Question 1

Is this the 2017 model?

Accepted Answer

Hello,

Thank you for contacting us in regards to your question.  
Yes, this the version released on 01/16/2017

Thank you, 
Newegg Support

Question 2

Is this the new 2017 model?

Accepted Answer

Yes it is. The only difference is the controller is new. The nvidia unit and remote is the same as 2016 model with the new software.  This is only true for the 500 gb unit - the 16 gb unit is totally new. It is 40% smaller and has NO microsd slot or if reciever.

Question 3

is this for a ps4 xbox computer or is it its own thing?

Accepted Answer

It is it's own console. It is an Android TV console.

Question 4

Is this the 15gb or 500gb (Pro) version? Thank you.

Accepted Answer

The 500GB is the Pro version. 16GB is just the base version.

Question 5

Can I use four (4) drives (5TB each) simultaneously using a USB hub?  I am looking to replaced an older Dell i5 laptop I currently use as a plex server right now but isn't fast enough at transcoding 4K UHD files.

Accepted Answer

With regard to your drives, no issue.  I have an anker 4 port usb hub attached to my shield (for remotes / keyboard, etc).  However,  I just plugged in 4 usb drives, all formatted as ntfs, and shield recognized all of them.  Granted they aren't 5TB, but I don't believe that should stop you.

With regard to transcoding, no idea.  Transcoding 4K is probably a pretty big task and you'd prob want something beefier for that.

Question 6

The GeForce Now monthly service is used to stream and play games through the Nvidia servers (NOT FROM ONES PC GRAPHICS CARD). How fast would these games eat up my monthly allotted bandwidth on a metered connection? For example how many gigabytes if any would 10 hours of playing “Witcher 3” or “Deus Ex: Human Revolution” eat up?

Accepted Answer

Now this is just my guess, I could be entirely wrong, but I would think that game streaming would use up nearly the same bandwidth as streaming video of the same resolution.  I don't think it would matter on the game, as I think essentially all that's being transmitted is the graphical video image of the game as well as the sound.  Of course the shield would have to send the controller inputs to the server, but that would be minuscule as far as data size goes.

A quick estimate says that 8 hours a video streaming would use up about 6gb of bandwidth.  Assuming that game streaming uses up about the same, that could give you a rough estimate.

Another note, I've used my Shield to stream from my PC.  And it's highly suggested that you use a wired connection, or you'll get input lag and a reduced quality image, and well as even disconnects.  That, or be sure you have a very good wifi strength signal where your Shield is located.

Question 7

How does the PC to TV streaming functionality perform over wi-fi? We have an upstairs/downstairs situation and aren't able to run an ethernet cable.

Accepted Answer

I have same situation and I have watched many movies/programs over wifi. I have NOT tried 4k streaming over wifi. I should also add that I have a fast 5G wireless network.

Question 8

Does this work with a STEAM account? 'Can you install all your steam games to this device and play online'? +Could you run it into your graphics card HDMI and back to the monitor HDMI?

Accepted Answer

yes - i played arkham city with it and it works really well - I do recommend your home network is gigabit

Question 9

Does the controller have support for PC?

Accepted Answer

Yes

Question 10

What are the limits on usb storage for this? I'm planning on using a portatble 2Tb Western Digital Elements usb 3.0 drive for convienence. Are the shields usb ports powered? My drive doesn't have an external power source.

Accepted Answer

It does have powered USB ports, I use a 4tb WD passport that also does not have an external  power source. As far as limits, I'm not sure. I use my WD passport to watch movies I have stored on it. I have it filled with over 2tb right now and the shield speedily accesses any of the data. Hope this is helpful.

Questions & Answers