nvidia Shield - Tips & tricks [Read post #1]

dodzy

So folks, got the 16GB from Santa. Really enjoying it so far. Superb build quality, both controllers are excellent. Speech function works very well. Downloaded Mame from the play store & Kodi.

Only scratching the surface at this point I’m sure, so what have you done with yours? Any recommendations ?



Mod Edit: PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING

Davy wrote: »

This thread is here because so many people have bought the Shield (many are from bargain alerts), and to help posters get the most out of it. But discussion of anything dodgy is not allowed either on thread or by requesting of PM's.

Consider this post as the final warning, automatic ban for anyone not following these rules.

I would ask posters to report any posts and not replying to them please.

bloodless_coup

Haven't tried this yet but looks like nice integration of IPTV directly into the built in "Live Channels" part of android.

https://www.reddit.com/r/AndroidTV/comments/6rfcoe/how_to_use_tvirl_with_your_provider_iptv_into/

McMurphy

I have RetroX on mine.

Have been playing games from Amiga classics to game cube.

Just this morning I did a few rounds of wipe out from the play station.

I have also introduced my young lad to the Atari classic centipede

Must have app imo.

Snake Plisken

One of the downsides of the Android Tv OS is that most of the apps that you might sideload will not show up on the main page you have to dig down through settings apps to launch but there is an app on the Google play store called TV APP Repo that allows you to create shortcuts on the home screen to these unofficial apps. Try it, it works great.

bazzz

Snake Plisken wrote: »

One of the downsides of the Android Tv OS is that most of the apps that you might sideload will not show up on the main page you have to dig down through settings apps to launch but there is an app on the Google play store called TV APP Repo that allows you to create shortcuts on the home screen to these unofficial apps. Try it, it works great.

And Sideload Launcher too From The PlayStore.

dodzy

Rick Shaw wrote: »

I have RetroX on mine.

Have been playing games from Amiga classics to game cube.

Just this morning I did a few rounds of wipe out from the play station.

I have also introduced my young lad to the Atari classic centipede

Must have app imo.

Put mame on mine for 2 of my old favorites, Rygar and Wonderboy. The former is a lot faster than I remember it to be in the arcade, but brilliant nonetheless. Gotta be an age & reflexes thing I guess!

McMurphy

Mine is giving me warnings about being low on space now, and I'm a bit confused about where I'm supposed to get extra storage space - because I've actually very few apps on mine.

Have plex - kodi - Netflix - and RetroX and a screen saver app (aerial dream)

I'm so low on space that I couldn't download fairy small games from the play store last night.

Anyone know a quick and easy way to free up space?

dodzy

Rick Shaw wrote: »

Mine is giving me warnings about being low on space now, and I'm a bit confused about where I'm supposed to get extra storage space - because I've actually very few apps on mine.

Have plex - kodi - Netflix - and RetroX and a screen saver app (aerial dream)

I'm so low on space that I couldn't download fairy small games from the play store last night.

Anyone know a quick and easy way to free up space?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01BGTG3JA

The high horse brigade

dodzy wrote: »

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01BGTG3JA

May not fix the issue if its Plex using the space

McMurphy

The high horse brigade wrote: »

May not fix the issue if its Plex using the space

I'm a subscriber to plex (if that makes sense) ie I'm availing of an iptv server.

So not sure how that affects space on the shield or not?

The high horse brigade

Rick Shaw wrote: »

I'm a subscriber to plex (if that makes sense) ie I'm availing of an iptv server.

So not sure how that affects space on the shield or not?

Plex has nothing to do with IPTV. Not sure what you mean

bazzz

Rick Shaw wrote: »

I'm a subscriber to plex (if that makes sense) ie I'm availing of an iptv server.

So not sure how that affects space on the shield or not?

Check the thumbnail folder in kodi.Not that it always happens,but cached images in the thumbnail folder( in Android>Data>.Kodi>Userdata>Thumbnails ) can grow to huge sizes GB's.
Depending on the content you are using.So if it's large you can delete it and restart Kodi.It'll populate again over time.
Regarding other space usage,you'll have to comb through your setup and see what's eating all the space.....i.e. check retro roms,download folders etc,etc.

