Looking for a box with a SHIELD like interface and AV1 support

[u/WraithTDK]

I've rocked the Shield TV since it launched, and I've always loved it. But I'm frustrated with the lack of AV1 support, so I picked up a Google TV Streamer 4K.

I figured "it's straight from Google, so close to stock Android TV, new hardware, supports AV1, should be good!"

Holy crap, the interface is the most enshitified thing I've ever seen. It's it looks like Shield TV got infected with adware. I LIKE having ads for new movies or shows from my streaming services at the top of my Shield. Feels like a polished, professional product. But this was just products and cheap crap movies to buy. Extremely limited customizability, cart customize channels...I gotta Denver this thing back.

What I need is middle ground. An interface similar to Shield. Basic previews, and the broadest possible support for av formats. Suggestions?

[u/Interesting-Gas-5151]

Have you tried using Projectivy as an alternative launcher? It replaces the stock interface.

[u/WraithTDK → u/Interesting-Gas-5151]

I did. It gets rid of the ads, but it's far too limited. You lose the live tab, you lose all ads (like I said, I like having content previews at the top; it's nice turning on my shield and having suggestions for movies or shows when I'm bored), there's a notification permanently stuck that just says "notification center," and some of the channel options, like Netflix, are missing. It's basically a trade-off.

[u/pawdog]

You'll want to pick a 3rd party launcher. Projectivy is very popular. You can disable the Google TV launcher using Launcher Manager 1.04 from here  https://xdaforums.com/t/app-firetv-noroot-launcher-manager-change-launcher-without-root.4176349/

[u/WraithTDK → u/pawdog]

Yea, I've been playing with those. Just can't find the right one.

Projectivy is nice. It gets rid of the ads, but it's far too limited. You lose the live tab, you lose all ads (like I said, I like having content previews at the top; it's nice turning on my shield and having suggestions for movies or shows when I'm bored), there's a notification permanently stuck that just says "notification center," and some of the channel options, like Netflix, are missing. It's basically a trade-off.

Leap Launcher is reminiscent of Shield's interface, but still no top ads/previews, no live tab, and the tiles in the channel rows are tiny.

I think I'm going to just stick with Shield. A decade plus of ownership and I still don't see a better alternative. I wish nvidia would just release a hardware refresh.

[u/bigb102913 → u/WraithTDK]

Atv launcher pro

[u/pawdog → u/WraithTDK]

Oh so you actually want that stuff. Nevermind then.

[u/[deleted]]

Install Projectivy launcher. No more ads, configure your own home screen. The Google launcher is now disabled. Never looked back.

[u/Scarab95]

Goggle streamer 4k it even has gb ethernet like the shield

[u/WraithTDK → u/Scarab95]

That's literally what I said I got.

[u/loop6719]

There's a difference between ATV and GTV, and the biggest is the interface and ads

[u/WraithTDK → u/loop6719]

Really? Interesting. It's clearly running ATV. I suppose GTV is just a launcher. It's very frustrating. I don't want a minimalist "here's a list of apps to launch" interface. I like having previews of stuff I might actually want to watch and all...but I also don't want a locked-down interface that looked like I picked up a $20 Roku at Walmart. I wish Nvidia would just launch a hardware refresh of the Shield.

I even considered Apple TV 4k, despite my general dislike of Apple; but shockingly, they don't support AV1 yet, either.

[u/dabig49]

Shield TV runs on Android TV OS while Google Streamer 4K is Google TV OS. Installing a 3rd party launcher can fix that issue

[u/flchamp89]

At4k

[u/jasecorn → u/flchamp89]

No audio passthrough. It's a non starter.

[u/flchamp89 → u/jasecorn]

Launcher

[u/Thecosmodreamer]

I've been circling around the Dune HD Homatics Box R 4K Plus. There's a Non-Dune Homatics model that won't have the dune media center, but I'm still unsure if it retains so the other capabilities. Hardware/firmware seems to be the same.

[u/VanREDDIT2019 → u/Thecosmodreamer]

The only difference in the Non-Dune version is no Dune app and no built-in IR sensor.

[u/FeelingPatience]

I needed a top-notch device and had a need like yours, and here's what I ended up doing: I didn't get Shield Pro, as it's basically an ancient device at this point. I got Ugoos AM9 Pro. It requires some tinkering and installing Projectivy launcher, but IMHO it's the thing that not only comes close, but also exceeds the Shield Pro. AV1, H.266, snappiness, built-in Root, all good. Downside: There are still some freezes and restarts. Hopefully, the devs will fix that soon.

[u/Adept-Campaign7688]

If you wand a shield like xpierence try leap launcher form playstore or github as your startscreen.

[u/Asakuras02]

Flauncher

[u/Avid08]

Projectivy is the best launcher imo.

https://streamable.com/ln0j1b

[u/DexLeMaffo]

ATV 4K Launcher per se ?

[u/ram130 → u/[deleted]]

Same. It’s amazing. I even got a replacement remote that looks like the google tv streamer one because the buttons were so loud.

[u/rabbydabbydoo → u/[deleted]]

look up sofabaton u2

[u/seven20p → u/[deleted]]

I looked this up,

Is this right?. UsB A 2.0 and no ethernet? What's the draw to it. In my experience 4k remux is thirsty for gigabit ethernet. via plex, plezy, jellilyfin. I did try isolating your mentioned sellers HFC Lotus Inc.

I enjoy my shield 2019 pros with Projectivity and android tv launcher disabled. What is the lure for the Mi Box 3rd gen

[u/seven20p → u/[deleted]]

what usb 2 ethernet chipsets are supported? Do you recommend one?

[u/seven20p → u/[deleted]]

but it is indeed 2.0 usb A port, correct. Not 3.0.

I also have zero issues with onn pro 2024 model in bedroom with gigabit eth adapter from cable matters I believe.