get more community development and for sure the Ouya will likely get CyanogenMod and other roms, while its less likely with these other Android boxes.
For hardware performance the Tegra3 will be faster than these dual core 1.5GHz A9 with Mali-400 gpu.
If you are looking for a lot of gaming then the Ouya is the way to go, otherwise get one of these Cortex A9 boxes if you only need video playback. There will be some of these boxes that will exceed the Ouya in term of performance in no time, but the Ouya have XDA community that's the key for me. This is the case for all Android devices that I buy.
Went for the gbox for now as a no hassle xbmc box. What you mentioned is absolutely right that the ouya will overtake all these boxes as soon as a rom gets out. I will just wait for that to happen and maybe a tegra 4 device will happen too by then.
Thanks for all the insight guys.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Axelben said:
Well i have the G-Box MX2 i love it but it died on me. Wont boot up, stuck on the Matricom Screen. I love all the usb it has, was even able to use my Logitech Revue K700 Kb and add a 2TB WD Passport to it with an SDcard. But i think it needs a Quadcore to be a lil more fluid for video. I will return it to get the ouya. Dont like the fact that the Ouya has only one USB port but you cant have everything i guess. i hope the Ouya gets the same XBMC support as the G-box. Only had it for 17 days died on day 14 . Tried the reset option but that didnt work. Maybe it was my box. But when it worked it was awsome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just ordered the Gbox MX 2 and have a Logitech Revue KB - how do I get the two to talk?
plasmafire said:
Went for the gbox for now as a no hassle xbmc box. What you mentioned is absolutely right that the ouya will overtake all these boxes as soon as a rom gets out. I will just wait for that to happen and maybe a tegra 4 device will happen too by then.
Thanks for all the insight guys.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is an interesting direct comparison between Ouya and the G-box Midnight MX2.
http://www.amazon.com/review/R35SEI3ONB5SCK/ref=cm_cr_pr_viewpnt#R35SEI3ONB5SCK
It didn't make the Midnight look very good. The Ouya emulator games seem to work really well in the video. The Midnight had issues with games and 1080P videos, and the emulator games on the Midnight ran slow. The reviewer also couldn't get bluetooth adapters to work, so could use a PS2 wireless controller. Granted, this is just one person's attempt to use the Midnight box, maybe other people have overcome these issues with some setting changes.
Yep the guy is playing games and using plex..both of which the mx2 doesn't do well. I am just going to have it boot into xbmc launcher. Run utorrent with rss feeds from showrss in the background. And maybe run droidnas on it. I have seen logitech mini keyboards work so that is what I'll get.
coachclass said:
This is an interesting direct comparison between Ouya and the G-box Midnight MX2.
http://www.amazon.com/review/R35SEI3ONB5SCK/ref=cm_cr_pr_viewpnt#R35SEI3ONB5SCK
It didn't make the Midnight look very good. The Ouya emulator games seem to work really well in the video. The Midnight had issues with games and 1080P videos, and the emulator games on the Midnight ran slow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea, I keep getting torn one way or the other every day when I see a review that is posted.
My primary use for either device will not be for games at all. 100% streaming media playback from either my local nas or sites like youtube, amazon vod, etc...
I also won't be using Plex and instead be going with XBMC.
As for Plex... the above video review showed some really bad stuttering while playing 1080p video. On Android, is Plex using its own decoder for playback or does it offload it to MX Player? I ask because when streaming any of my local 1080i content (wirelessly) to my Xoom tablet, it plays back in MX Player flawlessly.
So is the MX2 video stuttering in the video review a fault of the hardware or Plex software?
SamsungBlue said:
Just ordered the Gbox MX 2 and have a Logitech Revue KB - how do I get the two to talk?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can use the Revue KB. Just buy the Unity USB. You will be able to use it anywhere.
mkhopper said:
Yea, I keep getting torn one way or the other every day when I see a review that is posted.
