And sure we had to wait a little longer than the rest of the world but the award-winning NVIDIA SHIELD TV just got even better today thanks to the two new models hitting our shores - the SHIELD TV and SHIELD TV Pro, starting at $289.95 AUD. So, what's new? Well, hit the jump and we'll tell you.

First up there's the new-look to the SHIELD TV that comes with a vastly improved remote control and an updated Tegra X1+ processor for even speedier Android TV and app speeds.

Plus, there's Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support built-in to ensure that it's right there on the cutting edge. And speaking of cutting edge features, there's the AI-based resolution upscaling. On that front you've probably already seen something upscaled to 4K and noticed that it wasn't all that great - well, after going hands-on with the new SHIELD TV for a few days we can tell you that the effect here is impressive. Most impressive. Comparable to a native source. Big call we know - but who are we to argue with a neural net processor - a learning computer.

SHIELD benefits from NVIDIA’s AI leadership to offer features lacking in competing devices. In addition to built-in Google Assistant connectivity, the new streamers use an AI upscaler to bring HD content to life. Trained on a deep neural network, the upscaler lets SHIELD owners watch 720p and 1080p content in beautiful 4K.

It's a feat that NVIDIA proudly celebrates with the new Tegra X1+ and SHIELD TV letting you seamlessly switch between normal (or basic) upscaling and the new AI method to see the difference. The demo mode even offers up a split-screen effect.


“These new models provide a big step up for SHIELD, which has consistently delivered ground-breaking innovations in the living room since its introduction five years ago,” said Jeff Fisher, senior vice president of the Consumer Business at NVIDIA. “They deliver unquestionably best-in-class entertainment, supported by Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision and our breakthroughs in using AI to improve video streaming playback.”

In addition to the cylindrical SHIELD TV the SHIELD TV Pro (for $399.95 AUD) includes more RAM (3GB versus 2GB), increased storage (16GB versus 8GB), USB 3.0 ports for external storage and PLEX server support, and access to the higher-end Android games. But, both devices fully support NVIDIA's GameStream technology which allows for an entire Steam library and and any number of high-profile PC games to go from a desktop to a couch cushion in a matter of seconds. And on the gaming front Bluetooth support means connecting up an Xbox Elite 2 controller is a breeze.

Stay tuned for our full review of the SHIELD TV and TV Pro.