BandMember

bazzz wrote: »

Check the thumbnail folder in kodi.Not that it always happens,but cached images in the thumbnail folder( in Android>Data>.Kodi>Userdata>Thumbnails ) can grow to huge sizes GB's.
Depending on the content you are using.So if it's large you can delete it and restart Kodi.It'll populate again over time.
Regarding other space usage,you'll have to comb through your setup and see what's eating all the space.....i.e. check retro roms,download folders etc,etc.

Should be doing this regularly anyway, along with purging packages, clearing cache etc. Also, some add ons have the facility whereby you can do the same within them so don't forget that.

I don't want to get into specific add ons though as that will probably lead the thread being closed (as per the Android Devices forum).

Rock Paper Scissors

Has anyone figured out how to fast forward a video while using the latest YouTube app?

bazzz

Rock Paper Scissors wrote: »

Has anyone figured out how to fast forward a video while using the latest YouTube app?

You just scroll up on to the progress bar and press left(backwards) or right(fastforward).

McMurphy

The high horse brigade wrote: »

Plex has nothing to do with IPTV. Not sure what you mean

I have iptv setup (all live channels) through my plex.

The high horse brigade

Rick Shaw wrote: »

I have iptv setup (all live channels) through my plex.

If you are not running the Plex server you will not be storing anything on the shield. Sounds like you are connecting to someone else's Plex server

cronos

Can anyone who's got a really good Shield setup please PM me. Would like to ask a few questions directly if possible. Thank you.

Rock Paper Scissors

Guys is anyone having the problem of their plex media server randomly going offline?

Mine goes off at random times and has to be restarted manually

Any ideas what could be causing this?

Panrich

Rock Paper Scissors wrote: »

Guys is anyone having the problem of their plex media server randomly going offline?

Mine goes off at random times and has to be restarted manually

Any ideas what could be causing this?

I found Plex to be a bit of a chore although that doesn’t seem to be the common experience.

I had plex server crashes, no sound via my Sony surround system and laggy streaming. Gave up and went with Kodi and have had none of these issues since.

Suckit

Just bookmarking/following the thread. I have a decent set up. I customised icons and a sideloaded a few of the more popular ad-free apps.

I am in the midst of a wedding, funeral and New years. I would not be great at posting today,tomorrow and maybe the next day, but i am interested in seeing others posts.

Has anyone used the custom launcher?
have the Xiaomi in the back room, and other boxes up stairs. With a mini PC in the cloakroom, i am not seeing the full benefits of the Shield. Or should i say, its worth. Will be interested in others.

That was a longer post than i meant.

VonZan

Is there anyway to get the iPlayer without a VPN?

The high horse brigade

VonZan wrote: »

Is there anyway to get the iPlayer without a VPN?

Yeah move to England

Suckit

VonZan wrote: »

Is there anyway to get the iPlayer without a VPN?

Not without VPN, but for free and less hassle yep.
But a static VPN is worth paying for. I had written more. Not sure what I wrote is allowed.

funnyname

VonZan wrote: »

Is there anyway to get the iPlayer without a VPN?

Change DNS settings

nedd

I have the 2017 Shield since launch. Love it. We watch all of our content on it.

I got a 256SSD and mounted it as internal storage. I have plex running on it and it is great. I am not a fan of KODI but by all accounts it run great on the Shield as well.

Gaming, I subscribed to the GeForce streaming thing for a while and bought The Witcher through that service. PLayed very well, there were some pixelating issue when the game got busy. I put in over 80 hours of game play so it is definitely playable. After that I just bought a PS4 so haven’t really been playing games on the Shield since.

I tried a couple of different emulators and could never find a really good experience, although I didn’t put much time into it.

Overall the shield is great, well worth what I payed for it for how much it is being used. And compared to other Android Boxes there is no comparison. The speed, support and updates are great.

ftm2008

mine is arriving next week... cant wait
im getting it to replace my sky sub which i cancelled with iptv, firestick for netflix, youtube, old xbox360 with GEstream/Android games, emulator. not a big gamer but sure ill have some fun ,, and plenty more to keep me busy.
looking forward to seeing how google assistant works too...

ferrigan101

If anyone has an idiots guide to emulators I'd appreciate a pm. I've tried retroarch but can't get anything to really run properly.

nedd

ferrigan101 wrote: »

If anyone has an idiots guide to emulators I'd appreciate a pm. I've tried retroarch but can't get anything to really run properly.

I’m in the same boat.

fish fingers

nedd wrote: »

I’m in the same boat.

