Apple TV 4K vs Nvidia Shield Pro Plex differences – which is worth buying?

Share

Which offer smooth Plex content – Apple TV 4K vs Nvidia Shield Pro Plex? The most widely used media server is PLEX. Users may host and access their own media (movies, music, and images) using PLEX on SHIELD TV Pro from just about anywhere with an internet connection. PLEX client and PLEX Media Server are pre-installed on SHIELD TV Pro.

Consumer Reviews is supported by its audience. This website contains Paid Links. As an affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchase. Find more

Apple TV (5th Generation) 4k 32gb HD Media Streamer

advertisement

SHIELD TV is now streaming more popular movies and TV shows via the Apple TV app compared to last year. Watch Apple Originals like “Ted Lasso,” “The Morning Show,” and more in cinematic Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos on Apple TV+ in up to 4K HDR. Get details in Apple TV 4K vs Nvidia Shield Pro Plex differences.

Pros & Cons – Apple TV 4K vs Nvidia Shield Pro Plex

Nvidia Shield Pro Plex

Pros
  • AI 4K content upscaling
  • To sync Hue lights, Dolby Vision supports the Hue Stream app.
  • can add external options to expand storage
  • Use as a Plex Server is possible
Cons
  • Plex content UX is frequently slow

Apple TV 4K

Pros
  • User-friendly
  • tvOS ecosystem by Apple
  • 4K HDR (HDR10 and Dolby Vision)
  • 64GB and 32GB versions
Cons
  • Expensive
  • To sync Hue lights, you need a Sync Box.
  • Storage cannot be increased
  • Only a few games available.

Apple TV 4K vs Nvidia Shield Pro Plex Price comparison

While the TV 4K starts at $179 for the 32GB model and rises to $199 when the capacity is doubled to 64GB, the Shield TV Pro is priced at $199. The base model Apple TV 4K (2021) is an excellent choice if you want one of the greatest streaming devices but don’t particularly care about storage.

What is Plex?

A media server software program is called Plex. With Plex, you supply all of the movies, TV series, and music, in contrast to services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ that allow you to subscribe and stream content from their platform. You may think about Plex as a type of DIY Netflix or Spotify where you supply the audio and video files and it organizes, downloads the metadata and box art, and allows you to view it from anywhere in your house or from another country.

What is a Plex Client Device?

In other words, you stream your media to a Plex client device, like a Roku, Apple TV, or Android TV set-top box. Your media library is stored on your server, but Plex media players allow you to stream it. Installing a Plex client app on a streaming device that supports Plex sends a request to the server, which starts playing the requested content so you can see and hear it in real time.

What is the key differences – Apple TV 4K vs Nvidia Shield Pro Plex?

Ports

Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, an HDMI output, and two USB ports are available. For excellent app compatibility, the Shield TV Pro 2019 runs a real Android TV 9.0 Pie operating system (OS) onboard. The Shield TV Pro functions as both a Plex server as well as a Plex client. The Raspberry Pi can directly operate a Plex media server when a hard disk (HDD) is plugged in.

4K upscaling

NVIDIA gains the advantage thanks to its AI Upscaling feature. Upscaling support for 1080p material is included in Apple’s TV 4K (2021), but NVIDIA employs a proprietary technique that has shown to be highly effective.

By dynamically enhancing image quality, NVIDIA’s AI upscaling technology successfully transforms low-res information into 4K (or 1080p, if you don’t have a 4K TV), crystal-clear content. Given that the majority of the movies and TV series on your favorite streaming services are only available in 720p or 1080p, this function is quite essential.

Gaming

For casual gamers who are content playing games from Apple Arcade, the Apple TV 4K (2021) will be perfect. With the Shield TV Pro and NVIDIA GeForce Now, you can stream all of your favorite AAA games from your Steam collection directly to the big screen. From your desktop computer, GameStream offers 4K HDR gaming at 60 frames per second.

Storage

When it comes to onboard storage, Apple has the advantage because you may choose between 32GB and 64GB. Still, that’s it. You will be forced to delete some items once the storage is full of games, apps, movies, or other information. The dual USB 3.0 ports on the side of the Shield TV Pro, which only has 16GB of internal storage, allow for expansion.

