yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Nvidia Shield TV & Shield TV Pro (2019) Guides, Ne] kurtzyload:
Continuing the fine art of replying to myself, I've figured out the remaining pieces of the puzzle. The outcome of these configuration changes mean all the apps I want to use remain in memory, so when switching back to apps they're immediately available. These changes make incredibly efficient use of device RAM! The interface itself also feels incredibly "snappy". IMO, Nvidia should consider making these changes the default. So in addition to changing the swap per my post above:

Change "swappiness" to 100 to make more effective use of zram/swap. Temporarily, this is achieved via: echo 100 > /proc/sys/vm/swappiness

Modify "low memory killer" parameters to be far less aggressive. Achieved via: echo 1536,2048,4096,5120,15360,23040 > /sys/module/lowmemorykiller/parameters/minfree

If you want to do these things automagically, you can leverage Magisk's scripting framework described in the "General Scripts" section here. An example script (don't forget to chmod +x) is as follows...I'm still trying to figure out a less lame way to time it without using a "sleep" call, but hey, it works!

#!/system/bin/sh

sleep 30

echo 100 > /proc/sys/vm/swappiness

echo 1536,2048,4096,5120,15360,23040 > /sys/module/lowmemorykiller/parameters/minfree

Some of this seems so counterintuitive (making a swap file that not only uses RAM, but more RAM than you have!), but it really works. Check out this post for some great reference. I'd change swappiness to 200, but the kernel on the shield isn't updated enough to support that setting.

I'm still playing around with various launchers, but I also don't feel nearly as strong a need to replace the stock launcher after making these changes.

I hope this helps someone out there!
[Nvidia Shield TV & Shield TV Pro (2019) Guides, Ne] brianmilw:
Okay, Im not being lazy persay just adhd and very busy. Will this just flash the bootloader and keep my current data? I dont have time to back everything up. I didnt read and ran out of space had a usb3 thumbdrive die and replaced with a cheap sandisk usb stick when i was at a hotel because i ran out of app data space. trying to install an ssd and cant backup root /. ftp server wont show me android .data to backup kodi so im trying to access ./(root). just want to unlock and flash bootloader and use magisk. I use twrp and clockwork on phones. I know when flashing firmware it will overwrite user data but in this guide it seems like original system data is kept and this just modifies boot image to obtain root? I donated on titanium backup pro years ago and would like to use it with my shield. 2019 w/ 9.1.1. downloaded 911 mods just waiting for the go ahead or warning to backup everything.
[Nvidia Shield TV & Shield TV Pro (2019) Guides, Ne] jenneh:
@kurtzyload I appreciate you documenting your journey with us! Apologies for the delayed reply. Can I ask you, did you get your boot image to patch from gameworks for your 2015 500GB Shield? Going to try that image they have on gameworks on a 16 gb model when it gets in, just curious if it is confirmed to be working on the 500gb.

@brianmilw You would unfortunately lose all data when you unlock the bootloader, and have some time loss in having to login to your shield again in order to flash the boot, so this would not be a good solution for your scenario.
[Nvidia Shield TV & Shield TV Pro (2019) Guides, Ne] kurtzyload:
@brianmilw my understanding is that yes, as long as your bootloader is already unlocked, you're good and won't lose data.

@jenneh indeed! I used the 9.0.0 at this link.

Potentially worth noting: I also took a look at this debloat guide and did some of that as well. I'm considering putting all of that in a script. One thing I'd love to do for "fun" is build an infrastructure that "reimages" the shield with everything installed and configured. Anyway, here you can see how effective the swap changes are in real life. 2GB swap in use! The below is output of the top memory users (via top -s10):

Tasks: 293 total, 1 running, 290 sleeping, 0 stopped, 2 zombie

Mem: 3021040K total, 2796620K used, 224420K free, 99790848 buffers

Swap: 4718588K total, 2142976K used, 2575612K free, 253000K cached

400%cpu 1%user 0%nice 1%sys 396%idle 0%iow 1%irq 0%sirq 0%host

PID USER PR NI VIRT RES SHR S %CPU [%MEM] TIME+ ARGS

5699 u0_a39 20 0 17G 180M 90M S 0.3 6.1 14:10.85 com.plexapp.android

5811 u0_a54 20 0 1.5G 133M 64M S 0.6 4.4 14:05.85 com.netflix.ninja

4507 system 18 -2 16G 131M 72M S 0.0 4.4 16:36.27 system_server

5518 u0_a98 20 0 14G 99M 59M S 0.0 3.3 0:27.11 com.spocky.projengmenu

29200 u0_a51 20 0 1.8G 85M 66M S 0.0 2.8 0:02.18 air.com.vudu.air.DownloaderTablet

