Roku Ultra vs NVidia Shield

General Discussions
21

Even the pro wouldn’t come close to backing up my primary server, capacity wise.

You have your terms mixed up.
The Shield or a HTPC are Plex Media SERVERS (and just to confuse things can also be players)
Now in your case your server also has your media (storage)
In the Shield’s case the media can be on the network or a connected USB device.

So using the Shield as a back up server means it is on your network getting the media from your HTPC.

Why would you want to do that ? Maybe your have several streams hogging the resources on you HTPC while you are trying to do something else on the PC = a game, photoshop , whatever…!

22

@spikemixture said:
Even the pro wouldn’t come close to backing up my primary server, capacity wise.

You have your terms mixed up.
The Shield or a HTPC are Plex Media SERVERS (and just to confuse things can also be players)
Now in your case your server also has your media (storage)
In the Shield’s case the media can be on the network or a connected USB device.

So using the Shield as a back up server means it is on your network getting the media from your HTPC.

Why would you want to do that ? Maybe your have several streams hogging the resources on you HTPC while you are trying to do something else on the PC = a game, photoshop , whatever…!

I thought I was clear until this comment. lol

I understand that my current “server” (Win10 box with lots of storage) is a media server that feeds all my streaming devices.

I understand that a Roku and a Shield (along with many others) are streaming devices.

I understand that a Shield can ALSO be used as a server, but since the max capacity is 500GB it wouldn’t come close to being a “backup” for my existing server which has 15TB+ of storage, most of which is media.

“So using the Shield as a back up server means it is on your network getting the media from your HTPC.”

I understand the “server” concept. What I don’t understand is how having a device with less than 1/10th of my current server’s capacity can “back up” anything in this regard. Are you saying that it will somehow know what I’m watching and copy perhaps some small, sub-section of it on the fly to stream from the Shield while I’m watching something? That’s what I don’t get. If that is what you are saying, how does that benefit me if I’m not currently having performance issues?

If by “it is on your network getting the media from your HTPC” you mean it is acting as a streaming device, that’s what my expectation is just like it would be using a Roku or any other Plex compatible streaming device. On my main, 65" 3D TV, I currently I use an ASUS HDMI stick computer running Win10 for example. I have a Firestick in my bedroom, etc.

I’m not trying to be a wise guy. I’m trying to understand. Thank you!

23

@spikemixture said:
Even the pro wouldn’t come close to backing up my primary server, capacity wise.

You have your terms mixed up.
The Shield or a HTPC are Plex Media SERVERS (and just to confuse things can also be players)
No, they are not. They are Plex servers if and only if they are running Plex Media Server, otherwise they are just players.
I have an HTPC that is not a server and (Plex-wise) only has PMP and OpenPHT installed, therefore making it just a player.
The more correct statement is they are whichever you need them to be depending on how you initially set them up (and can be changed as well).
Now in your case your server also has your media (storage)
In the Shield’s case the media can be on the network or a connected USB device.

So using the Shield as a back up server means it is on your network getting the media from your HTPC.

Why would you want to do that ? Maybe your have several streams hogging the resources on you HTPC while you are trying to do something else on the PC = a game, photoshop , whatever…!

The Shield does not need to be used as a Plex Server at all.
The OP never mentioned anything about using the Shield as a Server.
You were the first one to bring up the fact that the Shield can be used as a server as well.
The first person that responded understood the point of the OPs thread (without having to be spoon-fed it, sorry but what the OP wanted was pretty clear). Since the OP was comparing a Roku to a Shield it was very much implied he was looking for a streaming device only, in which case the Shield being able to be used as a server should have dominated the discussion.

-Shark2k

24

Sorry for pointjng out differences between the shield and the Roku.
I own and a Roku 3, Roku 4, shield pro and shield 16. So I have no idea about anything!
F.M. why do I bother?

25

How come I can’t get girls in real life to fight over me like this!!!
(doesn’t matter, since I’m married…:))

I appreciate all the input from everyone. I really didn’t need a server though. That is absolutely not a selling point for me and even if I were looking for a server that wouldn’t a fraction of my media making it pretty much useless for me as a server.

