Newbie Questions - Shield Android TV Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi Guys,
At this stage I have a PS4, a android TV box and a Chromecast.
I wish to buy the Nvidia Shield to replace all 3 devices so these are my doubts:
1. will I be able to use the Shield as a regular android tv box, to install apps from Playstore for example like Kodi, Strem.io, etc?
2. The price difference from 16GB to 500GB is considerable so I wonder if I will do fine with the 16GB version and in due course I could increase the storage? If yes, How can I increase it?
3. Are the graphics and gameplay the same, better or worst than the PS4?
Hoep you can help me.
Thank you in advance.

Related

BlueTimes Dual WiFi antenna Quad Core TV Box

Hi everyone, I ordered this one from eBay however I'm starting to think I may have rushed a bit. It is on its way, shipped and specs seem very good but if anyone knows anything about it I'd like some feedback.
What is RockChip RK3188*like? There is not much info about it on the internet, I did see a video of a guy AntuTuing it on Archos tablet and it scored more than my Nexus 7 2012, in fact about 6000-8000 points more, depending on what I currently am running on my N7 (the box does have 2GB RAM, which is double the size of N7's RAM). But it may be different in practice, I plan to use it for basically the same stuff everyone here seeks a box - XBMC, movies and TV shows in general. But can I steam a movie file from my PC to the box over WiFi (I suppose some typical LAN steam is available in XBMC?). How do these devices work with 1080p movies (and shows too, shows have full 16:9 1080p, movies have a height of less than 1000 pixels, most of the time).
How do I control it? Is there some app for controlling it with another Android device, don't tell me I need to use a wireless keyboard/mouse every time
Thanks!
Here is a link
http://m.ebay.com/itm?itemId=111155242479
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

is this worth getting over the amazon fire tv?

I own a amazon firetv stick (late to the party) had it for a month or more seen the new model is coming out was about to buy the box this time as im loving using kodi on it, I would however like to use it as a android gaming machine eg make use of the sd card slot and usb ports I know it doesnt support the google play store, ive been sideloading apps on my fire tv stick.can the shield do the same eg use usb storage and sideload games that are not the android tv platform?
what would you reccomend as there is a big price gap between both, I know the shield comes with a controller but it doesnt include a remote and the fire tv includes a remote but no controller
I personally am glad that I bought this box. It's the most powerful Android box on the market and it might not be superseded for a long time, especially in terms of android gaming. The main issue for me with the Fire TV which I did consider was that it uses an non-mainline branch of android and is relatively heavily locked down.
On the other hand this box isn't without it's drawbacks, the price being the main one. It's aimed at casual gamers, yet the price for the 500 GB version is creeping close to that of full-sized consoles. I also personally do not like the Nvidia controller and have hacked it to use a PS4 controller.
Sideload apps is of course possible, but hit-and-miss when using a controller. The touchpad on the PS4 controller is especially useful here.
As for the lack of a remote, the Shield does have an IR port and I had falsely assumed that there would be some way of programming it to respond to any old IR remote. That doesn't seem to be the case, at least not yet.
In conclusion, if you have the money and are really only into casual/android games like me then the 16 GB model + SD card is a safe bet. However if you like to have a large selection of AAA games and you don't care about all the media and emulation capabilities of the Shield then you're better off spending a little extra on a console.
I bought the 16gb model and I'm not disappointed. I'm not really into native android gaming and have a fair selection of emulators installed but all the ROMS are no an external usb drive. If your streaming games via GRID or a PC then they take up zero space on your device. Having been spoiled by AAA PC games I find native android gaming underwhelming.
Something else worth noting about Nvidia GameStream: Don't make the mistake I made. I assumed that all modern Nvidia cards are GameStream capable and that simply isn't the case. It's still restricted only to the higher end GTX cards.
I love my Shield, I got the 16 GB model since I figured if I needed more storage I would use a MicroSD and USB HDD (which I currently do) but it not as easy to use compared to the 500 GB model. Mine bricked itself after an update and if I can't fix it I'm going to see if I can get the 500 GB model for an extra charge after I RMA the 16 GB or I may just buy it flat out.
I think the 500Gb model is only worth it if your going to install a load of android games. Even then after rooting and setting up Foldermount to map the Obb and data folders to the usb drive I haven't experienced any problems. The only thing I use the micro sd for now is capturing video. I just feel the $100 markup to the 500gb version is overpriced. It should have been $50 more and it would have been a no brainier.
I have a bunch of ROMs for old games on my external HDD currently (a few hundred GB worth) and I have a bunch of big games installed on my microSD.
so you need to root to install games on sd / usb
but what about the nvidia updates, can that affect the root? and brick the box
is there guide for this.. as i would like to put all my games ideally on an sd card 64gb or a 1tb usb external?
Flashed with full android 1.8 the shield become a emulating beast able to run anything you throw at it. It is a really great htpc/PC replacement.
And with link2sd you can move large games obb to sd.