Happy chick app would be a good start

cronos

ferrigan101 wrote: »

If anyone has an idiots guide to emulators I'd appreciate a pm. I've tried retroarch but can't get anything to really run properly.

I would also appreciate the PM on this. Bit stuck on it.

ferrigan101

fish fingers wrote: »

Happy chick app would be a good start

Thanks, I'll have a look!

plhealy2000

cronos wrote: »

I would also appreciate the PM on this. Bit stuck on it.

Me too if possible.

Thanks

The_Honeybadger

Hi folks. I’ve been getting some buffering while streaming HD on the shield so I did a Speedtest and it’s showing 19 ping, 8mb download and 12mb upload. If I do the same test on my phone right next to the shield I get 35mb download and over 20mb upload.

Is there any way to increase this number on the shield. It’s placed about 15 feet from the source with a direct line of sight. Should it not be getting the same results as the phone?

The high horse brigade

mickeyk wrote: »

Hi folks. I’ve been getting some buffering while streaming HD on the shield so I did a Speedtest and it’s showing 19 ping, 8mb download and 12mb upload. If I do the same test on my phone right next to the shield I get 35mb download and over 20mb upload.

Is there any way to increase this number on the shield. It’s placed about 15 feet from the source with a direct line of sight. Should it not be getting the same results as the phone?

Run a cable and use Ethernet or get a set of homeplugs.

BandMember

mickeyk wrote: »

Hi folks. I’ve been getting some buffering while streaming HD on the shield so I did a Speedtest and it’s showing 19 ping, 8mb download and 12mb upload. If I do the same test on my phone right next to the shield I get 35mb download and over 20mb upload.

Is there any way to increase this number on the shield. It’s placed about 15 feet from the source with a direct line of sight. Should it not be getting the same results as the phone?

These devices do not have the same wifi capabilites as your phone or laptop. As The High Horse Brigade has mentioned, either use an Ethernet cable or get homeplugs. Running any sort of streaming device via wifi is not going to give you the same performance as you would get over wired.

Suckit

It could also be wherever the stream is sourced.

The_Honeybadger

Thanks lads, Ethernet cable is not a runner unfortunately so will try a set of home plugs.

Suckit

mickeyk wrote: »

Thanks lads, Ethernet cable is not a runner unfortunately so will try a set of home plugs.

Are you using a free app or paid?

World of difference. Especially on a popular free app on a busy day.

Regarding emulators:
I do not think that emulators are banned, as there are a ton of freely available games/roms for older systems, so it may be possible to talk about them here as long as you have no intention of using them the same way to play the licenced games that are not freely available..
I am unsure on Boards policies, but pretty sure Emulators themselves are not banned anywhere.

The_Honeybadger

Suckit wrote: »

Are you using a free app or paid?

World of difference. Especially on a popular free app on a busy day.

Regarding emulators:
I do not think that emulators are banned, as there are a ton of freely available games/roms for older systems, so it may be possible to talk about them here as long as you have no intention of using them the same way to play the licenced games that are not freely available..
I am unsure on Boards policies, but pretty sure Emulators themselves are not banned anywhere.

Both free and paid, I think getting a better connection with a homeplug will probably solve my problem. There is good headroom there with a 35mb connection

givecredit

Install below apk with USB stick and es file explorer preinstalled and the world is your oyster....

http://m.aptoide.com/installer-aptoide-tv?lang=en

McMurphy

ferrigan101 wrote: »

If anyone has an idiots guide to emulators I'd appreciate a pm. I've tried retroarch but can't get anything to really run properly.

nedd wrote: »

I’m in the same boat.

cronos wrote: »

I would also appreciate the PM on this. Bit stuck on it.

plhealy2000 wrote: »

Me too if possible.

Thanks

Y'all need to get yourselves Retrox installed.

Small initial fee to join up (although theirs a trial run available) download game titles, unzip, and away you go.

World of choice on it.

My eldest lad has just become acquainted with the Megadrives version of Desertstrike which must have been released 25 years ago.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9PKKGObPoM

Taltos

OK, seeing Gods now I’m convinced. Time to get the 16GB and a decent sized USB 3.0
Figure I’ll be back in a few weeks asking for the main apps to apply. Old android box has done its time so getting an upgrade like this for the US TV shows and now retro gaming I’m swung - cheers

Edit
Before I hit the checkout, amazon recommends the 128gb from Sandisk. Any better recommendations here without costing the earth?
SSDs seem great but pricey.

