If you want to buy a new streaming device, then you have a lot of options. With that being said, if you want something truly top-tier then the best choices would be the Apple TV or Nvidia Shield. Below you’ll find a breakdown of both options, so you can make a decision that goes on to benefit you for years to come.
Delving Into the Nvidia Shield
The Nvidia Shield is one of the best streaming devices out there. You can take advantage of Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos decoding. If you opt for the Pro model, then this comes with more RAM and double the onboard storage. Nvidia does a great job of releasing updates, and you also have access to Steam Link. This means you can play a range of games on your Shield, over your network. If you’re an avid gamer, however, investing in a PC might still be the better option.
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Although Nvidia Shield owners can play games from the Android store, that is the limit to its gaming capabilities. If you want to play live games in addition to streaming live content, you’ll need to look into other options. Take the Adventures Beyond Wonderland live casino game for example. This has very low operating requirements, due to the simplicity of the game.
Even though you are connected with a live dealer, with the option of bonus rounds and wonder spins, the only thing you need is a stable internet connection. The game also works well on mobile, but for the Nvidia Shield, you’re really limited to what’s available on the store. Even though the hardware could theoretically handle the game, the experience isn’t quite what it should be since it’s not a gaming-forward device.
If you want to stream high-end games or games with complex graphics, then you’ll probably need a PC with a 12-core Intel and 32GB of RAM. Although the Shield is great with 3GB, it’s not hard to see why it doesn’t quite meet the mark with game streaming. This is one of the many reasons why the software connects you to the app store, rather than directly to Steam. Sure, there are workarounds, but if live gaming is a priority alongside live streaming, you’re better off opting for a quality PC that can do both, over something like the Shield.
Exploring the Apple TV 4K
The Apple TV 4K offers a very consistent experience. It’s now powered by an A15 Bionic processor which offers plenty of room for those looking to stream live, and there is also support for HDR 10+. This is only important if you have a Samsung television, but bear in mind that Samsung doesn’t support Dolby Vision. The OS on the streaming device is a little simple, with no real recommendations for any live channels or movies that may be available. The simplicity of it all is great for those who want a streamlined experience.
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The device connects to the Apple Store, where you can browse and download several games to play with your controller. You can also use AirPlay as a way to stream video or audio from your Apple device directly to your TV. Although this is great for slower-paced or less-demanding games, it’s not fast enough for anything else. If you want to play large or complex games, just like with the Nvidia Shield, you’ll need to look into something else. Overall, the Apple TV 4K is capable of gaming but still doesn’t hit the mark for higher-end gameplay.
If you compare both devices, they both have their strong points, with both options being well-suited for streaming a range of shows and live television. When it comes to streaming live games, or gaming in general, however, you’ll have to choose between Apple store and Android store games, so keep that in mind.