My primary use for either device will not be for games at all. 100% streaming media playback from either my local nas or sites like youtube, amazon vod, etc...
I also won't be using Plex and instead be going with XBMC.
As for Plex... the above video review showed some really bad stuttering while playing 1080p video. On Android, is Plex using its own decoder for playback or does it offload it to MX Player? I ask because when streaming any of my local 1080i content (wirelessly) to my Xoom tablet, it plays back in MX Player flawlessly.
So is the MX2 video stuttering in the video review a fault of the hardware or Plex software?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This was my video. The settings I was using in Plex on both devices was to use the hardware to decode and playback the videos. The MX2's hardware just simply isnt nearly good enough to rely on for high resolution video playback, and on top of that there's some really annoying kinks with it like no bluetooth support at all and a very fussy keyboard input system that really sucks compared to stock android and what the Ouya uses.There's also a higher res version of the review on youtube, I linked to it on the first page of this thread towards the bottom.
Just got my MX2 today. I was quite apprehensive after reading some of the comments, but I must say that after using it for a while.. it is exactly what I needed. I am not saying it is better than ouya, but I have XBMC setup with all my local media and video plugins. It works like a charm. I will not play any games on it so I don't really care about the gaming performance.
All programs installed from Play store work
Full 1080p videos play no issues on xbmc.
Torrents are download via showrss to my xbmc monitored directory.
USB hard drive 1TB western digital is powered via the usb ports and shared via droid nas
Quick video 1080p: http://youtu.be/vQ6FvGtKbEw
mkhopper said:
Yea, I keep getting torn one way or the other every day when I see a review that is posted.
My primary use for either device will not be for games at all. 100% streaming media playback from either my local nas or sites like youtube, amazon vod, etc...
I also won't be using Plex and instead be going with XBMC.
As for Plex... the above video review showed some really bad stuttering while playing 1080p video. On Android, is Plex using its own decoder for playback or does it offload it to MX Player? I ask because when streaming any of my local 1080i content (wirelessly) to my Xoom tablet, it plays back in MX Player flawlessly.
So is the MX2 video stuttering in the video review a fault of the hardware or Plex software?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not sure if plex has the issue xbmc for ouya has at the moment but after the new firmware update last week most of my videos have stuttering seems like a framerate issue I reported it to ouya and they got back to me saying they are aware of the issue and are working on it. Before that update my videos were playing smooth.
plasmafire said:
Yes you can use the Revue KB. Just buy the Unity USB. You will be able to use it anywhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. There seems to be quite a few "Unity" USB recovers from Logitech. I couldn't find one that listed the Revue KB as a compatible device. Would any of those Unity receivers that work with other Logitech KBs or mice work? Seems like there are several in the $10-15 range. I appreciate your help.
so its time for me to upgrade, i owned a g box and it was cool at the time year or 2 later it starts to give me problems its slow most things dont work ect so iv been using my pc to watch movies via xbmc, now i want to stop and look for a new xbmc media player and seen the nexus player and looks promising, and been looking around a bit about xbmc for it, is this recommended buy? id like a box that is fast able to use xbmc and more less problems lol
DayDaysTech said:
so its time for me to upgrade, i owned a g box and it was cool at the time year or 2 later it starts to give me problems its slow most things dont work ect so iv been using my pc to watch movies via xbmc, now i want to stop and look for a new xbmc media player and seen the nexus player and looks promising, and been looking around a bit about xbmc for it, is this recommended buy? id like a box that is fast able to use xbmc and more less problems lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At this time I would wait just a few weeks as both Razer Forge and Nvidia are releasing new boxes which have better specs.The Nvidia is a little more pricey at $199 the forge will be $99 according to the options you choose. Both will be better boxes if I had to choose. Roku is also due with the Roku 4 anytime now. There will be allot of choices by June.