54and56

Taltos wrote: »

OK, seeing Gods now I’m convinced. Time to get the 16GB and a decent sized USB 3.0
Figure I’ll be back in a few weeks asking for the main apps to apply. Old android box has done its time so getting an upgrade like this for the US TV shows and now retro gaming I’m swung - cheers

Edit
Before I hit the checkout, amazon recommends the 128gb from Sandisk. Any better recommendations here without costing the earth?
SSDs seem great but pricey.

Only a fiver more - would this work for you? - https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00KWHJY7Q/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Taltos

Definitely. I’m leaning more to flash just out of reducing moving parts and keeping noise down.

wait4me

So my Nvidia Shield was delivered today and I'm looking forward to opening the package tonight. I'm following this thread with avid interest as to what to load/not load onto it; and would welcome any links (by PM if need be) that anybody could share that might make our (Nvida and me) future interesting. Thanks

cronos

wait4me wrote: »

So my Nvidia Shield was delivered today and I'm looking forward to opening the package tonight. I'm following this thread with avid interest as to what to load/not load onto it; and would welcome any links (by PM if need be) that anybody could share that might make our (Nvida and me) future interesting. Thanks

Also interested in this info

clintondaly

Hi all

I just posted this on a plex discussion elsewhere but thought it may be handy here too.

I just got and set up the Nvidia shield over the weekend(16 GB Version)
Installed/updated Plex and Plex server on it,connected a 500GB HDD and mapped it as an internal drive on the unit and then also connected up a 1TB HDD which has my movies etc.as an External Hard Drive
I have the Shield and both HDD's mapped on my laptop and can access both HDD's via laptop in terms of reading files,see below for writing to HDD.

I can download directly(using utorrent) into the 1TB HDD from my laptop but you can only write to 1 specific folder which is called "Nvidia Shield" in this folder I have now set up TV/MOVIE/MUSIC sub folders and have pointed plex to this location and also the location of the stuff on the 1TB prior to hooking it up

So far all is working perfectly,the one thing to bear in mind with the 16GB version is if your'e using plex etc. it needs to write the metadata to the internal drive which is why i mapped the 500GB as an internal drive,as if you had a lot of media as i do, you will be taking the space from the 16GB capacity drive.
I am also using this "Nvidia Shield" folder to drop APKs into and then using ES File Manager to install the APK

Also,The Plex Media Server app does not auto update,you have to go to the Play Store and push the update via a browser as it contains an SMB share setting that allows you to share you HDD over a local network within the Shield Storage and Reset settings,this option will not appear unless the Plex Server app is updated(it was the case for me anyway for a shield only 2 weeks old)

The above set up allows me to stream to any device with the Plex app installed, although i have the streams limited to 3 at the same time.

As for what I have installed so far
Kodi
ES File Manager
Aptoide-To sideload apps from within the Aptoide App(dont forget to allow unknown sources in settings)
Chrome

One other point- some apps that you install wont show up on the main screen,you have to navigate to the setting areas and go to the apps section to see them,there are a few launchers to sort them but i have tried one or two and didn't like the look of them (HAL Launcher & Tv Launcher) Anyone got any good launcher suggestions ?

Hope the above helps some people

givecredit

clintondaly wrote: »

One other point- some apps that you install wont show up on the main screen,you have to navigate to the setting areas and go to the apps section to see them,there are a few launchers to sort them but i have tried one or two and didn't like the look of them (HAL Launcher & Tv Launcher) Anyone got any good launcher suggestions ?

Hope the above helps some people

Install TV Repo App to bring apps to main screen.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=news.androidtv.tvapprepo.playstore&hl=en

Rock Paper Scissors

I have a 128GB Sandisk USB drive inserted into my shield but its very loose even though its fully inserted.

Is anybody else experiencing this from a USB drive they have connected?

Not sure if I have a fault connection or if its "normal" for it to be loose.

Kuva

Rock Paper Scissors wrote: »

I have a 128GB Sandisk USB drive inserted into my shield but its very loose even though its fully inserted.

Is anybody else experiencing this from a USB drive they have connected?

Not sure if I have a fault connection or if its "normal" for it to be loose.

HDD in mine. Not loose.