Other than that it seems like the main advantage to the Shield is the potentially better audio. Since I don’t have an amp that is capable of Atmos Audio (I have a lower end 5.1) that isn’t really a selling point for me. By the time I upgrade my amp and start paying attention to what audio options I have while ripping/playing movies there will be better devices out there anyway…:wink:

Thanks all!

26

The advantages of the Roku are that is it very simple and user friendly for the non-tech members of your family. Also, Plex Pass members get access to a Preview version of the Plex app for Roku, so you do not have to wait for the Appstore/Channel Store to approve the updates or fixes the developers make. The disadvantage is its limited codec support.

I personally like the Roku. Its affordable and because I mostly access online content, it offers a variety of native channels and works great with Plex channels.

But everyone uses the devices a little differently, so I would suggest reviewing the forums for the two devices. There you get to see the issues that are most reported and any ongoing issues or limitations. That way you can decide if any may be a deal breaker for you.

27

@shopgirl284 said:
The advantages of the Roku are that is it very simple and user friendly for the non-tech members of your family.

The Shields UI (Android TV) is plenty user frienly for non-tech people. My gf has zero tech ability and she loves the UI (simple, big pictures for shortcuts, very easy to navigate, and a voice search that works quite well).

My point is, I don’t think this is an advantage Roku has over the shield.

28

@spikemixture said:

I have the pro and 16gb - The 16gb can only handle a library of 1-2tb .

I think it is disingenuous to apply a flat storage number limitation like this, with regards to the library. The data storage size is not what is relevant; its the # of library entries that is relevant.

For instance, I have about 400 blu-ray movies encoded to an average of 10-15GB, using about 4.6TB of space. My 16GB shield TV server can handle this fine because the metadata for 400 movies really isn’t much.

Its when you start having thousands of entries (i.e. 100s of TV shows with 100s of seasons and thousands of episodes) that the metadata can get out of control. Or if you enable thumbnail previous.

29

@spikemixture said:
Sorry for pointjng out differences between the shield and the Roku.
I own and a Roku 3, Roku 4, shield pro and shield 16. So I have no idea about anything!
F.M. why do I bother?

It’s fine to point out the differences between the two, but keep it limited to the player portion.
The Roku can’t act like a server and the OP doesn’t want that (never asked and mentioned it multiple time in the reply).
It wouldn’t have been bad to mention it as a passing comment as just another thing the shield does, but to go into detail about it was pointless in regards to the OPs question.

Also, I never implied you didn’t know anything, I was pointing out your incorrect assumption that the shield and an HTPC are automatically Plex Media Server’s when that is not the case.

And the only reason I posted a response was just because the OP kept making it clear he didn’t want the shield as a Server and he was confused based on the responses that the shield was going to be a server (which again he didn’t want) because people kept responding based on that aspect.

@KaraokeAmerica: Hey now, I’m not fighting over you (more like for your original question :tongue:) but take what you can get :lol: and I’m also not a girl :trollface:

-Shark2k

30

@KaraokeAmerica said:

@Coxeroni said:

@KaraokeAmerica said:
Now I’m really confused.

I have ZERO intention of using a Shield as a Plex server.

I ONLY want such a device to STREAM from my existing server. I can do this with my Firestick, HTPC or even the built in app on my TV. I have no idea what all this “storage” requirement is for. AFAIK, there is no local “metadata” stored unless it’s perhaps some sort of cache. The DB is on my server already unless I simply have been using Plex for a couple years and have zero idea how it works.

I just checked this PC I’m typing on, on which I have PMP installed and there is a program folder. The ENTIRE folder with all its contents is 224MB. I realize that the Android/Shield or smart TV app may not represent exactly the same thing, but on devices like my Firestick there is ZERO storage space requirements that I know of other than the space the app itself uses. If there is local storage used it can’t be much.

How can the Shield have such high storage requirements JUST to be used as a streaming device?

People refer only to the Shield running PMS (server). If you don’t intend to do, you are probably totaly fine with 16 GB. These suggestions are probably only there in case you change yur mind and you want to run PMS on the Shield. Who knows…

I hope so, but since I never mentioned wanting this device as a server I don’t know why. In fact the OP was Shield vs Roku and the Roku CAN’T be used as a server so I don’t know why anyone would go there. I hope you’re right!

