No, in a way it’s just another Android TV box. But it only has Google’s spyware crap in it instead of that plus all the sketchy malware that’s been found on no-name Android TV boxes. Plus it has (still) pretty high-end specs compared to most other third party players, so you can throw full phat UHD remuxes with Dolby Vision and full quality lossless Atmos at it without it chugging. The AI video upscale is one of the only upscaling solutions that is actually worth using (depending on personal taste).
That’s all from my research, I haven’t actually bought one either bcus its a bit expensive for me too. If you’re up for a bit more work and want to save a good bit, consider the DIY Kodi box that another poster mentioned. Something like LibreELEC if you’ve got a Raspberry Pi lying around somewhere, or just install Kodi on an old PC or laptop if you have one laying around for a HTPC.
I’m thinkin of buying a nvidia shield but the price tag is intimidating for what it is.
Is it like, you can load wacky third party shit?
No, in a way it’s just another Android TV box. But it only has Google’s spyware crap in it instead of that plus all the sketchy malware that’s been found on no-name Android TV boxes. Plus it has (still) pretty high-end specs compared to most other third party players, so you can throw full phat UHD remuxes with Dolby Vision and full quality lossless Atmos at it without it chugging. The AI video upscale is one of the only upscaling solutions that is actually worth using (depending on personal taste).
That’s all from my research, I haven’t actually bought one either bcus its a bit expensive for me too. If you’re up for a bit more work and want to save a good bit, consider the DIY Kodi box that another poster mentioned. Something like LibreELEC if you’ve got a Raspberry Pi lying around somewhere, or just install Kodi on an old PC or laptop if you have one laying around for a HTPC.