Shield TV Gets Major Update After Long Silence
NVIDIA Shield TV Gets a Major Update: Shield Experience 9.2
After a long wait, NVIDIA has released a significant update for its Shield TV streaming devices, bringing several new features and a large number of bug fixes. This update, dubbed Shield Experience 9.2, marks the first major software update since 2022, excluding minor hotfixes. Let’s delve into the details.
What’s New in Shield Experience 9.2?
This update isn’t just a small tweak; it boasts several notable additions and improvements.
Enhanced Audio Capabilities
- AURO-3D Audio Support (Pro Model Only): The most significant addition is support for AURO-3D audio, a high-resolution, immersive 3D sound format. However, this feature is currently exclusive to the NVIDIA Shield TV Pro model. To enjoy AURO-3D, you’ll need a compatible audio decoder connected via HDMI. This allows for a more natural and enveloping 3D sound experience when streaming from compatible apps.
Other Improvements and Additions
Besides AURO-3D, Shield Experience 9.2 adds several other enhancements:
Match Audio Content Resolution via USB DAC: This feature allows for more precise audio output matching when using an external USB Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC).
Enhanced 4K DRM Playback Security: The update includes security improvements for playing 4K content protected by Digital Rights Management (DRM).
French Parental Controls: Users in France now have access to enhanced parental control features.
Ability to Clear HDMI 1.4 Flag: A factory reset option now allows clearing the HDMI 1.4 flag.
- Match Frame Rate (Beta): A beta version of a feature called "Match Frame Rate" has been added. This feature likely helps smooth out video playback by matching the video’s frame rate to the display’s refresh rate.
Bug Fixes: Addressing User Concerns
A significant portion of Shield Experience 9.2 focuses on resolving previously reported issues. The extensive list of bug fixes addresses a wide range of problems, improving the overall user experience. Here’s a summary:
Improved Video Playback: Fixed choppy playback issues that occurred after fast-forwarding or rewinding videos.
Remote Control Responsiveness: Resolved an issue where the remote would become unresponsive for up to a minute after waking the device from sleep.
Unintentional Wake-ups: Fixed instances where the Shield TV would unexpectedly wake from the lock screen without user interaction.
Network-Associated Issues: Addressed several problems related to network file transfers (NAS), Wi-Fi logs filling up storage, and audio stutters when using certain headsets on 2.4GHz Wi-Fi.
Audio and Video Synchronization: Fixed audio synchronization issues (AV sync) when using Dolby audio processing and resolved audio stutters experienced with aptX-compatible headsets.
Application-Specific Fixes: A range of fixes are included for various applications, such as Apple Music casting issues, Spotify playback problems, Google Assistant functionality, and crashes within GeForce Now and other DRM-protected apps.
Storage and File System Stability: Addressed issues related to the Shield TV’s internal storage filling up unexpectedly, as well as problems with USB drives and Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices showing incorrect information or becoming corrupted.
- General Stability and Crash Fixes: Corrected various crashes, including those occurring when changing the volume, and addressed several cases of general instability and application crashes.
Notable Change: Removal of Google Home Integration
While many improvements have been added, one notable change is the removal of Google Home integration. After installing Shield Experience 9.2, the Shield TV will no longer be directly controllable through the Google Home app. NVIDIA’s support website provides instructions on how to reconfigure this integration.
Conclusion: A Much-Needed Upgrade
After a period of limited updates, the release of Shield Experience 9.2 is a welcome development for NVIDIA Shield TV owners. The inclusion of several new features, particularly AURO-3D audio support for the Pro model and the extensive bug fixes, enhance the overall performance and user experience. While the removal of Google Home integration is a drawback for some, the positive changes outweigh this negative for most users. This update demonstrates NVIDIA’s continued commitment to supporting its Shield TV products, offering improvements and addressing user feedback.