Thanks!

the 16GB shield is fine if a client is all you want. I had one and have 32TB of movies/tv shows. I did however get rid of the Shield as it was a hot mess. Buggy as hell. Most importantly (to me), the Apple TV (which I am currently using while I wait for something better) can be rebooted if frozen from my remote. The Shield could not. And it froze. A LOT. My equipment is in the basement and I am lazy.

that said, it was purchased at launch in Jan 2017. Its possible its gotten better. Its definitely the best device on the market for playback. But issues I had were device related, not Plex. It froze. It lost its 4K screen (which essentially = a freeze). It had known issues with Vizio P Series TV’s, which I have (AMAZING TV by the way :)). So I am sacrificing picture quality for ease of use and channels.

I REALLY REALLY want the Shield to be good, but i have too many people in and out of my house that are screwed or need to bother me to fix something when it breaks. with the Apple TV, and essentially a Roku, its simple to fix; I literally just have a button on my Harmony that says FIX ME haha.

31

@don.alcombright said:

@KaraokeAmerica said:

@Coxeroni said:

@KaraokeAmerica said:
Now I’m really confused.

I have ZERO intention of using a Shield as a Plex server.

I ONLY want such a device to STREAM from my existing server. I can do this with my Firestick, HTPC or even the built in app on my TV. I have no idea what all this “storage” requirement is for. AFAIK, there is no local “metadata” stored unless it’s perhaps some sort of cache. The DB is on my server already unless I simply have been using Plex for a couple years and have zero idea how it works.

I just checked this PC I’m typing on, on which I have PMP installed and there is a program folder. The ENTIRE folder with all its contents is 224MB. I realize that the Android/Shield or smart TV app may not represent exactly the same thing, but on devices like my Firestick there is ZERO storage space requirements that I know of other than the space the app itself uses. If there is local storage used it can’t be much.

How can the Shield have such high storage requirements JUST to be used as a streaming device?

People refer only to the Shield running PMS (server). If you don’t intend to do, you are probably totaly fine with 16 GB. These suggestions are probably only there in case you change yur mind and you want to run PMS on the Shield. Who knows…

I hope so, but since I never mentioned wanting this device as a server I don’t know why. In fact the OP was Shield vs Roku and the Roku CAN’T be used as a server so I don’t know why anyone would go there. I hope you’re right!

Thanks!

the 16GB shield is fine if a client is all you want. I had one and have 32TB of movies/tv shows. I did however get rid of the Shield as it was a hot mess. Buggy as hell. Most importantly (to me), the Apple TV (which I am currently using while I wait for something better) can be rebooted if frozen from my remote. The Shield could not. And it froze. A LOT. My equipment is in the basement and I am lazy.

that said, it was purchased at launch in Jan 2017. Its possible its gotten better. Its definitely the best device on the market for playback. But issues I had were device related, not Plex. It froze. It lost its 4K screen (which essentially = a freeze). It had known issues with Vizio P Series TV’s, which I have (AMAZING TV by the way :)). So I am sacrificing picture quality for ease of use and channels.

I REALLY REALLY want the Shield to be good, but i have too many people in and out of my house that are screwed or need to bother me to fix something when it breaks. with the Apple TV, and essentially a Roku, its simple to fix; I literally just have a button on my Harmony that says FIX ME haha.

Careful Don this topic is Roku v Shield and as you mentioned Apple TV and a Vizio tv , from some members view you are OFF topic.

32

@spikemixture said:

@don.alcombright said:

@KaraokeAmerica said:

@Coxeroni said:

@KaraokeAmerica said:
Now I’m really confused.

I have ZERO intention of using a Shield as a Plex server.

I ONLY want such a device to STREAM from my existing server. I can do this with my Firestick, HTPC or even the built in app on my TV. I have no idea what all this “storage” requirement is for. AFAIK, there is no local “metadata” stored unless it’s perhaps some sort of cache. The DB is on my server already unless I simply have been using Plex for a couple years and have zero idea how it works.

I just checked this PC I’m typing on, on which I have PMP installed and there is a program folder. The ENTIRE folder with all its contents is 224MB. I realize that the Android/Shield or smart TV app may not represent exactly the same thing, but on devices like my Firestick there is ZERO storage space requirements that I know of other than the space the app itself uses. If there is local storage used it can’t be much.

