Turn your TV into a smart TV & binge Netflix, Stan, Prime Video, Disney+ and more with this slim yet multifunctional smart TV dongle!
Apples and oranges mate
Yeah, one’s a technology company and the other is a colour.
One is a technology company and the other is a telecommunications company.
It's AAPL and ORA's
got any grapes?
I find the Shield TV a bit of a buggy beast (I think I have the second refresh but they are similar hardware as I understand it) but it is a much more responsive and all around capable device. I tried the Chromecast before giving it to family and its pretty sluggish.
My suggestion for a cheap streaming stick would be the Fire TV 4k Max. Aside from having to sideload the Binge app I much prefer it to my Shield TV (streaming focussed).
The binge app thing is such a joke. How long is it going to take those guys to make the app compatible with fire stick, one of the most popular streaming devices. I believe it may he possible to sideload binge on the firestick and it is supposed to work ok.
By this point I’ve assumed it more of a competition thing than actual issues with making a compatible app
@BLB1984: Hard to see why they would do that though. Considering it works using a jailbroken version there must be some reason beyond just the devs not getting to it yet. The other one they haven't done yet is Xbox.
The binge app is a joke full stop
Yeah I sideload it and it works fine, the main annoyance is that the moment they update it you have to sideload the next version as the moment you open the app it prompts you to upgrade and you can't just play video.
I use a 4k Apple TV as my main device but switch to the Fire TV as the Android app supports Dolby Digital Plus and the best I can get out of the Apple TV with Binge is straight dolby.
The Binge app does suck.
I got a free year through https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/697573 - but I won't be re-subscribing next year despite it having some good offerings, because of this situation.
I can't even get sideloading to work anymore, was working around it by using screen mirroring from a Samsung phone, upgraded to a Pixel last week and now find out that you can't screen mirror from base Android to FireTV because of yet another vendor incompatibility. I would switch to a Chromecast, but the problem is I really like the FireTV, aside from these silly annoyances it's a great device
@Tarinedier: I used the Downloader app on the fire TV and the got the latest file from APKmirror and its working but then I've read people are having issue on theirs getting that to work.
I quite like the Fire TV as well, though it does have its quirks like for the life of me I can't get atmos to work even though the 4k Max is supposed to have it and it works just fine through my apple TV.
I wish I could get HBO content elsewhere without VPNs or other downloads.
Same. I have a 2017 shield and sometimes when I wake it up, it exhibits that vertical green bar. Sometimes it'll be all screwy and lag then restart itself.
I'm finding launching the settings, has a low quality UI for half a second before it launches again with the correct UI.
Also the shield 2017 remote is utter rubbish. Stupid thing sleeps and doesn't wakeup, eats batteries.
Petty list
- I don't líke that when the volume mixer fades, it fades with the white mode.
Yeah the rubbish 2017 remote died on me so I have the newer one. I've seen those random quirks too. I have another where the shield decides not to wake up and I have to pull the cord every week or so.
FireTV was so much better pre-locked down firmware when you could change the launcher, when they patched that out and forced us to use the stock launcher it killed the device for me. Honestly still looking for a equivalent spec/priced alternative with open firmware so I can use Wolf Launcher and cut out all the bloat again.
I have both. the Nvidia Shield Pro is good because I can run a plex server on it through a hard drive. The software update experience to Android 11 has been really buggy though so I've downgraded it to Android 9 and it runs fine now. The launcher on the Shield Pro also has smaller ads which looks a bit nicer than the chromecast.
The chromecast is good for the price though, if you're not needing a dedicated plex server then the chromecast will do the job. I've installed a custom launcher on mine so I don't need to see the ads on the homescreen.
which launcher are you using?
wolf launcher.
Absolutely love(d) the Nvidia shield TV, I had the 2017 pro version, and the new tube and pro. But the experience wasn’t the best to be honest. It was a bit buggy and I found myself fully switching to Apple TV 4K instead. I did get this Google chrome cast 4K as a freebie for my recent Pixel purchase and I just plugged it to an extra monitor on our study so I can use it as a streaming display. I wouldn’t use this as a main entertainment device to be honest.