Nvidia Shield TV 16GB vs 500GB performance comparison

Hi all, so I've purchased the Nvidia Shield Pro (500GB) model the other day and noticed the device made some slight disk spinning noise, only to realize that this console comes with an HDD rather than flash memory. I also noticed that even thought this device is still running lollipop, I'm still able to utilize any one of the external ports as the default memory.
This question is mainly for those of you who had the opportunity to try both models. I'm not a fan of HDDs much, but the voluminous internal storage is convenient in a way, although I could easily do without it, if the 16gb is the more stable model. From my experience NAND flash based devices seem to run fast, but are they noticeably faster than their hybrid HDD counterparts? Is there any difference in speed and performance between the 16gb and the 500gb Shield TV devices? I'm asking because I noticed the Shield controller's home and back buttons don't always respond, and my device is running build v2.1 which supposedly fixed any known controller bugs. I'm tempted to return the 500gb and grab a 16gb just for the sole fact that the Pro model runs on dated hard disk technology, not to mention the faulty HDD units in some of these models. Let's hear some opinions on this, I've not found any comparison on these from a performance perspective. Every comparison I found so far brags about how advantageous 500gb is over 16gb, but no one seems to compare their performance side by side. So if you've tried out both variants, do you find the standard 16gb edition to process data quicker than the Pro model, and are you experiencing any unresponsiveness with the back and home buttons on shield's controller?
***edit***
Just ordered a 16gb Shield TV Console from GameStop. Since no one's chiming in on the topic, I'll have both versions in a few days and will post my findings after testing them side by side.
I did a little research and from what I understand the only real difference between them is the internal storage. Performance speeds are the same and it support external hard drives and SD cards. I know music, pictures, games, ect. can be stored on the SD card but can apps be stored to or is a root required. Either way I plan on getting the 16GB version and using this 128GB SD I have and rooting it and seeing how it goes. If it's what I think it's like, then this may be one of the greatest things to run the Android OS.
Hello some news ?
To me I went for 16gb version as it would be flash memory so much quicker and no mechanical drives which equal less heat and less fan spooling.
Also the fact that they recalled the 500gb version and we're withdrawn from nvidia site.
Let us know your findings.
TalkDubby2Me said:
I did a little research and from what I understand the only real difference between them is the internal storage. Performance speeds are the same and it support external hard drives and SD cards. I know music, pictures, games, ect. can be stored on the SD card but can apps be stored to or is a root required. Either way I plan on getting the 16GB version and using this 128GB SD I have and rooting it and seeing how it goes. If it's what I think it's like, then this may be one of the greatest things to run the Android OS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apps can be stored on the SD card without root access. Keep in mind that the developer of the app must allow for this so there a few apps out there that will only install on internal storage, though I have yet to come across one.
Hey everyone, sorry it took me a month to post back, now that I've owned a 500gb for two weeks and a 16gb for a month, I've noticed a few slight differences. The 500gb was a tiny bit noisier as it utilizes an HDD alongside a nandflash for its internal storage. The HDD disk spins even while the device is in sleep mode, which is normal behavior with HDDs from what I gather. I'm just not a fan of having more moving parts in a device than necessary. Also, software updates and initial installation takes much longer on the 500gb model, probably due to slower write speeds on HDD. WiFi disconnecting bug after waking up from sleep mode on lollipop 5.1.1 seemed more persistent on the 500gb model as well. The only other difference I noticed was with fluidity, the 16gb doesn't seem to have much hiccups/stutters, where as on the 500gb (maybe mine was one of the defective units) it wouldn't respond right away after returning to home screen or in some apps the back and home buttons wouldn't register on first press more often then not (dolphin emulator being one of them). Once I set up the 16gb model, I haven't experienced any such issues, the back and home functions work every time in any app perfectly fine.
From what I can tell, the 500gb model was somewhat of a last minute decision as it feels less refined than the 16gb model. It's also not as great for modding as there seems to be less dev support for it. 500gb model may be a good choice for someone not looking to tweak this device, but rather for simple plug and play without much thinking involved. For all the mods and tweaks, custom ROMs, the 16gb seems to be the more popular choice. It's also the more refined and tested variant in my opinion.
Syndrome666 said:
Hey everyone, sorry it took me a month to post back, now that I've owned a 500gb for two weeks and a 16gb for a month, I've noticed a few slight differences. The 500gb was a tiny bit noisier as it utilizes an HDD alongside a nandflash for its internal storage. The HDD disk spins even while the device is in sleep mode, which is normal behavior with HDDs from what I gather. I'm just not a fan of having more moving parts in a device than necessary. Also, software updates and initial installation takes much longer on the 500gb model, probably due to slower write speeds on HDD. WiFi disconnecting bug after waking up from sleep mode on lollipop 5.1.1 seemed more persistent on the 500gb model as well. The only other difference I noticed was with fluidity, the 16gb doesn't seem to have much hiccups/stutters, where as on the 500gb (maybe mine was one of the defective units) it wouldn't respond right away after returning to home screen or in some apps the back and home buttons wouldn't register on first press more often then not (dolphin emulator being one of them). Once I set up the 16gb model, I haven't experienced any such issues, the back and home functions work every time in any app perfectly fine.
From what I can tell, the 500gb model was somewhat of a last minute decision as it feels less refined than the 16gb model. It's also not as great for modding as there seems to be less dev support for it. 500gb model may be a good choice for someone not looking to tweak this device, but rather for simple plug and play without much thinking involved. For all the mods and tweaks, custom ROMs, the 16gb seems to be the more popular choice. It's also the more refined and tested variant in my opinion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I am kinda thinking I would've been better off grabbing the 16 gig model and adding a 128GB sd card. Does anyone know what kind of HD they use on it?
I bought both - one for general living room tv use (16gb) and the 500gb for myself to put in my man cave and play games on. I couldn't wait to set the 500gb up for myself as I had already got the living room one working and I was absolutely gob smacked at what it could do - however - upon setting it up and filling it full of emulation stuff, I found it to be really disappointing. HOWEVER, upon further investigation, I discovered that if you have an external HD attatched to it - in my case a USB 3 2tb one - it dragged like hell, probably due to the fact that the HD is full of emulation artwork etc. Unplugging it seemed to solve the problem and now i'm back up to full speed (more or less) again.
Anyone else think its strange that Nvidia chose to go with completely different designs for both types? Surely it would have been easier, and more cost effective, to just leave the hdd port unoccupied on the 16gb version, so a hdd/ssd could be added at a later date. And £70 just for a 500gb hybrid drive? It certainly seems a bit on the steep side.
I would like to know how much of a difference a SSD would bring to the Pro version compared to the SSHD it has inside, if it's worth it when using it for Plex only
The SATV and the SATV Pro boards are the same with the Pro version having connectors added for the SSHD. The SSHD can be replaced with an SSD, but in my experiences I do not recommend the swap. The SSHD draws .74ma and a 500GB Samsung evo SSD draws 1.5A. I noticed strange behavior of the USB ports (perhaps from current starvation). I guess if one wanted to dive into the power circuit to see if the balance of the components would handle replacing the voltage regulator with a high output current replacement, then with a beefer regulator I would be on board with the ssd swap.
If you are after what the box is meant for the buy a SATV. If you are after dev, then buy a SATV PRO.
The SSHD can be added to the SATV buy soldering on a SATA connector and modifying the device tree....
From what I've read, the Pro model just isn't worth it. Everything runs off the hard drive, including the system ROM, so it is definitely slower. For the $100 difference you could buy a 2 TB external HDD instead and still keep your apps on the internal flash.
Mogster2K said:
From what I've read, the Pro model just isn't worth it. Everything runs off the hard drive, including the system ROM, so it is definitely slower. For the $100 difference you could buy a 2 TB external HDD instead and still keep your apps on the internal flash.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With Plex Server, is the 16GB version still worth it? I indirectly heard that the Plex Server quickly fills up the 16GB data of onboard memory, and cannot be used on an external USB 3.0 drive. Is this correct?
Can we also plug in a USB 3.0 SSD drive to the Shield, and have the system ROM and all apps run from the USB 3.0 SSD drive, leaving the 16GB onboard memory empty? If the answer is yes, then it's a nobrainer to use a regular Shield rather than a Shield Pro.
I can't answer the first question (I run Plex on a PC, not the Shield) but for the second: there is a method but it's a little tricky. I'm using it now with an old SSD.
http://www.videomap.it/forum/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=1580&start=410#p3628
Be sure to format the SSD on your PC and not the Shield or it won't work.

