Jump to content

Nvidia Shield vs. HTPC w/ Emby Theater


pclausen

Recommended Posts

pclausen

There has been some discussion over in the Emby Theater section about the possibility that the Nvidia Shield might be a worthy alternative to a dedicated HTPC running Emby Theater  Since WMC is on the way out and no longer part of Windows 10, I'm going to skip that option altogether and focus on comparing a dedicated Windows 10 based PC, customized for HTPC duties.

 

I'm going to assume the HTPC will have at least an Intel H87 based motherboard, which supports Haswell CPUs and are able to output content over HDMI at the proper 24p frame-rate of 23.976Hz.  I'm also going to assume the HTPC has a Core i3 CPU with the Intel HD Graphics 4400 so that it can output 4k resolution.  These minimum specs also ensure that it will be able to bitstream all audio formats, including DTS HD-MA, Dolby True HD and Atmos.

 

So here's a chart comparing the features of each platform as it stands at the moment:

 

htpcvsshield.PNG

 

My understanding is that the next software release for the Shield might include the ability to bitstream the HD audio formats, but that a fee may be involved.

 

As far as being able to output at exactly 23.976Hz framerate, I haven't heard about that being in the works.

 

I don't currently own a Nvidia Shield, but do run several HTPCs, the primary one being equipped with am Nvidia GTX 970 running Emby Theater with MadVR enabled so that all 1080p content is upscaled to 4k and feed to my large 4k display.  The image quality is amazing, as is the audio.

 

It works well, but being a computer as opposed to an appliance, it will hickup on occasion and as a result,  the WAF is not quite on par with appliances like a Roku 3.

 

So will the Shield eventially be able to match a HTPC from a video and audio quality standpoint, while providing the reliability of an appliance?

 

I think it certainly has the hardware to pull it off, and the price point is excellent, especially compared to a full blow HTPC with dedicated graphics to be able to run MadVR.

Edited by pclausen
  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Shield may not match HTPC's now but it hasn't stopped me from replacing my main Media Center (AMD 3 core APU). I used to run 7/8.1 WMC/emby, upgraded to Windows 10/Kodi/Titan/emby/NextPVR. I have Shield with Kodi/Titan for Live TV, Movies, TV Shows, Music and the server with Emby and now NextPVR. I have also installed the Emby for ATV and when it can do music it will be a very viable option and perhaps a better option than Kodi with the basic remotes supplied with Android TV boxes.

 

My Shield Pro's

- Kids love it,

- Wife loves it when the kids aren't fighting over it.

- 40 watts max power. (compared to 65-120w for HTPC)

- More games than my HTPC (read none)

- More streaming apps than my HTPC (Netflix etc)

- Simple interface.

- HDMI-CEC, TV remote controls all devices (LG TV, LG Sound bar, Shield)

 

Shield Con's

- Kids love it too much.

 

I am not an advanced home theater user, but Shield gives me more options than my HTPC. Once Nvidia/Google add the bulk of everyone's wants then it will be game over for HTPC's.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

bret1958

I read that a massive 2.0 OS upgrade coming to it.. from 1.4 to 2.0 a lot of things promised. and it works with HDHOMERUN we will see.. Looks like Luke is getting Theater on the hot sheet.. so that good too...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

bret1958

There has been some discussion over in the Emby Theater section about the possibility that the Nvidia Shield might be a worthy alternative to a dedicated HTPC running Emby Theater  Since WMC is on the way out and no longer part of Windows 10, I'm going to skip that option altogether and focus on comparing a dedicated Windows 10 based PC, customized for HTPC duties.

 

I'm going to assume the HTPC will have at least an Intel H87 based motherboard, which supports Haswell CPUs and are able to output content over HDMI at the proper 24p frame-rate of 23.976Hz.  I'm also going to assume the HTPC has a Core i3 CPU with the Intel HD Graphics 4400 so that it can output 4k resolution.  These minimum specs also ensure that it will be able to bitstream all audio formats, including DTS HD-MA, Dolby True HD and Atmos.

 

So here's a chart comparing the features of each platform as it stands at the moment:

 

htpcvsshield.PNG

 

 

Thanks for the thread . I'm sure it will be a hot one...

Edited by bret1958
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Get this one:

 

Hd-audio passthrough, 4k, 3d iso !!! all within kodi without external player, even Support for 23.976.

http://www.zidoo.tv/Product/index/model/X6+Pro/target/18jaPkicAyZKKmVViAFMcQ%3D%3D.html

 

All for 90$ and theres a -10 discount now

 with coupon code!!

 

a MUST buy 

 

you find it at geekbuying.com

 

 

Imo such a good player 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

pclausen

My Shield Pro's

- Kids love it,

- Wife loves it when the kids aren't fighting over it.

- 40 watts max power. (compared to 65-120w for HTPC)

- More games than my HTPC (read none)

- More streaming apps than my HTPC (Netflix etc)

- Simple interface.

- HDMI-CEC, TV remote controls all devices (LG TV, LG Sound bar, Shield)

Appreciate the feedback.  Those are all excellent pros that I didn't consider.

 

I wonder if the Netflix App supports streaming at 4k?  My LG 4K smart TV has a NetFlix app built in that is capable of streaming at 4k, but the audio going back to my receiver is standard DD only.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

pclausen

I read that a massive 2.0 OS upgrade coming to it.. from 1.4 to 2.0 a lot of things promised. and it works with HDHOMERUN we will see.. Looks like Luke is getting Theater on the hot sheet.. so that good too...