Apple TV 4K is the way.
By the number of down votes I would guess over 200 bucks up front for the privilege of paying streaming providers more money for their content is just too much for some
I have both and they are quite different in what you may use it for.
Example:
1. I have a home theater setup and need the audio codecs (Dolby TruHD and DTS-MA) sent through to the receiver. With Google Chromecast you won't get this this (or at best Dolby only) but with Nvidia shield you do get this.
2. You want to have emulation setup for gaming and a media center. Nvidia shield would be better for this.
3. You want something easy and good app support it just works once you set it up. Google Chromecast wins here.
4. You travel alot and want something you can plug in and use in hotels. Google Chromecast wins.
I recently got a Samsung Smart TV with built in apps (including Xbox Cloud Gaming). I could hook up the Nvidia shield but the built in apps on the Smart TV already do what I need so am struggling to see if this one gets it back or I save it for some older 2nd TV or projector/home theater setup.
@amaslam nice points, I alos have the requirement of TruHD & DTS-MA, currently I'm using Xbox with HDMI set to 7.1 uncompressed & using Kodi, jsut thinking can I jsut plugin Chromcast to home Theatre HDMI-in & get the TruHD & DTS-MA,m or have you tried that?
Tried it, Chromecast is the limitation rather than the source material or the receiver. It just doesn't support passing through those codecs to the receiver. It'll send PCM. With a Shield it'll pass-through to the receiver so you'll see the receiver decoding it properly.
It's probably of combination of cost (paying licensing to Dolby and DTS) and horsepower (the Shield has more horsepower and paid those fees, but it also costs alot more).
Chromecast is great for everyday schmo‘s that just want a decent and reliable streaming device, Shield is more for enthusiasts that want top tier performance and more features. They both pretty much do the same shit, shield doing it better.
People asking this question, in all likelihood should just grab a Chromecast and be happy.
I have both and Chromecast with GTV is a capable enough device. Recommended to some family members as a streaming device for their home theatre room and they are more than happy.
I have both. For streaming video, they're very similar so much so that I picked up these for my projector and one for my bedroom tv, while the shield is on the living room tv. The shield is definitely snappier and it's easier to sideload apps but it depends on what you want from a media device.
@GLO
"Anyone got this and an Nvidia TV Shield Pro and can share which they prefer?"
I have both. No contest… Nvidia Shield Pro!
ANY Category you care to name except small compact size. the Shield wins hands down with daylight second and Chromecast for Google TV third.
That said, the Google device has plenty of plus points.
PROS:
1. Small enough to toss into the backpack/suitcase for holidays (with Mango mini wireless mini router https://www.ozbargain.com.au/search/node/GL.iNet%20GL-MT300N…)
2. I can set the interface settings to look and appear like the Shield TV GUI.
3. It is possible to boost the storage and add a USB-C hub with ethernet, but requires a bit of the hunt for the components needed and you also need to make sure the power source is beefed up and adequate for the power drain. Plenty of YouTube videos available on how to do this
CONS:
.
1. Google kept these devices stripped of everything to keep the price down. It doesn't take many apps to fill up the approx 3gb of storage space. Not noticeable at first, but as apps get updated, they accumulate bloat and start fill up storage. You then have to clear cache and.or remove other apps to update or add new apps.
Fiddly and time consuming to set up apps and their underlying accounts. Recommend using a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard for quicker setup.
Make sure firmware is up to date before you do anything. This is also time-consuming.
Remote control can freeze without notice. I discovered that the supplied unbranded batteries were probably close to stale when I inserted them into the r/c the first time.
Once setup, very transportable and usable wherever I have a power supply and internet. The above mentioned Mango mini travel router takes care of the wi-fi needs.
Shield TV is less laggy. Google TV is not so powerful can see significant lag even at the home page.
The competing product is the Amazon fire stick 4K max. Just like this chromecast 4K with google TV, it is usually about a hundred dollars, but can be often on sale for $59.95. Both are essentially streamers.
the Shield is more an Apple TV competitor. Compared with any chromecast or firestick, both have much higher spec, much more power, much greater options for apps, much higher price. Different market.
