Which streaming gadget is best for you?

• Nvidia Defend TV (2019)

  Unbeatable image high quality

  When image high quality is of the utmost significance, the NVIDIA TV Defend’s next-level 4K upscaling ensures that each pixel works at its full potential. And when it comes time to stream, the built-in 1Gbps Ethernet port means that you can hardwire on to your router for the most effective web velocity.

  Execs

  • Spectacular 4K upscaling
  • Expandable microSD card storage
  • Works with Chromecast, Google Assistant, and Alexa

  Cons

  • Costly
  • Android TV is not as polished as Google TV

• 

  Supply: Google

  Google Chromecast with Google TV (4K)

  An intuitive interface

  The Chromecast with Google TV (4K) could not take dwelling the gold for upscaling, however the $50 Google Assistant-powered gadget nonetheless helps quite a few main HDR and audio codecs. A significant plus? The truth that Google TV can advocate content material primarily based in your viewing historical past.

  Execs

  • Glorious Google TV interface
  • 4K HDR and Dolby Atmos assist
  • Less expensive than NVIDIA TV Defend

  Cons

  • Solely 8GB of inside storage
  • No Ethernet port or microSD card slot
  • No GeForce Now assist

Abstract

• The NVIDIA TV Defend (2019) affords superior 4K upscaling and extra options like an Ethernet port and a microSD card slot, making it the best choice for many who prioritize image high quality and expanded storage. (150 characters)
• However, the Chromecast with Google TV (4K) offers an important streaming expertise at a cheaper price level and options the most effective UI for content material suggestions. It is a extra inexpensive different with a number of shade choices. (146 characters)
• Each units have their strengths, however for those who’re prepared to splurge, the NVIDIA TV Defend affords superior efficiency and extra capabilities that make it well worth the increased price ticket. Nevertheless, the Chromecast with Google TV is a implausible choice for budget-conscious customers. (150 characters)

The NVIDIA TV Defend (2019) and the Chromecast with Google TV (4K) are two phenomenal streaming units, and each peripherals simply so occur to be powered by Android. On the NVIDIA finish, it is tried and true Android TV, whereas the Chromecast runs off its titular OS, Google TV. Each interfaces are packed to the brim with options. However when it comes time to observe your favourite film or TV present, which of those two Android devices will provide you with the type of expertise you may need to write dwelling about? Nicely, that is determined by what you prioritize on the planet of apps, video games, and movie upscaling.

At Android Police, we’re main followers of each units. And whereas there are lots of similarities between them, there are additionally a couple of key variations that could be deal-breakers. So, that will help you make the most effective shopping for determination in your streaming needs, we have put collectively this side-by-side comparability of the NVIDIA TV Defend and Chromecast with Google TV (4K).

Worth, availability, and specs

The NVIDIA TV Defend at the moment sells for $150, and you should purchase the streaming gadget instantly by means of NVIDIA and Amazon, in addition to brick-and-mortar shops like Greatest Purchase. Nevertheless, remember the fact that due to its increased worth level and extra superior options, the TV Defend tends to be a bit extra area of interest than the Chromecast with Google TV (4K), which can influence gadget availability throughout the board.

The complete retail value for the Chromecast with Google TV (4K) is $50. You should purchase the streaming gadget by means of Google, Amazon, and retailers like Greatest Purchase and Walmart.

• 	Nvidia Defend TV (2019)	Google Chromecast with Google TV (4K)
  Working System	Android TV 11	Android 12
  Downloadable Apps	Sure	Sure
  Decision	4K, 1080p	4K
  Ports	HDMI 2.0b, MicroSD, Gigabit Ethernet	HDMI, USB-C
  RAM/storage	2GB/8GB	2GB/8GB
  Connectivity	Wi-Fi 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5), Bluetooth 5.0	Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
  Worth	$150	$50
  CPU	Nvidia Tegra X1+	Quad Core A53 1.8 GHz

Tabletop and TV-tied designs

In contrast to smartphones, streaming units are getting smaller and smaller, and we’re not complaining. In relation to leisure actual property, we already should take care of the truth that trendy sport programs are greater than most Blu-ray gamers. That is why it is good that each NVIDIA and Google prioritize an out-of-sight-out-of-mind method. And in NVIDIA’s case, if the gadget must be seen, the ultimate footprint is pretty minimal.

That being stated, the NVIDIA TV Defend requires some type of tabletop placement, despite the fact that it is solely 6.5 inches broad and 1.57 inches tall. Sure, the required placement is a small gripe however one value mentioning. Compared, the Chromecast with Google TV is additional handy with its suspend-in-the-air aesthetic.

Connections

So far as connections go, the TV Defend has extra to supply than the Chromecast. On one finish of the sphere, you may discover each an influence and Ethernet port, the latter of which is commonly reserved for higher-priced units just like the TV Defend. If lightning-fast web is essential to your streaming expertise, a hardwired connection to your router is the way in which to go. Plus, you are not going to search out this connection on the Chromecast; the identical goes for the microSD card slot on the opposite facet of the TV Defend, which lets you broaden the 8GB of inside storage (that means extra apps and video games for you).