How can the Shield have such high storage requirements JUST to be used as a streaming device?

People refer only to the Shield running PMS (server). If you don’t intend to do, you are probably totaly fine with 16 GB. These suggestions are probably only there in case you change yur mind and you want to run PMS on the Shield. Who knows…

I hope so, but since I never mentioned wanting this device as a server I don’t know why. In fact the OP was Shield vs Roku and the Roku CAN’T be used as a server so I don’t know why anyone would go there. I hope you’re right!

Thanks!

the 16GB shield is fine if a client is all you want. I had one and have 32TB of movies/tv shows. I did however get rid of the Shield as it was a hot mess. Buggy as hell. Most importantly (to me), the Apple TV (which I am currently using while I wait for something better) can be rebooted if frozen from my remote. The Shield could not. And it froze. A LOT. My equipment is in the basement and I am lazy.

that said, it was purchased at launch in Jan 2017. Its possible its gotten better. Its definitely the best device on the market for playback. But issues I had were device related, not Plex. It froze. It lost its 4K screen (which essentially = a freeze). It had known issues with Vizio P Series TV’s, which I have (AMAZING TV by the way :)). So I am sacrificing picture quality for ease of use and channels.

I REALLY REALLY want the Shield to be good, but i have too many people in and out of my house that are screwed or need to bother me to fix something when it breaks. with the Apple TV, and essentially a Roku, its simple to fix; I literally just have a button on my Harmony that says FIX ME haha.

Careful Don this topic is Roku v Shield and as you mentioned Apple TV and a Vizio tv , from some members view you are OFF topic.

You seem to be purposefully not grasping the point.
He gave his advice on the Shield as a client (which the OP wanted). He then gave his opinion on ANOTHER DEVICE he uses as a CLIENT that he prefers currently over the Shield.

You kept talking about the Shield as a server, which the OP was not about. That’s it. That’s all that is trying to be told to you and you keep trying to make it a bigger deal than it is.

-Shark2k

33

@shopgirl284 said:
The advantages of the Roku are that is it very simple and user friendly for the non-tech members of your family. Also, Plex Pass members get access to a Preview version of the Plex app for Roku, so you do not have to wait for the Appstore/Channel Store to approve the updates or fixes the developers make. The disadvantage is its limited codec support.

I personally like the Roku. Its affordable and because I mostly access online content, it offers a variety of native channels and works great with Plex channels.

But everyone uses the devices a little differently, so I would suggest reviewing the forums for the two devices. There you get to see the issues that are most reported and any ongoing issues or limitations. That way you can decide if any may be a deal breaker for you.

Thanks!

To confirm does it have the DVR functionality (program guide etc) already like the PMP app does? I want (need) to be able to program recordings from the interface of whatever device I buy. I know it’s rolling out to all devices/platforms at some point but it makes a difference what I buy NOW.

34

@spikemixture said:

@don.alcombright said:

@KaraokeAmerica said:

@Coxeroni said:

@KaraokeAmerica said:
Now I’m really confused.

I have ZERO intention of using a Shield as a Plex server.

I ONLY want such a device to STREAM from my existing server. I can do this with my Firestick, HTPC or even the built in app on my TV. I have no idea what all this “storage” requirement is for. AFAIK, there is no local “metadata” stored unless it’s perhaps some sort of cache. The DB is on my server already unless I simply have been using Plex for a couple years and have zero idea how it works.

I just checked this PC I’m typing on, on which I have PMP installed and there is a program folder. The ENTIRE folder with all its contents is 224MB. I realize that the Android/Shield or smart TV app may not represent exactly the same thing, but on devices like my Firestick there is ZERO storage space requirements that I know of other than the space the app itself uses. If there is local storage used it can’t be much.

How can the Shield have such high storage requirements JUST to be used as a streaming device?

People refer only to the Shield running PMS (server). If you don’t intend to do, you are probably totaly fine with 16 GB. These suggestions are probably only there in case you change yur mind and you want to run PMS on the Shield. Who knows…

I hope so, but since I never mentioned wanting this device as a server I don’t know why. In fact the OP was Shield vs Roku and the Roku CAN’T be used as a server so I don’t know why anyone would go there. I hope you’re right!