I prefer this and the $200 cash
The Shield Pro by a mile. I find this bugs out and crashes way more. They're not really in the same class. If anyone actually does start making HDR for YouTube the Shield Pro I hear won't do it, but this will. Much slower though. I Bought this because I didn't want to have a second Shield Pro for my spare monitor (using the Shield Pro on my TV and as a plex server. But keep in mind this is really good value for $69. The Shield Pro costs a lot more for AI Upscaling / Speed / Ability to run a plex server etc.
This would be so good if it had auto refresh rate switching.
The Fire TV (4k Max) stick does framerate switching pretty well in my experience.
i just bought the firestick 4K max on sale for my father in-law to get paramount plus (scotsman and his soccer) on his old no longer OS upgradable Sony TV.
Our house is an Apple TV house, but for the father in law he only needs a streamer.
the firestick got the deal over the chromecast because it was on sale, the remote looked a bit more straightforward for him, and it is black instead of white.
I'm using KODI sideload, while connected directly to TV it does fram rate switching, but it doesn't when I connect to my home theatre HDMI-in & TV connected via HDMI ARC. maybe home theatre in between is the reason, but Kodi on my Xbox connected via home theatre does teh frame eate switching without any issues
It's coming with the android 12 update. Hopefully not very long now
Is there a timeframe on that? I'll buy one immediately. FireTV is ok just amazon made a few trivial changes to it that I don't like.
It's already out. The API is opt-in though so you gotta wait for the apps to support it too.
Anyone can use disney plus app on this? I’m not able to install it, it says app is not supported.
My Disney plus works / installed fine.
Maybe hard reset yours.
Disney works fine on mine.
great unit at this price, or even RRP.
Do you mind searching if the flash app and Bloomberg app are available on your Chromecast with google tv please? Trying to get it for an older family member. Presuming it's supported as this runs Android tv 11 correct? So google tv will run whatever android 11 does?
Yes, it supports both "Flash app" (a news app) as well as "Bloomberg: Business News Daily". I hope that answers your question?
i have the same problem - but its because my google account is set to india (for youtube premium) and i havent been able to set it back properly lol
india hotstar has region restriction
Just add another google account (Aussie) to the Google TV.
Then when in the Play Store app you can change to the Aussie account to install Disney, and other Aussie apps.
Thanks I’ll give it a go!
same problem for me, it used to work fine but then got locked down after updating the app. Let me know if adding another google account works for you, would be good to know
Seems to be okay now. Thanks for the advice @Whatisthatvelvet.
Took a bit of work as I had to totally remove my current India account, then log into my new throwaway aus account, then add back in my everyday India account, log back inthe YouTube app under the India account and was able to run the Disney+ standard app now.
Works fine, but cannot use Bluetooth headphones with chromecast while watching Disney+ as they don't support Dolby yet for some shows, else its great.
I'm using QC45
no issues
Now with android Tv 12 update - they tried to do the auto refresh rate, success is mixed from reports - reportedly breaks current plex version - I dont use plex so cannot say
How'd you upgrade to 12? I'm still on 10
Goto settings then system then check for update.
Well there ya go..ta
I've tried checking for the update. However, it keeps saying I'm up to date (Android 10).
Is there a manual way to trigger the update?
@hashtagbargain: Weird!!
I followed fhe instructions to unpair and paired my remote again and then trying to check for update and my Google TV keeps on saying "Your system is up to date"
Ok thanks to @hashtagbargain I've updated to OS12. Plex is still working fine.
success is mixed
Sums up using Google devices.
I've had no issues with my plex since updating to V12
Better than a 4K Firestick?
I find that the firestick is much snappier and apps load much faster. I have both, and the firestick is faster, but it's a pain to install some apps as you need to download apk's.
There is more apps in Goolge TV directly (Playstore) compare to Firestick.
Also, depends which echo system you like. Apple and oranges.
Can we use both ecosystems together efficiently?
Which echo system do you use? Which echo system do you use?