Im currently using my nexus player solely for xbmc, ive unlocked and rooted it. And ive installed xbmc launcher. Actually im technically using the alpha nightly of kodi. Its amazing. Ive installed genesis, and aeon nox skin. I use the nexus player remote to control kodi. Unles you plan on using the nexus player for kodi, it's useless. But running kodi its damn near perfect.
i love my nexus player. it is not great for everyone though.
first of all you need a mouse and keyboard. and a gamepad.
second and most important you must have a thirst for tinkering to appreciate what you have.
if you just want to consume media stick with chromecast or a cheaper roku.
Kodi runs great on the Nexus Player...the only 2 things for me is the frame rate is locked to 60fps and the inability to play VC-1 (it plays but its pretty unwatchable as I believe it uses software instead of hardware).
What about if you want to play emulators?
if a tablet will run it you can most likely get it to run on the nexus player with some hackery.(lollirock rom will run most tablet apps without much fighting).
my bluetooth controllers work great with the emulators ive tried.
I still think for gamers there are better options coming up. I have the adt1 its a great box guess I am just waiting for the Android Tv box with strong specs. Nvidia Shield?
Don't buy it, I've had mine since 1/22/2015 and I have been having issues with it.
Netflix crashes when I try to choose a show/movie.
Slow at times, including having to fully reset it due to extreme slowdowns.
Remote feels very fragile, buttons feel bad.
Unresponsive when using the remote sometimes.
Voice search is terrible, it's laggy and unreliable. Not to mention it doesn't work with many of the apps.
Wifi connection only, unless you get Micro USB to Ethernet adapter.
No normal sized USB connector, meaning you absolutely need a Micro to Normal USB adapter.
Rooted apps require a mouse and keyboard, the remote most of the time does not work on them. (and remember to hook up a mouse and keyboard you need micro to normal usb adapter)
I feel bad for this Asus/Google product, and wish I could take back my purchase of this item.
Edit:
Most of these issues weren't noticeable when I first got it, but after a while all these things become a big issue.
Here is my take on the Nexus Player:
I've rooted, and installed Droidmote. This allows for controlling sideloaded apps. I have entered custom DNS values to allow for region restricted apps. I transfer apps using the SendAnywhere app. There is much more flexibility with this box than with ones that are locked down. It is more what it can do, than what it does out of the box. There are weaknesses with all streaming media players, but this does everything I need in one box. I haven't had any problems with the Netflix app. For those that like to tinker with android, the Nexus Player is ideal. For those that want an out of the box solution, time will tell.
I regret buying the Nexus Player. It freezes,Bluetooth controller/remote disconnect all the time,lack of apps even with side loading, various app crashes (Netflix mostly),voice search sucks and it just feels like a beta product at best.
DayDaysTech said:
so its time for me to upgrade, i owned a g box and it was cool at the time year or 2 later it starts to give me problems its slow most things dont work ect so iv been using my pc to watch movies via xbmc, now i want to stop and look for a new xbmc media player and seen the nexus player and looks promising, and been looking around a bit about xbmc for it, is this recommended buy? id like a box that is fast able to use xbmc and more less problems lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the Android TV platform is great. But the nexus player doesn't seems as good as what is coming soon hardware wise. I'd wait for the Razer forge tv or nvidia shield console.
cheeto said:
I think the Android TV platform is great. But the nexus player doesn't seems as good as what is coming soon hardware wise. I'd wait for the Razer forge tv or nvidia shield console.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah the nvidia looks pretty sweet.
I love it!!
I have had many devices including ATV1,2,3 and the WD TV. The Applee 3 is still used for mirroring from Idevices. The WD was second device as it had and external HDD port but it was constantly rebooting. With my Nexus player I enabled devleoper mode and enabled the USB support. I bought an USB to go cable and installed file explorer. Now it's my favourite device. It can do HDD movies, netflix and Kodi.
Well worth it in my mind. Also had custom roms available if you don't like android TV and want to go to lollipop.
If you can find an Android ADT-1 (the developer's Android TV box), then you'd be better off with that. Much better specs - I've been using mine for nearly 2 months now and since the 5.0.1 update about 7 weeks ago it's been running flawlessly.