Nevertheless, notice that almost all streaming units (together with the TV Defend) operate simply nice over Wi-Fi. So, you’ll save round $100 with out the Ethernet and microSD card for those who select the Chromecast choice. If Ethernet is integral, although, you should purchase a USB-C to Ethernet adapter to make use of along with your Chromecast.

Distant controls

Distant controls are vital, too, and each NVIDIA and Google did a pleasant job of giving streamers a controller that does not really feel low-cost and is simple to make use of. As for the TV Defend distant, the design is slightly on the skinnier facet, and there are much less well-liked shortcut buttons to play with (simply Netflix). Nonetheless, backlit buttons, a mic command for calling up Google Assistant or Alexa, and an built-in distant locator make up for the absence of Prime Video and Disney+.

As for the Chromecast distant, the appear and feel are on the smaller facet, however chopping a couple of inches off its size makes for a neater handheld expertise. And whereas there’s just one extra shortcut button (in comparison with the only Netflix command of the TV Defend), Chromecast customers can select between a jump-to for Netflix and YouTube. There’s additionally a Google Assistant button and some totally different shade choices for each the principle gadget and controller, together with Snow White, Dawn Pink, and Sky Blue.

Outdated Android software program vs. new Android software program

The TV Defend and Chromecast are each powered by Android, however there are some variations right here. Whereas the TV Defend runs off Android 11, the Chromecast will get its UI and algorithmic talents from Google TV, a next-gen model of Android TV. So what is the huge distinction between these OS sorts? For starters, for those who’re all about suggestions for brand new issues to observe primarily based on the programming you already take pleasure in, Google TV goes to be your finest good friend.

Due to robust AI capabilities, Chromecast retains tabs on the content material you stream and feeds this information again to you within the type of personalised “For You” content material. One among our favourite elements of this characteristic is that your OG streamer subscriptions like Netflix and Hulu are tied into this AI, so if there is a film or two that Google TV thinks you may dig, it’s going to seem on the For You web page as a jump-to Netflix tile. Choose the flick, and Netflix will robotically hearth up the stream.

The TV Defend delivers its personal algorithmic suggestions within the type of a Play Subsequent part, however Google TV does a significantly better job at making these ideas navigable. And at the moment, Netflix and some different apps do not assist Android TV’s Play Subsequent characteristic. If you happen to’re extra of a scrolling devotee, the TV Defend is extra of your conventional rows-and-columns app library; nonetheless, this UI aspect is not lacking from Chromecast.

Concerning gaming, the TV Defend helps NVIDIA GeForce Now, which is nice for these of us with many titles in our Steam library. And though the Chromecast with Google TV does not embody GeForce Now, gaming followers can nonetheless use Google Stadia.

When it comes to casting capabilities, the TV Defend and Chromecast have built-in Chromecast assist, permitting you to wirelessly beam sure apps and media out of your cellular gadget or laptop to your streaming gadget. You’ll additionally be capable of use Google Assistant on each units, however for those who’re extra on the Amazon good dwelling ecosystem, the TV Defend works with Alexa, too.

A transparent winner for efficiency

Let’s not beat across the bush: If image and sound high quality are of the utmost significance, the TV Defend completely beats the Chromecast. How? All of it boils all the way down to 4K image upscaling. Though each units assist all prime HDR codecs, the TV Defend makes use of superior AI instruments to fill these lacking pixels with information from onscreen human faces and different focus factors, relying on no matter content material you are watching. This ends in a much better viewing expertise, particularly when watching older films and exhibits. You will additionally be capable of modify the quantity of upscaling utilized. Sadly, 4K upscaling is totally lacking from the Chromecast.

In relation to UI and voice assistant responsiveness, the TV Defend and Chromecast are strong choices. Due to highly effective quad-core processors constructed into every gadget (an NVIDIA Tegra X1+ for the TV Defend and an Amlogic S905X3 SoC for the Chromecast), launching and navigating by means of apps, taking part in video games, and utilizing a voice assistant are all lightning-fast processes.

Which must you purchase?

Whereas all of us like to save lots of our pennies for a wet day, the NVIDIA TV Defend is the streaming gadget you may need to use when it is pouring outdoors. Yup, it is $100 greater than the Chromecast with Google TV (4K), however that additional Ben Franklin nets you some killer AI-powered 4K upscaling, a built-in Ethernet port, a microSD card slot for improved web speeds and expanded storage, in addition to GeForce Now and Alexa assist.

In fact, we perceive that not everybody can splurge on a streaming gadget, which is why the Chromecast with Google TV (4K) is an unbelievable different. Not solely will you save $100, however Google TV is the most effective UI for content material advice and general structure. Plus, it does not harm that there is a couple of shade choice.