Media streaming devices have become indispensable elements of our home entertainment ecosystems. Key players in this area are the Zidoo X9S and the Nvidia Shield, and both offer compelling experiences but cater to distinct user profiles.
The Zidoo X9S is a robust media player acclaimed for its wide-ranging file compatibility and customization possibilities, presenting itself as a versatile solution for the most demanding media enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Nvidia Shield, renowned for its exceptional gaming prowess and cutting-edge AI upscaling, embodies a powerful fusion of entertainment and performance.
In this post, we’ll look at their features, performance, and overall value to determine which media streamer ultimately stands out.
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Zaidoo X9S Key Specifications
The Zidoo X9S, with its sleek smoke-colored aviation aluminum alloy case, is a compact yet powerful media streaming device. It operates on an Android 6.0 and OpenWRT(NAS) dual system, simultaneously offering a seamless integration of your entertainment and network attached storage needs. Under its hood, it is powered by the Realtek RTD1295 ARM Cortex-A53 Quad-Core CPU and an ARM T820 MP3 3-core GPU.
This combination promises a potent performance, assisted by 2GB DDR3 memory and 16GB eMMC for internal storage. Connectivity-wise, the X9S excels with dual-band Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n, 802.11AC, 4.900 GHz ~ 5.845 GHz), a gigabit Ethernet jack, and Bluetooth 4.0.
The Zidoo X9S further impresses with its expansive array of input and output options. It features HDMI with HDCP 2.2 output supporting 4K@60fps, HD Audio (7.1CH), and frame rates of 23.976 and 29.94. When it comes to video decoding, the X9S handles HDR, 10-bit HEVC/H.265 up to 4K @ 60fps, VP9 up to 4K @ 60 fps, and H.264 up to 4K @ 24 fps, with automatic frame rate switching. The audio decoding supports HD audio (7.1ch) with enhanced subtitle support.
Nvidia Shield Key Specifications
The Nvidia Shield is strikingly compact and lightweight, designed to seamlessly blend into any living room setup. The main device, the Shield, weighs in at just 8.8 ounces (250 grams) and is a mere 3.858 inches (9.8 cm) tall, 6.26 inches (15.9 cm) wide, and 1.02 inches (2.593 cm) deep. Its complementary controller and remote add to its dynamic functionality.
The Nvidia Shield offers a superior audio-visual experience, supporting 4K HDR playback at 60 FPS (H.265/HEVC) as well as other formats, including VP8, VP9, H.264, and MPEG1/2. The device also supports up to 1080p playback at 60 FPS for formats like H.263, MJPEG, MPEG4, and WMV9/VC1. Moreover, it provides container support for Xv
id, DivX, ASF, AVI, MKV, MOV, M2TS, MPEG-TS, MP4, and WEB-M.
The device is powered by the NVIDIA Tegra X1 processor with a 256-core GPU and 3 GB RAM, running on Android 11.0 with Android TV and Chromecast built-in. Storage comes in at 16 GB, expandable via USB, with the opti
on to connect to Network Addressable Storage (NAS), including PCs.
Differences Between Zidoo X9S and Nvidia Shield
1. Operating system
The Nvidia Shield runs on Android 11.0, powered by Android TV and Chromecast built-in. In contrast, the Zidoo X9S uses a customized version of Android, ZIUI, that enables enhanced customization and unique features like automatic movie poster and synopsis downloads.
2. Processor
The Nvidia Shield uses the NVIDIA Tegra X1 processor, featuring a 256-core GPU and 3 GB of RAM, which is particularly well-suited for high-end gaming. The Zidoo X9S, on the other hand, is powered by a Realtek RTD1295 processor, which isn’t as powerful but offers solid performance for media streaming and decoding various file formats.
3. Gaming Capabilities
The Nvidia Shield stands out in the realm of gaming. With its powerful Tegra X1 processor and compatibility with numerous games from the Google Play Store, GeForce NOW cloud gaming, and GameStream, the Shield is a capable gaming console. The Zidoo X9S doesn’t offer comparable gaming capabilities.
4. Audio-Visual Capabilities
Both devices support 4K video playback, but the Nvidia Shield goes a step further with its AI upscaling technology, which can enhance lower resolution content to near 4K quality. The Zidoo X9S, however, is known for wide-ranging file compatibility, including rare formats that may not be supported on other devices.
5. Storage
The Nvidia Shield comes with 16GB of storage, expandable via USB. The Zidoo X9S offers more flexibility, with options for internal HDD installation, giving you the potential for a far larger internal storage.
6. Connectivity
While both devices feature standard connectivity options like HDMI, USB, and Wi-Fi, the Zidoo X9S offers additional options, including an SATA interface and a composite video/audio port for compatibility with older TV sets. The Nvidia Shield, on the other hand, offers Bluetooth connectivity and advanced Wi-Fi options, including support for the faster 802.11ac 2×2 MIMO standard.
7. Voice Assistants
The Nvidia Shield integrates Google Assistant and works with Amazon Echo, providing voice control capabilities. The Zidoo X9S doesn’t offer built-in support for voice assistants.
Zidoo X9S vs Nvidia Shield: Which is Better?
Personally, I’d go for the Nvidia Shield because it offers more powerful performance, gaming capabilities, and AI upscaling, while the Zidoo X9S shines in file format compatibility, customization, and storage flexibility. The “better” device depends on your needs and use case. Both are excellent options within their respective niches.
If you’re an avid gamer and seek a streaming device that can also serve as a powerful gaming console, the Nvidia Shield would be the superior choice. With its Tegra X1 processor, gaming-centric features, and compatibility with numerous games, the Shield outpaces the Zidoo X9S in this area.
On the other hand, if you’re more focused on media streaming and need a device that supports an extensive range of file formats, the Zidoo X9S may be more appealing. Its customization options, the ability to install an internal HDD for larger storage, and additional connectivity options make it a versatile media streamer. The Zidoo X9S’s ability to support rare file formats and compatibility with older TV sets could be crucial for certain users.
Conclusion
The showdown between the Zidoo X9S and the Nvidia Shield brings to light the fact that the choice of media streamer largely depends on the unique needs and preferences of the user. While the Zidoo X9S impresses with its wide file format support and customization options, the Nvidia Shield takes the crown for its impressive gaming capabilities and top-notch AI upscaling.
Each device has a unique blend of features catering to different user profiles. As such, the Zidoo X9S might suit those looking for an all round media player with excellent format compatibility, whereas the Nvidia Shield will likely appeal to gamers and those desiring a slick and powerful streamer.
