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CES 2017 | Nvidia unveils updated SHIELD TV streaming box

Nvidia's new SHIELD TV can stream games from either a PC with an Nvidia Pascal-based GPU or Nvidia's Geforce NOW service. (Source: Nvidia)
Nvidia's new SHIELD TV can stream games from either a PC with an Nvidia Pascal-based GPU or Nvidia's Geforce NOW service. (Source: Nvidia)
The set top box can stream 4K HDR content and AAA PC games via Nvidia's Geforce NOW service.

Back in 2015, Nvidia brought high-end gaming and 4K content streaming to the living room with its Android-powered SHIELD TV set top box. Amid recent leaks, Nvidia has been expected to update the SHIELD with improved streaming and gameplay capabilities. Yesterday evening, Nvidia officially announced a refreshed SHIELD TV ready for 2017.

The updated SHIELD TV is three times faster than any other streaming device currently on the market, according to Nvidia. Its hallmark is support for 4K HDR streaming content. Jen-Hsung Huang, founder and CEO of Nvidia, said that the SHIELD TV “is the world’s most advanced streamer. Its brilliant 4K HDR quality, hallmark NVIDIA gaming performance and broad access to media content will bring families hours of joy. And with SHIELD’s new AI home capability, we can control and interact with content through the magic of artificial intelligence from anywhere in the house.” Currently, only Amazon offers 4K HDR content, but the SHIELD TV also support Netflix, YouTube, VUDU, and Google Play Movies. These services will most likely provide 4K HDR media in the future.

In addition to streaming movies, shows, and music, the NVIDIA SHIELD TV has the “widest range of gaming capabilities and richest assortment of game content.” Nvidia emphasized the SHIELD TV’s massive library of games which has been expanded to include “thousands of titles” and “the ability coming soon (sic) to stream Ubisoft’s catalog of hits, including Watch Dogs 2, Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, For Honor and countless others.” Nvidia also said that Ubisoft games will release concurrently on PC and the SHIELD TV.

Users can stream other games directly from Nvidia using the Geforce NOW service. Nvidia promises fast load times of less than half a minute, and Geforce NOW will handle all game patches and updates. Gamers with a Gamestream-capable Nvidia GPU can also stream gameplay directly from their PC to the SHIELD TV and enjoy their games in the living room. Nvidia states that the SHIELD TV brings “vibrant 4K HDR streaming at up to 60 frames per second.”

As the SHIELD TV is running Android OS, “SHIELD users will be able to enjoy a hands-free Android TV experience through ‘Ok Google’ voice commands.” The SHIELD TV will also be able to run anticipated Android releases, like the upcoming Tomb Raider release from Crystal Dynamics.

The SHIELD TV is available for pre-order now in the U.S., Canada, and parts of Europe. Pricing is set at $199.99 US and is expected to ship in late January. A Pro model will also be available later this month.

The SHIELD TV will include a controller and remote. (Source: Nvidia)
The SHIELD TV will include a controller and remote. (Source: Nvidia)

Source(s)

Nvidia Press Release

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Sam Medley, 2017-01- 5 (Update: 2024-08-15)