Latest chip

The Apple TV 4K (2021) does not use the most recent Apple chipset, whereas the Shield TV Pro uses the most recent NVIDIA Tegra X1+. Apple chose the A12 Bionic instead, which debuted in 2018 along with the iPhone XS.

Audio

In terms of audio quality, NVIDIA Shield TV is supreme. It can support 7.1 surround sound systems and 32-bit 192 kHz audio over HDMI. When Plex is being streamed, the Apple TV can decode premium audio codecs like Dolby TrueHD to PCM, a lossless audio signal. As a result, it’s an excellent option for movie and audiophile fans.

What are the similarities – Apple TV 4K vs Nvidia Shield Pro Plex?

HDR content

All of the typical content compatibility suspects you look for are supported by both the Shield TV Pro and Apple TV 4K (2021). Included in this is HDR10, the most widespread variation of High Dynamic Range, which is present in many streaming devices and televisions. Both of these streaming devices provide Dolby Vision support, which works well with Dolby Atmos support.

Apps

Owners are able to stream content from services like Plex, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Netflix, YouTube, HBO Max, Disney+, Spotify, and Apple Music using this device. The device’s Android TV operating system supports Chromecast streaming, Dolby Atmos audio, and 4K HDR Dolby Vision. Additionally, you can use the gadget to stream video games through Google Stadia and NVIDIA GeForce Now (the Ethernet port should come in especially handy there).

Setup

In order to use either one, you must first connect an HDMI cable to the device, then to your TV, and then to a power outlet. Make sure your TV is turned on and that the correct input is selected before following the on-screen directions. The Shield TV requires you to sign in with your Google account, but the Apple TV 4K requires you to sign in with your Apple account.

Performance reviews – Apple TV 4K vs Nvidia Shield Pro Plex

The UI is significantly faster than the competition, and using it is similar to using an iPad. The interface is slick and easy to use, and there are hardly any advertisements on the home screen. There are far too many problems with the NVIDIA Shield TV Pro that I don’t want to deal with.

The LG CX/G1 with various receivers and soundbars I have stick around work with the Apple TV, and everything plays in sync so there are no audio delays. The picture quality is also 10/10 and much crisper than other streaming devices. Additionally, if you have a flawless surround sound setup, in my experience it plays all audio channels correctly.

How to configure PLEX Client?

You can access material from any PLEX Media Server that is currently running, whether it is on a PC, a standalone NAS with PLEX Media Server activated, or your NVIDIA SHIELD TV, using the PLEX client.

Configure PLEX Client on SHIELD

  • Navigate to https://www.plex.tv/link in a web browser.
  • The SHIELD TV’s PLEX app should be launched.
  • To finish the linking process, adhere to the directions displayed on screen.
  • Choose the PLEX server from which you want to access your media in the client settings.

Alternate of Apple TV 4K vs Nvidia Shield Pro Plex

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max

For a few years now, the original Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K has been a terrific investment. Just by making it more “Max,” it got even better. The internals of the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max have been updated with a faster processor, Wi-Fi 6, and Dolby Vision compatibility. It comes with the most recent Alexa Voice Remote, which has functional television controls but no hands-free voice access.

The fantastic experience you’ll have with Amazon Fire TV OS remains unaltered. For some people, the home screen could still seem a little crowded, but it simply goes to show how much excellent stuff is offered in the Amazon ecosystem. Of course, start with Amazon Prime Video, which includes a ton of fantastic original material plus all the movies and TV shows you could ever want.

Then you include items like IMDb.tv, an Amazon-owned, advertising-supported streaming service with no-cost movies and shows. Alternatively, you can attach an antenna to an Amazon Fire TV Recast and receive your local broadcast channels directly on your Fire TV device.

And that’s just what the Amazon Fire TV has to offer in terms of third-party streaming apps, games, and other features. The Amazon Fire TV Stick is still a fantastic option and one that is difficult to surpass.

Editor’s recommendations

Lead Content Editor
Lead Content Editor

I love to write content and contribute for my society. I invest my days in creating content for products those I love and brands who need online presence

Articles: 1371