Simplified Instructions
Is the Nvidia Shield any good? Yes.
Is it worth $199? I would say yes again. I've bought the basic, remote only model as cheaply as $139 on Amazon Prime day. Adding storage is easy so the basic model is good enough. I don't game with it or I would buy the version with a game controller. I used Roku for years but the Shield is vastly more flexible. The Shield is simply the best Android TV choice.
***User Guide***
(Generally the below suggestions work. But if you get stuck and need to have Filelinked, APKTime, etc. to get going - install TeamViewer. Download the apks to your PC and use TeamViewer to add the files to the Shield). If not working try turning off IPV6 in Network.
Currently: 2018-08-04
I install apks in this typical order - generally.
Downloader is available in Play Store. (I can't find it there now)
Nvidia Shield needs second step of installing a browser that regular Android does not need.
In Downloader "Home" go to "http://browser.aftvnews.com/" and install". Now it will work.
Sideload Launcher is also in the Play Store. Handy way to access side loaded apps.
Puffin for TV Browser (be sure it is the "for tv" version)
Filelinkeg http://www.filelinked.com
Here is the filelinked code for a guy who is keeping current 67724750
or this guy 22222222 pin 4574
Puffin Browser may or may not give you access to a downloaded file. If not you will need a file manager.
ES File Manager works.
VLC from the Play Store is the player to use.
APKTime tiny.cc/dlapktime is a download source (good apk source)
Do this through the Puffin Browser. It will handle everything - you do not need a keyboard.
Private Internet Access
apktime has PIA
https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/private-internet-access/
Grab the most recent version
Kodi from Play Store
Kodi is vastly improved with
Real-Debrid
Unknown Sources control has changed with 8.0 Oreo. It is turned off and on for each individual program but accessed in the same setting location.
Real-Debrid
Real-Debrid is worth a try.
Having trouble? Check if IP blocked
https://real-debrid.com/vpn
Authorize devices here:
https://real-debrid.com/devices
Gaia is a great addon for Kodi but you may want it alone in a second Kodi install. Gaia is a little mystical to set up and needs Real-Debrid to be effective. Gaia should play video right away but I have had it download the full file. I'm not sure what I did wrong but that is probably not what you want. I suggest not selection all the regular providers or Gaia will take forever on each request.
https://kinkeadtech.com/gaia-kodi/ is a written setup guide that seems OK.
Remote Android App Works with phone or tablet. It has a keyboard that comes in handy for setting up the Shield bit keyboard its keyboard can be hit or miss. Physical wireless keyboards can work well or drive you crazy depending on conditions.
Logitech K400 is a good one but large and unnecessary for everyday use. The little Rii keyboards can be good or bad depending on the model.
I have learned how to do everything possible without a keyboard.
For Reset Go Here
Stream From PC
X-plore installed on Shield. Connect to Windows server. Works great on Win10.
X-plore is by far the best file manager for Android boxes.
Things to just get over.
1. Nvidia uses AndroidTV, which uses Leanback Launcher. Regular Play Store apps need a mouse and keyboard. If you can't live without a standard app . . . find a keyboard and mouse.
The Current King Build
http://xanaxrepo.com/repo/
Current APK List
http://bit.ly.unlocktv
