So I’ve been using Jellyfin for a while now. I have a NAS running with a jellyfin server and I watch stuff on my PC or on my TV. This is concerning the TV… As is often the case with these low-to-mid tier smart TVs, the OS is slow and the UX terrible. The network adapter is also bad. Jellyfin and everything else about the UI and OS in general, is slow. The jellyfin client occasionally crashes, and some files sometimes stutter or otherwise struggle when streamed, despite working just fine when streamed on the same network on my PC (wired both).
I was thinking of doing a bit of a brain transplant on my TV here by running my TV needs through Nvidia Shield or similar. Now, as I understand it, of the common options, Nvidia Shield is more or less the ultimate option for this. However, it is somewhat expensive, and I don’t really care about anything other than having a responsive UI, support for all the usual codecs, HDR, 4K and preferably also Dolby and Atmos. I also want to be able to use my soundbar. I don’t need any of the gaming features, storage space etc. that the Shield also markets…
Are there other cheaper alternatives that would do just as well, or should I just get the Shield?
Update in the comments.
You’re right about the shield being the most capable box out there and, IMHO, worth splurging on.
On the other extreme, if you’re in the U.S., the Walmart “Onn TV 4K” streaming box is only $20. It should have all the stuff you listed and will be way more responsive than the anemic HW the TV makers use. Note: The remote feels a bit chinsy but it has a lots of buttons (many can be remapped with apps available in the Play store).
“Middle” option might be a “Chromecast with Google TV”. More than 2x what the Onn box costs but the build quality is noticably better.