30902 u0_a59 20 0 1.3G 80M 65M S 0.0 2.6 0:00.28 com.amazon.amazonvideo.livingroom

24585 u0_a61 20 0 14G 77M 48M S 0.3 2.6 2:27.58 com.google.android.apps.mediashell

4898 system 20 0 13G 64M 46M S 0.0 2.1 0:01.55 com.android.tv.settings

9114 u0_a100 20 0 15G 61M 27M S 0.0 2.0 5:52.83 com.unbrokensoftware.launchbox

5263 u0_a47 20 0 13G 56M 31M S 0.0 1.9 0:05.25 com.nvidia.blakepairing

28759 u0_a73 20 0 13G 49M 34M S 0.0 1.6 0:00.25 com.google.android.apps.nbu.smartconnect.tv

10586 u0_a84 20 0 13G 48M 30M S 0.0 1.6 0:31.82 com.google.android.youtube.tv.recommendations
[Nvidia Shield TV & Shield TV Pro (2019) Guides, Ne] codezjx:
Great tools and easy to use, thansk!

Works on Shield TV 2017, OS version: 9.1.1
[Nvidia Shield TV & Shield TV Pro (2019) Guides, Ne] grievous2004:
Hi,

thanks a lot for all the hard work and support!

Concerning the read/only issue, what I usually do is booting into TWRP recovery (without flashing it) and then you're able to mount the system partition. Maybe it's overkill but it works (at least on the 2015 model) :)

Has anyone actually tested the build prop edits? I don't own a Shield tv model with upscaling and I cannot justify upgrading if the feature is broken with unlocked bootloader.

Btw, I own a 2015 16GB model and created patched boot images for 9.0, 9.1 and 9.1.1, let me know if you still need them, I can share (but reading the OP it looks like you just got one yourself).
[Nvidia Shield TV & Shield TV Pro (2019) Guides, Ne] jenneh:
Hi I have tested the ones shared with us and had no luck personally. The only result I got was the same as running the safetynet module. One of the edits was able to remove the "bootloader unlocked" message, but with the same side effect of every video stating that it was "unsupported content" when I tried to enable upscaling.

Someone once told me TWRP was only for the recovery partition which was definitely wrong, I did like you and I booted into TWRP and mounted the system and vendor images and made edits to the various prop files, rebooted and hopped into a su shell to verify the changes saved, which they did.

I also tested the MagiskHide Props Config module. It is able to easily change whatever prop we are toying with and specifically has all the shield models built into it for adding the fingerprint and to pass safetynet, and when you add that the shield again will no longer see the bootloader as unlocked. but again will not enable the upscaler on anything due to unsupported content.

Will keep testing things here and there and will keep an eye out for a solution, don't blame ya for waiting to upgrade till then though at all.

PS Thank you so much for offering the patches though, that really means a lot! I did finally get the right model in so I already have those but I really do appreciate your time.
[Nvidia Shield TV & Shield TV Pro (2019) Guides, Ne] jenneh:
2015 BOOTMODs have been tested and are now available under the OP.
[Nvidia Shield TV & Shield TV Pro (2019) Guides, Ne] downie154:
Hi Guys, wondering if you can help me out

I switched my Nvidia shield into debugging mode and unlocked the bootloader.

I downloaded the BOOTMOD, it recognised my device on the PC. I selected the wrong firmware version of my Shield. it installed and my device no longer communicates with the computer. its stuck on the Nvidia logo. I tried recovery and all the fast boot options but I must have erased everything. I don't know how to reverse this. Can you help me get out of this mess, thanks and sorry to trouble you.
[Nvidia Shield TV & Shield TV Pro (2019) Guides, Ne] downie154:
Hi Man, was wondering if you can help me out

I switched my Nvidia shield into debugging mode and unlocked the bootloader.

