this post was submitted on 07 Dec 2024
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I don’t quite understand the appeal of a streaming box in most cases. What is the appeal?
It turns any TV into a smart TV. Compared to just using the features built into a smart TV, it has a more capable processor, more timely updates with a longer lifetime, and possibly a wider selection of apps. Compared to using something like a game console or PC, it is smaller, more power-efficient, and (if the only feature you care about is streaming) has fewer unnecessary features.
I use a laptop hooked up to my TV which is vastly superior in the most important way for me: ad blocking.
How much did your laptop cost compared to something like a $199 Shield?
This one cost me about $300 refurbished because I also use it for some light gaming. The one I used prior to this one was $160.
The shield is a bit stronger than light gaming.
The shield isn't meant as a gaming device, it's a streaming device. I mean you can run games on it, I guess, but it's an Android device and its purpose is to stream from PC to your TV.
No, it isn't.
You can install emulators on the shield to play classic roms and you can stream games from your PC or the cloud to it. My laptop does both of those things. Plus I can install some modern games like Hades 2, block ads on every video and music streaming service, and be more in control of where my data goes.
I'm pretty sure the only thing the Shield does that my laptop won't is a.i. upscaling which is not an important feature for me.
Most people, when speaking about a gaming device, aren't talking about the ability to play things from 40 years ago that you could run on a smart toaster
That makes sense. I still can’t see the appeal of a bespoke solution, but at least I understand it
Of course it depends on the OS, but when NVIDIA started showing ads I installed a 3rd party launcher. It also allows me to install apps that block and skip ads on a major streaming platform. And, if I upgrade my TV I'm not entering my info into a new system, I just plug in the Shield.
Yup FLauncher, SmartTube, Stremio, and steam for game streaming from my PC to living room.
To watch stuff?
Dang, wish I had a device that allows me to watch stuff.
Smart TV hardware (and most software) is a dumpster fire.
In addition to what others have said, the ShieldTV is also a moderately capable emulation device. It's how we play N64 games in my household.
And when set up right, it's hands-down my favorite way to watch TV, especially when compared to the modern smart TV experience.