NVIDIA Shield TV Plex installation guide

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NVIDIA Shield TV Plex installation guide

Unboxing the Ultimate Device

So, you’ve stepped into the realm of digital entertainment powerhouses by grabbing the NVIDIA Shield TV, huh? You’ve made a stellar choice. This sleek, compact device isn’t just your average media player; it’s a beast packed with the robust Tegra X1+ processor, delivering smooth 4K HDR. Why opt for NVIDIA Shield TV to run Plex? Well, it’s not just about the powerful hardware. Shield TV offers seamless integration, stellar 4K upscaling, and superior streaming performance that makes it an exemplary choice for Plex aficionados. With Shield TV, you’re not just watching content, you’re experiencing it.

Assembling the Arsenal

Alright, let’s get down to business. Unbox your NVIDIA Shield TV and connect it to your TV using the HDMI cable provided. Plug in the power adapter and switch on your Shield TV. This device is user-friendly and setting it up is a breeze. Now, to install Plex, you’ll need a few essentials: an NVIDIA Shield TV (check), a stable internet connection, and a USB storage device or NAS (for those with extensive media libraries). Ready your gaming controller or remote, because we’re about to dive into the world of Plex.

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Firmware First

Before creating the ultimate Plex setup, let’s ensure your Shield TV’s firmware is up-to-date. Navigate to Settings > Device Preferences > About > System Update. If there’s an update available, install it. Keeping your firmware updated guarantees optimal performance and access to the latest features.

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Plex Account Power-Up

Don’t have a Plex account yet? No sweat. Head over to the Plex website and sign up. This account will be your ticket to unlocking a universe of streamlined, beautiful multimedia experience. Got that sorted? Great, let’s move on.

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Installing Plex Media Server on Shield TV

Time to bring on the big guns. Follow these steps to install Plex Media Server on your Shield TV:

  1. On your Shield TV, open the Google Play Store.
  2. Search for “Plex” and select “Plex: Stream Free Movies & Watch Live TV.”
  3. Install the app and then open it.
  4. Once launched, sign in with your Plex account credentials.
  5. After logging in, you’ll be asked if you want to set up this device as a Plex Media Server. Confirm.

Voilà! Basic preferences will include naming your server, choosing storage locations, and enabling remote access. For storage, you can add an external USB drive or connect to a NAS.

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Onboarding Your Media Library

Now let’s bring in the cavalry – your media content.

  1. Open the Plex app on your Shield TV and go to Settings > Server > Libraries.
  2. Click on “Add Library” and select the type of media (Movies, TV Shows, Music).
  3. Tell Plex where your media is stored by navigating through the file path.
  4. Organize your media files clearly. Use folders named appropriately (Movies, TV Shows, etc.) for an organized library.
  5. Click “Add Library” and let Plex scan these locations. Your media will now populate in Plex, complete with metadata and artwork.

Organizing your media efficiently means Plex can fetch all the relevant metadata smoothly, making your library visually appealing.

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Setting Up Advanced Features

Want to squeeze every ounce of performance from your setup? Here’s how:

  1. Enable hardware acceleration by navigating to Settings > Server and enabling the Hardware Acceleration option. This offloads processing to your Shield TV’s robust hardware, ensuring smooth playback.
  2. Set up remote access to stream your media anywhere by enabling the remote access feature in your Plex app. Go to Settings > Server > Remote Access and follow the instructions.
  3. Enable mobile sync to sync your media on the go. In the Plex app on your Shield TV, go to Settings > Server > Sync > Mobile Sync. Now, you can access your favorite content anywhere.

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Performance Tweaks and Optimizations

To keep things running smoother than a well-oiled machine, consider these performance optimizations:

  • Adjust transcoder quality to manage processing and network load. Navigate to Settings > Server > Transcoder and set the Transcoder Quality to “Automatic” for balanced performance.
  • Manage background processes by going to Settings > Server > Library and tweaking the scan intervals for new content to prevent excessive resource usage.
  • Keep an eye on Shield TV’s temperature. Overheating can throttle performance. Ensure it’s kept in a well-ventilated area.

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Troubleshooting Common Issues

Encountering some hiccups? Here are fixes to common issues:

  • Facing buffering or playback issues? Lower the streaming quality in Settings > Remote Quality within the Plex app.
  • If the media server isn’t showing up, ensure both Shield TV and the client devices are on the same network. Restarting both devices also helps.
  • Check for updates regularly. Updating the Plex app and Shield TV firmware can resolve most issues.

Enter the Plex Universe

There you have it – the full guide to make your NVIDIA Shield TV the ultimate Plex Media Server powerhouse. Embark on a journey of immersive media entertainment and discover the countless features Plex has to offer. Now, sit back, relax, and dive into the extraordinary world of Plex, brought to life by your NVIDIA Shield TV.

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