Looking for advice on a RK3399 4GB Android box for PC replacement (not TV Box)

Hi.
My elderly mom gets lost in her Windows PC, but does OK on her Android tablet. I'm looking for a high-powered Android box to replace the Windows PC, doing mostly Skype and Mail/Web/FB/News. That rules out the mainstream Amlogic-based boxes (weak CPU, low RAM), but I'm worried the RK3399 boxes are marginal/amateurish/not well supported. The plan is to make the UI the exact same as her tablet, with the extra comfort of a mouse, big screen, and loud sound. She'll be doing he exact same things as on her tablet so I'm unbothered by Android/Desktop limitations. Skype support (so, no ChromeOS) and reliability/dependability are a must.
The Vorke Z3 has disappeared. Does anyone have feedback on the Cloudnetgo CR19 or the CSA96 ? Or at least their OEMs ?
Thanks for any help/advice.
Olivier
I agree, the CDR19 looks great. 4 x USB + SATA + external antenna, plus extra audio ports and front display.
$150-$200. I am tempted.
However what about the limitations I keep reading about RockChip? No one actually specifies what these are, and all my online searches reveal nothing, except old pre-2015 reviews of older architecture.
So what do you do? S912 DDR4 3GB? or RK3399 DDR3 4GB?
I got the $80 H96 max. It works OK as a PC once you switch Launchers (for some reason only MS launcher will install, no Nova, Google..).
The one limitation I ran into was DRM support; not an issue for PC use, but I'd avoid it as a media player/HTPC.
Performance, reliability, features are otherwise fine.
I got this one it works great as a pc/tablet or tv box it runs well with a 2.4ghz keyboard and mouse
4GB RAM 32GB RK3328 MXR PRO Android 7.1.1 Smart TV Box Quad Core 2.4GHz WiFi VP9 H.265 3D HDMI USB3.0 MXRpro HDR 4K Media Player
http://s.aliexpress.com/Zfy26R7n?fromSns=Copy
Or you can try remix os for pc's
http://www.jide.com/remixos
how much is your target price for rk3399 4GB android box?
how much is your target price for rk3399 4GB android box?
obarthelemy said:
Hi.
My elderly mom gets lost in her Windows PC, but does OK on her Android tablet. I'm looking for a high-powered Android box to replace the Windows PC, doing mostly Skype and Mail/Web/FB/News. That rules out the mainstream Amlogic-based boxes (weak CPU, low RAM), but I'm worried the RK3399 boxes are marginal/amateurish/not well supported. The plan is to make the UI the exact same as her tablet, with the extra comfort of a mouse, big screen, and loud sound. She'll be doing he exact same things as on her tablet so I'm unbothered by Android/Desktop limitations. Skype support (so, no ChromeOS) and reliability/dependability are a must.
The Vorke Z3 has disappeared. Does anyone have feedback on the Cloudnetgo CR19 or the CSA96 ? Or at least their OEMs ?
Thanks for any help/advice.
Olivier
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got her https://www.geekbuying.com/item/H96-MAX-Rockchip-RK3399-Hexa-Core-64bit-4G-32G-4K-TV-BOX-379059.html after seeing it was the most mentioned on several forums. Once I replaced the default TV Launcher with a more normal one (strangely, only MS Launcher would install, most would bug out), she's happy with it, it's stable and runs the double-handful of apps she needs (Skype etc...). Got it on sale for $100-ish.
Go 912s, 905x2, or wait for the 922
Freaktab Com is your support local. Look for developers magendanz or superceleron.
This is a MUST! Support, support and support.
I have an n6 Max Buy magicsee, I love it ... yet it's the most unstable platform I have ever run!
The cloudnetgo is a dynamic promising device, I'd like to have one. Still supported minimal, don't do it. My little mecool m8s Pro with a magendanz custom ROM is a powerful fast extremely stable device. The pro L model comes with enhanced DRM abilities, meaningful high-def capability for streaming. I truly suggest you go look at the developers first. Look for the boxes I support. And you're better off to stay with an amlogic SOC, they just a wider and deeper support base. The amlogic S922 will be out shortly, and it'll be the best thing available oh, I am sure. Yet it will take awhile for support and custom roms to be available. That's my two cents, good luck