Lokke9191 said:
Im currently using my nexus player solely for xbmc, ive unlocked and rooted it. And ive installed xbmc launcher. Actually im technically using the alpha nightly of kodi. Its amazing. Ive installed genesis, and aeon nox skin. I use the nexus player remote to control kodi. Unles you plan on using the nexus player for kodi, it's useless. But running kodi its damn near perfect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi there,
Were you able to get Navi-X up and running?
This is my main reason for wanting to buy the nexus player. This way, I'd not need to hook my laptop up to the TV and could just access Navi-X from the Nexus Player.
Please advise if you (or anyone else) has been able to get Navi-X running on the nexus player.
Thanks!!
I think the biggest plus for the nexus player would be regular android updates directly from google for a long time.
I own both a nexus Player and a Fire TV and it seems that there is very little in the way of apps on the Nexus Player. It is great for Kodi and netflix but that seems about it, there is TV Player but the quality of the picture is not great and I notice that on the Nexus Player and Fire TV it can be a bit buggy to start sometimes. None of the national broadcasters have any apps and things in general for video are slim pickings.
Are there any worth while apps to get? I like the way Pluto TV integrates with the Live Channels app so was thinking of getting a TV tuner for my PC to rig up all the OTA channels. Its a great little box with a reasonably nice interface but app support is sorely lacking. I would have thought that with it being a TV platform that other manufactures are using it would have had a massive catalogue by now.
I own an Nvidia Shield Android TV which like many non-Nexus Android TV devices has a device-specific iPlayer app. You could try side-loading it, though I doubt that would work. Here's a link to the forum where you can find the .apk anyway:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/shield-tv/general/nvidia-shield-android-tv-uk-t3214570/page4
I have no idea exactly why the BBC is making its service only partially available on the platform. Amazon are doing the same by only making Prime Video available on Sony Android TVs, but they obviously have their commercial reasons as they run the competing Fire TV platform.
On a side note I recently heard that there was a new Prime Video add-on for Kodi, though you'll have to try this for yourself as I haven't had a chance yet.
It seems that Channel 4 and ITV have no interest in the platform, however the Fire TV is itself a running a fork of Android. Maybe you could try ripping some of the .apks (such as iPlayer and 4OD) from the Fire TV and side-loading onto the Nexus Player. Again I doubt this will work smoothly but maybe it's worth a shot.
Other than that though, let's just cross our fingers and hope that we haven't invested in Google TV 2.0.
Anyone else still having issues with Netflix or Hulu? We just get errors saying things like trouble with playback at this time from both apps. Switch over to our Fire TV and don't have a single issue.
Wife wonders why the hell we even fool around with the NP. Can't really argue with her, but I want to believe in Android TV.
Sent from my XT1096 using Tapatalk
Yep been having the same issues. Really wish I would've just got a chromecast for my room now. Off subject but how's the fire tv compared to the nexus player
Asadullah said:
Yep been having the same issues. Really wish I would've just got a chromecast for my room now. Off subject but how's the fire tv compared to the nexus player
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fire TV is IMO the best streaming device on the market. You could make an argument for Roku, but I like the Fire TV because it can run Kodi. The only pros the NP has over the Fire TV are mpeg2 hardware deciding, Leanback Launcher, and built in Google cast. You can install an app on the FTV that allows casting for most all apps though.
The FTV just works. Never an issue with any apps like we see with the NP. I like the look and feel of Android TV better so I'm hoping they get these things straightened out.
Sent from my XT1096 using Tapatalk
bradwatson said:
Fire TV is IMO the best streaming device on the market. You could make an argument for Roku, but I like the Fire TV because it can run Kodi. The only pros the NP has over the Fire TV are mpeg2 hardware deciding, Leanback Launcher, and built in Google cast. You can install an app on the FTV that allows casting for most all apps though.
The FTV just works. Never an issue with any apps like we see with the NP. I like the look and feel of Android TV better so I'm hoping they get these things straightened out.