 

Yeah, definitely looking forward to finding out what the 2.0 upgrade will bring!  Looks like we'll have a lot more options soon for our primary displays.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I wonder if there will ever be a native Emby app for it?

 

It is running Android 5.1 so the ATV app should work.  However, I don't know if it can access Google Play.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

That's a VERY interesting looking device.  Do you have one?

 

I wonder if there will ever be a native Emby app for it?

 

i ordered one at geekbuying yes

Several people of kodi forum and other forums has bought it too

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Appreciate the feedback.  Those are all excellent pros that I didn't consider.

 

I wonder if the Netflix App supports streaming at 4k?  My LG 4K smart TV has a NetFlix app built in that is capable of streaming at 4k, but the audio going back to my receiver is standard DD only.

 

I'm 99% certain that the Shield does support 4K Netflix, although it is not something I have personally been able to test.

Edited by PhinkBig
Link to comment
Share on other sites

pclausen

It is running Android 5.1 so the ATV app should work.  However, I don't know if it can access Google Play.

 

Hmm, I might have to load the Emby Android tab on my Samsung Tab 4 10" tablet just to check it out.  I'll never watch any Emby content on that tiny screen, but it would at least give me an idea about what the Emby Android app would look like on a Android device connected to a large screen, correct?

 

EDIT:  Looking at the specs for the Tab 4, it appears to run Android 4.4, so perhaps it would not be a good test after all?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Deathsquirrel

Hmm, I might have to load the Emby Android tab on my Samsung Tab 4 10" tablet just to check it out.  I'll never watch any Emby content on that tiny screen, but it would at least give me an idea about what the Emby Android app would look like on a Android device connected to a large screen, correct?

 

EDIT:  Looking at the specs for the Tab 4, it appears to run Android 4.4, so perhaps it would not be a good test after all?

 

Well there are apps for android touch devices and for android TV.  The former you could load on that, the latter I think requires 5.1.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Deathsquirrel

i ordered one at geekbuying yes

Several people of kodi forum and other forums has bought it too

 

Do you have it yet?  It sounds impressive but that site did not inspire confidence.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

pclausen

Well there are apps for android touch devices and for android TV.  The former you could load on that, the latter I think requires 5.1.

Ah ok got it.  Sorry, kinda new to this whole android thing.  I'm an old school HTPC guy. :)  So is the GUI significantly different between the android touch and TV devices?

Edited by pclausen
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Ah ok got it. Sorry, kinda new to this whole android think. I'm an old school HTPC guy. :) So is the GUI significantly different between the android touch and TV devices?

Just a smidge :)

 

See the latest blog entry: http://emby.media/community/index.php?/blog/1/entry-244-more-improvements-for-the-android-tv-and-fire-tv-app/

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Ah ok got it.  Sorry, kinda new to this whole android thing.  I'm an old school HTPC guy. :)  So is the GUI significantly different between the android touch and TV devices?

 

Yes, the interfaces are very different as the ATV version fits with the overall paradigm of that platform better and isn't as responsive to touch.  The mobile app isn't responsive to keyboard/IR commands.

 

The ATV app, however, will run on devices running 4.2.2 and up so you could install it on the tablet just to take a look - understanding that it might not be exactly perfect for that platform (but should be functional).

Link to comment
Share on other sites

pclausen

Ooh, that looks nice.  Wish my local BestBuy had them in stock so that I could at least test drive one for a while.  Looks like they are out of stock until the end of the month at the 6 stores closest to me.  Are these thing selling out like crazy or what?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

pclausen

That ebr, I might give that a spin.  I need to pry that tablet from my 4 year old daughter's hands first.  That will probably be the biggest challenge here.  :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You mean the Shield is sold out?

 

If so, it might be due to a new release impending (the Christmas buying season would be a logical time).  I don't have any information on this that's just conjecture but Amazon did just announce a new Fire TV 4k due within a couple weeks so the others are probably coming too.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

pclausen

Yep, sold out.  Expected back in stock at all stores on 9/30.

 

Maybe slightly tweaked hardware that supports 23.976 Hz and HD audio bitstreaming?  Man, that would piss off the early adapters, but then I have been burned by this many times in the audio/video scene over the last 20 years.  Heck, the 4k TV I purchased earlier this year is already obsolete as it won't do HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2 4k @ 60Hz on the same input.  Those early HDMI 2.0 chipsets just didn't support HDCP 2.2 at those bitrates.

Edited by pclausen
Link to comment
Share on other sites

bret1958

Ooh, that looks nice.  Wish my local BestBuy had them in stock so that I could at least test drive one for a while.  Looks like they are out of stock until the end of the month at the 6 stores closest to me.  Are these thing selling out like crazy or what?

Yah Amazon is price gouging it @ 275.00 for basic unit.  but they link to nvidia that ships over night. Just missed a bundled deal with remote for 225.00. I can wait and see what the next deal will be.. or the version 2.0 upgrade to pull the trigger.

But I think its going to be great for Living room and allow me to use the ATV app on my 65" 2015 4k Sammy as it came with Tizen so no go with emby  I have no love for Plex the pumpkin.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I wouldn't hold your breath on HD audio although you never know.

 

The mass market is moving towards streaming and using things like soundbars for audio.  DD and DTS are good enough for that.

 

4K is getting done because that is an easy marketing tool to sell new TVs and devices.  4K > HD == "better" so I need one.  Even though the reality is, well... I won't go into it.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...