The NVIDIA Shield Pro remains a powerhouse in 2024 for anyone wanting a versatile, all-in-one entertainment hub.
Whether you’re a cord-cutter or just looking to enhance your TV setup, the Shield Pro, when paired with an HDHomeRun and a TV antenna, offers an unmatched combination of over-the-air (OTA) TV and streaming capabilities.
In this updated review, we’ll focus on what makes the NVIDIA Shield Pro an excellent choice for OTA TV enthusiasts, while also highlighting how it integrates streaming services seamlessly.
The Shield Pro as an OTA TV Hub
The NVIDIA Shield Pro, combined with an HDHomeRun tuner, turns OTA channels into a modern, streamlined experience.
By connecting an HDHomeRun to your home network and pairing it with a TV antenna, you can watch and record live OTA channels directly on the Shield. You get access to your local NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, and PBS stations, all in HD quality —completely free of charge once you’ve set up your equipment.
To make the most out of OTA TV, the Shield Pro works well with Plex’s Live TV and DVR features. Plex’s intuitive interface provides a thumbnail-style guide, allowing you to see what’s currently on and what’s coming up.
This visual guide makes browsing channels much more enjoyable compared to a standard text-based channel guide. The DVR functionality lets you record your favorite shows, store them locally on the Shield’s 500GB hard drive, and watch at your convenience.
Setup: HDHomeRun vs Hauppauge WinTV-dualHD
Setting up OTA TV with the Shield Pro can be done using an HDHomeRun tuner or a Hauppauge WinTV-dualHD USB tuner.
The HDHomeRun is the best choice if you plan to stream live OTA TV across multiple devices within your home. You can connect it to your router, and watch OTA TV on your Shield Pro, smartphone, tablet, or other devices connected to your network.
The Hauppauge tuner, on the other hand, is a simpler solution that directly plugs into the Shield’s USB port. This is a setup for when you only want to watch on the Shield itself. The advantage of the Hauppauge is that you don’t need to hardwire the tuner to your Wi-Fi router.
If you’re using a HDHomeRun, you can use a variety of apps including its own HDHomeRun app, Plex or the Channels app.
I prefer using an outdoor TV antenna for my setup because it can get you the best reception — regardless of whether you live in a city or a rural area.
A Streaming Powerhouse Too
In addition to being a robust OTA TV solution, the Shield Pro is one of the best streaming devices available.
With support for 4K HDR streaming, apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, and Pluto TV shine on the Shield. Its user interface is highly customizable.
You can set your favorite streaming apps, Plex, and games exactly where you want them. For cord-cutters, the Shield Pro offers the flexibility to watch free OTA channels while also streaming your favorite services like Netflix or Disney+. The latest Shield Update 9.1 added IMAX Enhanced viewing to Disney+, which is great for when I have the Shield connected to one of my home theater projectors.
With voice search powered by Google Assistant, you can navigate between streaming apps or track down movies from specific directors.
Maximizing Value: Live TV and DVR on Shield Pro
Using Plex as your DVR, you no longer need an always-on PC.
The Shield Pro’s powerful hardware—featuring NVIDIA’s Tegra X1 Processor and 500GB of internal storage—enables it to act as a media server for all your OTA TV recordings. You can record an episode of your favorite series in HD quality and watch it whenever you like, without needing an external hard drive or a separate DVR device.
Plex’s DVR functionality also extends to scheduling recordings, viewing upcoming programming, and organizing recorded content in a user-friendly way. With the Shield Pro, you’re not limited by the traditional boundaries of either OTA or streaming—you can blend both seamlessly.
Shield Pro: Ideal for Cord-Cutters
The NVIDIA Shield Pro is not just about OTA TV—it’s a complete entertainment hub that integrates streaming, live TV, streaming apps like Netflix and gaming.
If you want to move away from expensive cable bills but still have a full entertainment setup, the Shield Pro is an ideal choice. Its versatility means that you can watch live OTA broadcasts, stream from services like Netflix and Pluto TV, and even play high-quality games, all from one device.
For cord-cutters, investing in a Shield Pro, an HDHomeRun or Hauppauge tuner, and a good TV antenna brings tremendous value.
You’ll enjoy a mix of free OTA content, subscription streaming, and even cloud gaming—without the steep cost of cable. Plus, with Plex DVR, you get the flexibility to record live TV and watch on your schedule, turning your OTA setup into a cable-like experience without the monthly bill.
2024 Verdict: Why the Shield Pro Stands Out
In 2024, the NVIDIA Shield Pro continues to prove itself as the go-to device for anyone who wants the best of both worlds—live, free OTA TV and modern streaming apps. Its OTA integration through HDHomeRun and Plex, combined with its powerful streaming capabilities, makes it a top choice for cord-cutters.
If you’re looking for an all-in-one solution for entertainment, the Shield Pro has it all—without ongoing subscription fees or clunky setups. Whether you’re watching the latest shows, streaming live sports, or gaming, the NVIDIA Shield Pro is a future-proof solution that maximizes your entertainment options.