Sent from my XT1096 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for the input. based on your experience I'm going to sell my NP and get a Fire TV. Streaming (including Prime video) and Kodi are what I care about most. I have a Fire TV stick, but it has poor wifi and the remote sometimes lags. I guess the regular Fire TV shouldn't have those problems.
HKSpeed said:
thanks for the input. based on your experience I'm going to sell my NP and get a Fire TV. Streaming (including Prime video) and Kodi are what I care about most. I have a Fire TV stick, but it has poor wifi and the remote sometimes lags. I guess the regular Fire TV shouldn't have those problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm primarily using Ethernet, but I've used WiFi some with the FTV and never had an issue. No controller lag either. The FTV is wife proof. It's a great device.
Sent from my XT1096 using Tapatalk
bradwatson said:
The FTV is wife proof. It's a great device.
Sent from my XT1096 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
is it surrounded in bullet proof glass? LOL!!!! I kid i kid.
Although I really don't think I'll buy another android box (ouya nexus player owner) I think I'd go for the amazon tv I don't need monthly updates
I've been feeling the same. I live in an apartment and with multiple using netflix on the old chromecast we never had an issue, now only the logged in netflix account has streaming capabilities, and even then rarely it will work, wishing I went with chromecast 2.
magestic1995 said:
I've been feeling the same. I live in an apartment and with multiple using netflix on the old chromecast we never had an issue, now only the logged in netflix account has streaming capabilities, and even then rarely it will work, wishing I went with chromecast 2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you ever want to get really really angry call netflix and ask them about this. I promise you you'll wanna cancel your netflix subcription
Asadullah said:
If you ever want to get really really angry call netflix and ask them about this. I promise you you'll wanna cancel your netflix subcription
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What did they say in response to this?
magestic1995 said:
What did they say in response to this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After an hour of uninstalls resign ins and strange questions. They told me I need to reset my chromecast. After a 30 second pause I said, "huh"? Do you know what we're talking about here? I've got hulu so I cancelled my service.
Damn, I read this thread and am thankful I have not had an issue with netfix or the player. As someone who ones a fire tv, fire tv stick, and a nexus player. I have to say I like the player the most. If your net goes out the fire devices don't even load the menu. With the player I don't need to use another app to get kodi to launch from the main screen. I will say even with its issues the fire tv box does work really well. I notice the same remote lag on the box as I did the stick and I think its just the remote waking from sleep. It only lags if you have not used the remote in a while. I use the stick remote on my nexus player and it does the same thing. I don't like the players remote as it lacks a menu button. I do wish the player had ethernet.
A little background. I am looking at the black Friday deals and asking myself is this a irrational purchase worth making. I have a shield tablet with no controller, or to be honest my son does. I have used grid on free trial over the last year but to be honest it was fun but not worth a monthly subscription to me, the game choices I felt were somewhat limited. I realize I would get 3 months if I get a Shield TV for free.
I am a big user of Kodi, my main box is a HP Chromebox hooked up in my living room. I also have a recently purchased Nexus Player in my bedroom that I picked up for $49.99. In the grand scope of things I have no need for the shield tv other than a want for the shiniest new toy. I have owned an Ouya before with thoughts that emulation would lead to hours of fun but to be honest never played much. If purchased this would likely replace my chromebox which would move to my bedroom and I would likely give my nexus player to a family member or friend. I am not sure this would out perform the chromebox running Kodi as a standalone using openelec as android although fully functional is not as good in my experience as a linux based distro.
$149 is not allot of money but I struggle with am I buying something that will perform on par with my current setup and add some gaming which in theory I already have with my shield tablet, or am I underselling the capabilities of this box.
so I reach out to the community for opinions
I am interested in this as well. I too have a Nexus Player. I debated on getting the Shield but I decided against it at the time, especially being I picked up the Nexus Player for only $49.00. I like the Nexus Player, I just don't game on it at all. I only use it for Netflix, HBO GO, and to play MP4 movies via Kodi mainly.
