Nvidia Shield gets Plex server, Netflix HDR, Dolby Atmos & more

The update that Nvidia detailed during Google I/O in May has been released. It includes all of the promised features along with some surprises. The most important new feature is support for HDR (high dynamic range), making Nvidia Shield the first box to support HDR. Until now, only built-in apps in Smart TVs have offered HDR from streaming services.

With the update Nvidia Shield will support HDR in Netflix and GameStream. The latter is a feature that allows you to stream games from your PC onto the TV screen (in HDR). To experience HDR you obviously need a HDR-capable TV that can receive HDR inputs via HDMI. In the next major version of Android TV, Google will add HDR support on a system level.

Shield as a Plex Server

Another major new feature is the ability to run Plex Server on Nvidia Shield box - as promised. This way you can use Shield as a server for all of your movies, videos, music tracks, and other media files.

To watch your movies stored on Nvidia Shield you simply need to install the Plex app on your other TV boxes, Smart TVs, smartphones and tablets. Both the Plex server and client app is free. You can stream at home or on the go.

You can learn more about Plex Server on Nvidia Shield here.

Dolby Atmos and HDMI CEC control

In addition, Nvidia Shield now support Dolby Atmos (pass-through). It is supported in the built-in "Photo & Video" app as well as Vudu, MX Player and SPMC. It is up to app developers to support Dolby Atmos pass-through in their apps.

YouTube can now be streamed in up to 4K resolution at 60 frames per second, which ensures smoother motion. The update also adds improved HDMI CEC controls, allowing you to configure the box to automatically turn off the TV once Shield goes to sleep. Lastly, Nvidia has fixed bugs.

"Shield Experience Upgrade 3.2" is available to download for free now. Nvidia Shield will later get Android N – Google’s next major version of Android.

New features:

Netflix in HDR - SHIELD is the first Smart TV box to support Netflix in HDR! Pair with an HDR TV and enjoy brighter highlights, more detail in dark scenes, and a wider color range. One hundred hours of HDR shows coming this summer.

VUDU in 4K - Catch up on the latest movies and binge-watch TV series. Joining IS FREE. You only pay for what you rent or buy. VUDU supports UltraViolet and Disney Movies Anywhere playback, as well as 4K and voice search.

Media Streaming (At home and on the go) - With PLEX Media Server built-in, you can stream your personal media collection from SHIELD to mobile devices, even outside the home. Accelerate your media (even from a NAS) with SHIELD’s HD transcode.

Dolby Atmos - Enjoy a home theater experience with rich Dolby® Atmos surround sound pass-through in VUDU, MX Player, SPMC, and SHIELD’s preinstalled Photos & Videos app.

YouTube 4K 60FPS - Watch YouTube videos in 4K Ultra HD resolution at a smooth 60 frames per second—only on SHIELD.

Access SHIELD folders from a network PC or Mac and enjoy drag-and-drop file sharing. Enable in Settings > Storage & reset > Access SHIELD folders on PC.

Mount a network attached storage device (NAS) to SHIELD to access your complete media collection. Stream this media to mobile devices using the Plex app and SHIELD’s HD hardware transcode. Set up in Settings > Storage & reset > Network storage.

Automatically turn off your TV when SHIELD sleeps. Enable in Settings > HDMI > HDMI-CEC preferences.

Enable YCbCr 4:4:4 color space for improved video quality on supported TVs. Go to Settings > HDMI > Color space.

Improves picture quality for RGB TVs

Delivers the latest monthly Android security updates

Improves video playback for 23.976 Hz refresh rate

Improves TV compatibility