Nvidia Shield Tv Pro Vs. Htpc: The Best Choice For Cord-cutters?

Key points

HTPCs can be customized to include a variety of features, so the specific features of your HTPC will depend on the components you choose.
The NVIDIA Shield TV Pro is a great option for users who want a powerful and easy-to-use streaming device.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to get the NVIDIA Shield TV Pro or an HTPC is a personal one.

Are you looking for a powerful streaming device that can handle all your entertainment needs? If so, you may be wondering whether to get the NVIDIA Shield TV Pro or build your own HTPC (Home Theater PC). In this blog post, we’ll compare these two options and help you decide which one is right for you.

What is an NVIDIA Shield TV Pro?

The NVIDIA Shield TV Pro is a powerful streaming device that runs on Android TV. It’s capable of streaming 4K HDR content, playing games, and even running apps. It’s also one of the few streaming devices that supports Dolby Vision and Atmos.

What is an HTPC?

An HTPC is a computer that is specifically designed for use in a home theater setup. It can be used to stream content, play games, and even record TV shows. HTPCs are typically more powerful than streaming devices, but they can also be more expensive and difficult to set up.

NVIDIA Shield TV Pro vs. HTPC: Which One is Right for You?

Now that we’ve covered the basics of the NVIDIA Shield TV Pro and HTPCs, let’s compare them head-to-head to see which one is right for you.

Price

The NVIDIA Shield TV Pro is available for $199.99, while the cost of building an HTPC can vary depending on the components you choose. However, you can expect to spend at least $500 on a basic HTPC build.

Performance

The NVIDIA Shield TV Pro is powered by a Tegra X1+ processor, which is capable of handling 4K HDR content and gaming. HTPCs can be equipped with a variety of processors, so their performance can vary. However, even a mid-range HTPC build should be able to outperform the NVIDIA Shield TV Pro in terms of raw power.

Features

The NVIDIA Shield TV Pro comes with a variety of features, including support for 4K HDR content, Dolby Vision and Atmos, and Android TV. HTPCs can be customized to include a variety of features, so the specific features of your HTPC will depend on the components you choose. However, HTPCs typically offer more features than streaming devices, such as the ability to record TV shows and run Windows software.

Ease of Use

The NVIDIA Shield TV Pro is very easy to use. It comes with a simple remote control and an intuitive interface. HTPCs can be more difficult to set up and use, especially if you’re not familiar with computers.

Portability

The NVIDIA Shield TV Pro is a small and portable device that can be easily moved from room to room. HTPCs are typically larger and heavier, so they’re not as portable.

Which One Should You Get?

The NVIDIA Shield TV Pro is a great option for users who want a powerful and easy-to-use streaming device. It’s also a good choice for users who are on a budget. HTPCs are a good option for users who want a more customizable and powerful system. They’re also a good choice for users who want to be able to record TV shows and run Windows software.

Other Factors to Consider

In addition to the factors we’ve discussed above, there are a few other things you may want to consider before making a decision:

Your budget: HTPCs can be more expensive than streaming devices, so you’ll need to factor that into your decision.
Your technical expertise: HTPCs can be more difficult to set up and use than streaming devices, so you’ll need to consider your technical expertise before making a decision.
Your needs: What do you need your streaming device or HTPC for? If you just want to stream content, a streaming device may be a better option. If you want to do more, such as play games or record TV shows, an HTPC may be a better choice.

The Final Verdict

Ultimately, the decision of whether to get the NVIDIA Shield TV Pro or an HTPC is a personal one. There is no right or wrong answer. The best option for you will depend on your budget, your technical expertise, and your needs.

Alternatives to NVIDIA Shield TV Pro and HTPC

If you’re not sure whether the NVIDIA Shield TV Pro or an HTPC is right for you, there are a few other options you may want to consider:

Roku: Roku devices are a popular choice for streaming content. They’re affordable, easy to use, and they come with a variety of features.
Amazon Fire TV: Amazon Fire TV devices are another popular choice for streaming content. They’re also affordable and easy to use, and they come with a variety of features.
Apple TV: Apple TV devices are a good choice for users who are already invested in the Apple ecosystem. They’re also easy to use and they come with a variety of features.

In a nutshell: NVIDIA Shield TV Pro vs. HTPC

We hope this blog post has helped you understand the differences between the NVIDIA Shield TV Pro and HTPCs. Ultimately, the best option for you will depend on your budget, your technical expertise, and your needs.