Thanks!

the 16GB shield is fine if a client is all you want. I had one and have 32TB of movies/tv shows. I did however get rid of the Shield as it was a hot mess. Buggy as hell. Most importantly (to me), the Apple TV (which I am currently using while I wait for something better) can be rebooted if frozen from my remote. The Shield could not. And it froze. A LOT. My equipment is in the basement and I am lazy.

that said, it was purchased at launch in Jan 2017. Its possible its gotten better. Its definitely the best device on the market for playback. But issues I had were device related, not Plex. It froze. It lost its 4K screen (which essentially = a freeze). It had known issues with Vizio P Series TV’s, which I have (AMAZING TV by the way :)). So I am sacrificing picture quality for ease of use and channels.

I REALLY REALLY want the Shield to be good, but i have too many people in and out of my house that are screwed or need to bother me to fix something when it breaks. with the Apple TV, and essentially a Roku, its simple to fix; I literally just have a button on my Harmony that says FIX ME haha.

Careful Don this topic is Roku v Shield and as you mentioned Apple TV and a Vizio tv , from some members view you are OFF topic.

Thank you for defending my honor, but I am OK with discussion of other devices that can fill the need I made clear originally. I hadn’t really considered the Apple TV and probably still don’t but it’s fair game here.

I’m even OK with discussing other, lesser known devices if they are good quality and well supported with Plex. I know there are other players for example that are probably awesome like the Popcorn stuff PLUS they play full-resolution, 3D-MVC which is something sorely lacking in any Plex solution. However, they use a proprietary interface/software and don’t have any DVR functionality that I’m aware of which kind of make them lose their luster for me.

35

@KaraokeAmerica said:
I’m even OK with discussing other, lesser known devices if they are good quality and well supported with Plex. I know there are other players for example that are probably awesome like the Popcorn stuff PLUS they play full-resolution, 3D-MVC which is something sorely lacking in any Plex solution. However, they use a proprietary interface/software and don’t have any DVR functionality that I’m aware of which kind of make them lose their luster for me.

I am on the fence if I would even recommend the Apple TV. My server is powerful enough to handle 6-8 transcodes so even if I do its not a big deal. The Apple TV is definitely the best UI experience overall (not just Plex). But the main reason I still just use an Apple TV is because it hits the most apps for me. I don’t want two devices and I care about:

Plex, Netflix, HDHomeRun (Channels), Amazon Video, HBO Go, Showtime, Cinemax and a few kids channels. The Shield was missing all the premium movie channels for me as my login in Comcast and apparently Comcast doesn’t trust Android TV. It was also missing one of my kid channels. The Roku is missing HDHomeRun. The Apple TV currently is missing Amazon Video, but that is the least of my requirements so it was ok to miss (plus my xbox can do it if need be).

I have thought about a Roku for a LONG time but I can’t get past the 1990’s UI. I just can’t. I know thats petty, but it is what it is. The Shield was just a mess for my setup so I had to let it go in the 30 day return window, especially for $200.

36

Don, since Roku handles Plex and live TV is there or coming soon do you really need HDhomerun anymore? > @don.alcombright said:

@KaraokeAmerica said:
I’m even OK with discussing other, lesser known devices if they are good quality and well supported with Plex. I know there are other players for example that are probably awesome like the Popcorn stuff PLUS they play full-resolution, 3D-MVC which is something sorely lacking in any Plex solution. However, they use a proprietary interface/software and don’t have any DVR functionality that I’m aware of which kind of make them lose their luster for me.

I am on the fence if I would even recommend the Apple TV. My server is powerful enough to handle 6-8 transcodes so even if I do its not a big deal. The Apple TV is definitely the best UI experience overall (not just Plex). But the main reason I still just use an Apple TV is because it hits the most apps for me. I don’t want two devices and I care about:

Plex, Netflix, HDHomeRun (Channels), Amazon Video, HBO Go, Showtime, Cinemax and a few kids channels. The Shield was missing all the premium movie channels for me as my login in Comcast and apparently Comcast doesn’t trust Android TV. The Roku is missing HDHomeRun. The Apple TV currently is missing Amazon Video, but that is the least of my requirements so it was ok to miss (plus my xbox can do it if need be).

