NVIDIA's SHIELD TV, the Tegra X1 SOC and Android-powered home media centre for the living room, is well into its third year of long-term support. Over that time NVIDIA have not only bolstered the native game catalogue supported by the SHIELD (in addition to Game Streaming from a local PC), but also incorporated new apps to support native 4K video, HDR and other functionality that puts it ahead of most other competitors. This week they're boosting its case yet further with a set of fun and handy updates in Shield Experience Update 6.3.
Commercial Free Recordings With PlexDVR
Broadcast TV shows recorded and played through PlexDVR can now have commercials automatically removed, allowing you to skip frustrating breaks when binging on your favourite shows.
VLC Adds Picture-in-Picture and 360-degree Video Support
VLC for SHIELD TV is getting quite the bump in capabilities. Along with 360-degree video and panoramic photo support, Picture-in-Picture mode has also been added for SHIELD browsing. Of course, spherical camera modes can be controlled through your SHIELD Remote or controller.
Now Supports Tidal and Eurosport Streaming
Enjoy lossless streamed audio with Tidal, or the wide range of sports offerings available through Eurosport, all on your SHIELD.
Oddworld!
Lest we forget, the SHIELD TV is also a gaming device in its own right. Case in point: on sale now via the Google Play Store is Oddworld: New n Tasty, available for 4.79 or your regional equivalent.
Additional Enhancements in Shield Experience Update 6.3
- The latest monthly Android security updates, including mitigations for Spectre vulnerability.
- Support for playback of YUV 8 bit BT 2020 videos.
- New USB compatibility mode for users with attached USB storage/accessories to improve Bluetooth/wireless performance (Settings > System).
- Firmware update for SHIELD remote (2017) for improved responsiveness.
- Firmware update for SHIELD remote (rechargeable) to resolve recharging issues. If update fails, connect remote to charging cable and hold Home + Back + Voice Search buttons until LED flashes (~20 seconds).
Latest accessory firmware versions:
- SHIELD controller (2017): v1.18
- SHIELD controller (2015): v1.96/99/3.71/0.32
- SHIELD remote (2017): v1.28
- SHIELD remote (rechargeable): v.1.22
- Support for playback of YUV 8 bit BT 2020 videos.
- New USB compatibility mode for users with attached USB storage/accessories to improve Bluetooth/wireless performance (Settings > System).
- Firmware update for SHIELD remote (2017) for improved responsiveness.
- Firmware update for SHIELD remote (rechargeable) to resolve recharging issues. If update fails, connect remote to charging cable and hold Home + Back + Voice Search buttons until LED flashes (~20 seconds).
Latest accessory firmware versions:
- SHIELD controller (2017): v1.18
- SHIELD controller (2015): v1.96/99/3.71/0.32
- SHIELD remote (2017): v1.28
- SHIELD remote (rechargeable): v.1.22
More information including capabilities, updates and the SHIELD's software catalogue can as always be found at http://shield.nvidia.co.uk. The Remote Only SHIELD is currently priced at £179.99 inc. V.A.T.