Android TV Build for PC's (Interest?)

Hi everyone! So, a few weeks back I was looking for an OS to put on my old PC and shockingly noticed lack of support for ATV for PC. Yes, I know thinks like Kodi exist and yes I could use Windows and emulate Android or some other solution however none that I can find seemed to fit me.
Things I want:
Full screen apps
Full controller support
Access to the Play Store and ability to add TV versions of apps
Decent hardware support
Ability to install on basically anything
Maybe access to a different launcher for other apps?
Easy to see and navigate UI
Easy enough for a basic user to use
Ability to utilize the optical drive
Yes, I am aware that Roku's and Android TV boxes exist for cheep, however, I like to use old hardware and this would be a good, useful project if done correctly and I feel this can gain popularity. The added IO, storage and RAM space is a huge plus and would make the experience better.
With all this being said; Who is interested in this project? I will be honest and say I know nothing about programming but I could absolutely learn and I have some days off during the week to get things done. I have a few machines to build on so that might not be an issue. If anyone could help that would be amazing. I am not asking for donations (unless this seriously grows) but instead I am asking for help.
What hardware do I have?
Laptop:
2017 MacBook Pro i5 8GB RAM
HP ProBook i3 with 16GB RAM
Desktop:
Intel Core i5 7th Gen
MSI Z270
16GB RAM
256 NVMe Boot Drive
x2 3TB HDD
Server:
Dual Chip Xeon Server
32GB RAM
7TB Storage
3 NICs
Internet: 400MB down and 50 Up
What do you guys think? Is this worth spending time on?
This is exactly what i was searching for. I would invest time and help where i can.
The thing is, i can't programm either :/
I have good hardware knowledge, a little bit with software like installing OS's. rooting android devices since the HTC Dream G1 (first android phone ever), have a TV and Shield with Android TV and was looking for a good way to bring Android TV on the TV of my Son. I would use Quadcore Intel Celeron APUs with HD 600 IGPU's.
So if there is any way to make this happen, i want that journey!
OH MY GOD! This is the best idea ive ever heard!
So yeah, its called Android tv x86 amongst many other names and its been around since at least.... 2016?!??
heres one of the first results that come up on Google the first time i just searched....
Install Android TV In Your Old PC In 2023 - Gadget Junction
Easily Install Android TV on any pc in simple steps.
gadgetjunction.in

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