I have thought about a Roku for a LONG time but I can’t get past the 1990’s UI. I just can’t. I know thats petty, but it is what it is. The Shield was just a mess for my setup so I had to let it go in the 30 day return window, especially for $200.

@don.alcombright said:

@KaraokeAmerica said:
I’m even OK with discussing other, lesser known devices if they are good quality and well supported with Plex. I know there are other players for example that are probably awesome like the Popcorn stuff PLUS they play full-resolution, 3D-MVC which is something sorely lacking in any Plex solution. However, they use a proprietary interface/software and don’t have any DVR functionality that I’m aware of which kind of make them lose their luster for me.

I am on the fence if I would even recommend the Apple TV. My server is powerful enough to handle 6-8 transcodes so even if I do its not a big deal. The Apple TV is definitely the best UI experience overall (not just Plex). But the main reason I still just use an Apple TV is because it hits the most apps for me. I don’t want two devices and I care about:

Plex, Netflix, HDHomeRun (Channels), Amazon Video, HBO Go, Showtime, Cinemax and a few kids channels. The Shield was missing all the premium movie channels for me as my login in Comcast and apparently Comcast doesn’t trust Android TV. The Roku is missing HDHomeRun. The Apple TV currently is missing Amazon Video, but that is the least of my requirements so it was ok to miss (plus my xbox can do it if need be).

I have thought about a Roku for a LONG time but I can’t get past the 1990’s UI. I just can’t. I know thats petty, but it is what it is. The Shield was just a mess for my setup so I had to let it go in the 30 day return window, especially for $200.

Don, now that Roku has a Plex app that can do DVR and soon live TV do you really need the HDhomerun functionality?

I assume you’re talking about the silicon dust app that allows you to watch live TV their tuners?

37

@KaraokeAmerica said:
Don, now that Roku has a Plex app that can do DVR and soon live TV do you really need the HDhomerun functionality?

I assume you’re talking about the silicon dust app that allows you to watch live TV their tuners?

I am, on the Apple TV I use the Channels app since HDHomeRun doesn’t have a native app, which is beautiful. The Plex implementation without a standard guide is meh, but tolerable. It wouldn’t be enough of a reason to hold out.

It is something I will look at for sure, since the Apple TV is missing 4K and also transcodes everything. But until Live TV shows up on the Roku channel I wont go that route. The Roku is definitely the closest to complete, just currently its missing that big step :slight_smile:

Also, for me it is important that Live TV be available to family accounts as well, I don’t think it is now. My parents watch my kids at our house a few days a week and I would prefer them not seeing my entire library :wink:

38

@don.alcombright said:

@KaraokeAmerica said:
Don, now that Roku has a Plex app that can do DVR and soon live TV do you really need the HDhomerun functionality?

I assume you’re talking about the silicon dust app that allows you to watch live TV their tuners?

I am, on the Apple TV I use the Channels app since HDHomeRun doesn’t have a native app, which is beautiful. The Plex implementation without a standard guide is meh, but tolerable. It wouldn’t be enough of a reason to hold out.

It is something I will look at for sure, since the Apple TV is missing 4K and also transcodes everything. But until Live TV shows up on the Roku channel I wont go that route. The Roku is definitely the closest to complete, just currently its missing that big step :slight_smile:

Also, for me it is important that Live TV be available to family accounts as well, I don’t think it is now. My parents watch my kids at our house a few days a week and I would prefer them not seeing my entire library :wink:

Understood. Lol

I agree on the concerns about a “standard guide”. I started or commented about exactly this here in the forums. If you’re looking to replace your cable box that is a must have. Since they are accessing all the channel info already it seems to me it’s just a software update/view change.

I too look forward with baited breath for a real live TV option for Plex. I currently use PMP on a Win10 HTPC but that’s too complicated for the non-techies. I hardware solution is required. That means the “app” involved has to have DVR/live TV. Right now I know it’s coming so I’d jump in to learn the personality of it while I wait if the device can do all else I need. Frankly my Firestick does pretty well in this regard but still no DVR/guide and no 4K.

39

does the roku still use the really, really bad left to right scroll plex ui? if so thats a hard no for me.

40

@don.alcombright said:
does the roku still use the really, really bad left to right scroll plex ui? if so thats a hard no for me.

No idea. I have an old Roku but I don’t even think Plex is on it. I don’t use it anymore.