If you use Binge and Kayo, then yes
If you are comfortable sideloading apps like Binge (sideload using the Downloader app + APK mirror) go with the Fire TV as its much more capable.
I much prefer chromecast for installing apps and games off the play store.
i have both and prefer firestick 4k - just wish firestick could be triggered by google assistant .
Get your personal details leaked for free too!
This is the real bargain
All recent TVs are smart TVs.
What are the benefits of these devices apart from casting?
Old TVs without any smart features.
my 2022 lg has noticeable lag compared to a chromecast
I guess a 900 is the budget lg or
I have a $3k LG C1 oled, and the chromecast is heaps faster. WebOS is uber sh!t.
Damn my 2019 LG C9 is much more reliable and faster than my Google TV. So much nicer
@onlinepred: Yeah, mine (C9) too. My Google TV is slow as shit compared to the C9. Both outpaced by the Shield Pro though.
If you are happy with the smart platform apps and performance not much. The hardware in smart TVs tends to be a little underpowered so after a couple of years they may start to feel slow or you may see dropped frames in heavier apps.
The inbuilt app systems on most Smart TVs are slow, terrible and often outdated. Something like this runs much better and is kept up to date with the latest versions of apps as well as any new ones coming out.
All recent TVs are smart TVs
The problem is they're smart by name only.
What are the benefits of these devices apart from casting?
The native apps just work. We don't even use out antenna or fetchbix any more. Apps you can watch live tv, catchup, stream. Really intuitive and when you go on holidays tou can take it with you.
Being Google the UI is intuitive, even the in-laws can work out how to watch stuff.
If you have a small screen or don't mind low definition, then sure, give up your antenna
Even with on an external monitor on your home office desk.
the youtube and netflix app is trash on my hisense tv + chromecast like you said.
I don't get it either. Yes, smart tv's are usually a bit laggy but it's not like a phone where you are changing stuff constantly. You just pick whatever you want to watch and you won't be interacting with the app much after that. Each to their own, but I really don't see the purpose of these things. Judging by the posts related to TV's here, I would surprised if anyone had an old TV without smart functionalities LOL
I have 3 TVs, none of which are smart TVs.
I still have my Plasma TV which is not smart as well.
@ktks: Me too. Not looking forward to LCD or Led screen when it's time to change. Fast moving sports on my plasma is a joy to watch.
Oh wow, I didnt' know a small number of people may still have old TV's. Thanks for the insight. /s
I installed ipcam pro app on my chromecast, so i can view the swan security cameras on my tv that are installed on side and backyard while kid is playing.
With samsung multiview, i see both chromecast and YouTube(plays audio) at once.
To smartify my Projector??
Much faster than some crappy TV's that's for sure. Overall though slower to do basic stuff
Also have an lg oled b9.
One advantage is the app store doesn't have some non mainstream apps E.g. for business: Bloomberg, the new flash app by the binge/kayo crew etc.
Which is abit annoying that the webos had app restrictions. Fine if you want Netflix and Amazon prime and the majors. Considering this Chromecast as you'd get all android tv playstore apps.
Vanced, Stremio…
The processors and software in TVs vary quite a bit in performance and quality. If you're going high-end TV it's a bit less of an issue but still not eliminated completely. On the bargain TVs sold these days the processor and/or OS are average/slow. So with a Google Chromecast you make your TV 'just a screen' and the 'smarts' are in the Chromecast. Then every couple of years you can update that Chromecast to get the latest apps and keep using your screen. I recently went for a Samsung High-end model but my prior set was a Full HD Panasonic Plasma with rubbish software and processor. I was able to add a Chromecast and it made the TV usable for years longer with apps. It was still working fine but at 12 years old I finally got rid of the Plasma (it was dimming and heavy as + power hog, so minuses outweighing the pluses).
When the current new and shiny Samsung starts going slow or software is not updated anymore in a few I'll do the same thing, add the latest model Chromecast or Nvidia Shield and keep it usable.
Can you install VPN and install Hotstar on this?
Anyone got this and an Nvidia TV Shield Pro and can share which they prefer?