The Black Friday deal on the Shield is awesome in my opinion. $150 and you get the $50 remote for free! I really like the looks of the shield remote as well. The headphone jack is a nice touch. The shield would be replacing my Nexus Player, which is hooked up to my 32" 1080P T.V wall mounted in my bedroom. The 4K capabilities kind of make it feel like overkill, but I think it would be perfect for my situation. Provide all my streaming needs and some moderate gaming as well. Also, my cable modem and router are in my bedroom right by my TV. So it would be nothing to snake an ethernet cable up inside the wall with the existing power cord and hdmi. ( I have heard that wired net connection is hands down better for the Shield vs WiFi) I am sure my 60mbps net, wired would be fine for the game streaming.
I personally think it is worth it, and I am strongly considering it as well. There are only two issues for me if I do it. One, I know I will end up buying a 4K TV and selling my existing. lol. Two, the sale price is a pretty steep discount, making me kind of wonder if a Shield Console 2 is going to pop up in a month or two. What do you think?
A few weeks ago, I began my search for a streaming device that I could use to run Kodi on my main TV. During that time, I've gone from a Fire Stick (received as a gift last year) to a Nexus Player and finally to a Nvidia Shield TV. I was generally pleased with the Nexus Player, but the frequent buffering issues when playing HD movies started to annoy me. My internet ISP is not the issue, as my TWC plan has great speeds (300MB/20MB). Really wish the Nexus player had a ethernet port.
While I was looking for a USB/ethernet hub for the Nexus Player, I saw that a few retailers were selling the Shield TV for $174.99 w/ the free remote. I decided to pull the trigger and have been 100% happy with my purchase. The Nexus Player isn't slow, but the Shield TV absolutely flies. No lag anywhere and no more buffering issues.
For $150, the Shield TV is a great buy.
Well I bit the bullet. Should pick up my shield tomorrow. Little early Christmas present I guess.
mcord11758 said:
Well I bit the bullet. Should pick up my shield tomorrow. Little early Christmas present I guess.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I want to get it, I think it is an awesome device, and the sale is on point. However, I decided to stick with my Nexus Player. At the end of the day, the Shield is overkill for my needs. The more I thought about it the more I realized how I would rarely use it, especially for gaming. Which is another thing, after 3 months the $8 a month would be a complete waste for me.
So I decided to just stick with my Nexus Player. It more than does what I need. I literally use 4 apps on it. Netflix, HBOGO, YouTube, Kodi.
Still though, congrats to you and good choice! If I had more use for one I would so be buying one as well.
Site ate my post, but I'm sticking with my Nexus too.
I wish NVIDIA promoted its native talents over streaming. And also by blocking exclusive titles like Half-Life (and possibly Borderlands, TBD) from other Android devices - it hurts high performance Android from getting traction. I have an XPS 12 running the ancient Console OS KitKat builds - and it out benchmarks Shield. Probably would play Borderlands 2 great too... but I can't sync my purchase? No, thanks... really.
Original post was much more eloquent, not worth the carpal tunnel to rewrite.
I just made the upgrade from the Nexus Player to the Shield TV this weekend with the $150 deal. I am very happy with it so far. Main highlights:
- 8GB of storage was very tight. 16GB gives you a good amount of breathing room and the MicroSD + full-sized USB ports for expandable storage is great.
- There are a number of Android games that work on the Shield TV but not the Nexus Player. Not just due to specs, but simply compatibility.
- The controller is much better. Much more responsive, better overall feel to it.
- In addition to the gaming-focused improvements, I've had a much better streaming experience as well. I'm still using Wireless-AC for my connection like I was with the Nexus Player but I'm no longer running into streaming issues. With my Nexus Player I had problems with Youtube become pixelated, Hulu freezing while moving from an ad to the show or vice versa, video "stuttering." I'm not running into any of these with the Shield TV.