I downloaded the BOOTMOD, it recognised my device on the PC. I selected the wrong firmware version of my Shield. it installed and my device no longer communicates with the computer. its stuck on the Nvidia logo. I tried recovery and all the fast boot options but I must have erased everything. I don't know how to reverse this. Can you help me get out of this mess, thanks and sorry to trouble you.
[Nvidia Shield TV & Shield TV Pro (2019) Guides, Ne] jenneh:
Hey there it's no trouble, sorry you are having problems there. Can you tell me what model you are running? Usually with a 2019 or 2017 shield you can plug in either an nvidia controller or a keyboard to the back and hold down A + B to boot into the bootloader menu. The 2015 models though have a power button, the nvidia logo on the top. You hold it a certain way like this video shows
[Nvidia Shield TV & Shield TV Pro (2019) Guides, Ne] downie154:
Thanks for getting back so fast. The model I have is the 2017 version. I connected the Controller via usb and can access the bootloader menu. none of the options work have tried them all?
[Nvidia Shield TV & Shield TV Pro (2019) Guides, Ne] jenneh:
Well generally, after you have re-entered the bootloader menu, you should be able to run option 1 on bootmod and add the correct firmware. Though I am curious why your directory structure states as such:
[Nvidia Shield TV & Shield TV Pro (2019) Guides, Ne] downie154:
I managed to get into the recovery. Can I use apply update from adb to upload a android marshmallow zip file, I have on my computer. if so do you know the command prompts and the steps to take?
[Nvidia Shield TV & Shield TV Pro (2019) Guides, Ne] jenneh:
Okay so, no, we gotta go back to the bootloader and just run option 1. Going into the recovery menu from the bootloader menu isn't needed. Just unplug your shield, replug it, press a and b to go to bootloader and then press 1 in bootmod to flash the correct modded boot.img.
[Nvidia Shield TV & Shield TV Pro (2019) Guides, Ne] downie154:
the boot mod isn't working. its saying access denied when I try to flash the correct booting the same message as the first image i posted
[Nvidia Shield TV & Shield TV Pro (2019) Guides, Ne] downie154:
my device number is displayed at the top of the boot mod screen. its saying it offline though? another thing is the fast boot in my device manager isn't there.
[Nvidia Shield TV & Shield TV Pro (2019) Guides, Ne] jenneh:
This is normal when the device is in the bootloader menu. This is just telling us that you are still running an adb server and are still connected with your shield, but since the device is in the bootloader menu, it will say it is offline.

This second image

Shows that you successfully erased the boot image and were able to flash whatever boot image you selected. The error shown at the end is normal, it will appear for everyone, or at least it does for me on all 4 of my shields, all different models, its like the reset goes through too fast for fastboot to post whatever the developers initially intended for it to show. So, I know you mentioned something about fastboot not showing in your device manager, but if you didn't have your drivers installed, then this picture would not be possible, it would present a different error that would tell you no device found, waiting for device. So as far as I can tell you should be set, as soon as you flash the correct boot image. If for some reason you were on a firmware other than 8.2.3, 9, 9.1, or 9.1.1, then you may need to reflash to either 8.2.3 or 9 and if you choose you can update your fw to 9.1.1 and then run bootmod again.

The 2017 firmwares are available here and on nvidias gameworks site https://xdaforums.com/t/2015-2017-2019-nvidia-shield-tv-firmware-repo-source-code-repo.4495713/
[Nvidia Shield TV & Shield TV Pro (2019) Guides, Ne] downie154:
Thank you so much for your advice it has really been so helpful. I managed to get Nvidia shield back up and running.

would you know is there a way to get the full play store active on the shield 2017. the android tv store is limited . it sucks .
[Nvidia Shield TV & Shield TV Pro (2019) Guides, Ne] jenneh:
That's a great question. I can't look into it for a few days but I'll try to see what all is possible there and shoot you a comment when I know better
[Nvidia Shield TV & Shield TV Pro (2019) Guides, Ne] downie154:
Thank you for going out of your way to help me. its very much appreciated
[Nvidia Shield TV & Shield TV Pro (2019) Guides, Ne] jenneh:
I tried several different methods including flashing the stock gapps directly but nothing worked except for the Aurora Store. With its built in spoofing setting, it provides a store environment similar to googles’ but without the google. It is an open source client that can download the apps hosted on the playstore and it had the game I was looking for (Castle Clash) that is not able to be downloaded on the shield natively, and no other apk download providers’ apk worked for. I downloaded and installed Castle Clash successfully and it was able to play. Idk the limitations here, hope it helps!

Proofs Castle Clash running on Shield:

Direct download link for Aurora Store:

https://f-droid.org/repo/com.aurora.store_57.apk

We can install that apk using bootmod, then you can run the app on the shield and finish the install by using the default selection, and log in using anonymous.

Next you need to click on the hamburger menu at the top left corner and select spoofing settings. Scroll down and select one of the xiomi models toward the end. Log out of the anonymous account and back in and try searching for your game. If your game does not appear, you may have to do the spoofing step a second time and log out and in, at least I had to both times I tried this.

Sources:

This video showed me the missing step:

Aurora Store 4 - Install Play Store apps- shows spoofing

Aurora's website:

auroraoss

None

auroraoss.com
[Nvidia Shield TV & Shield TV Pro (2019) Guides, Ne] downie154:
I downloaded the aurora store but I wasn't comfortable giving it my google email and password to set up when I made one up it crashed I will try on the week end when I get some time to look into it further. thank you for testing it out and going out of your way to help. I wasn't expecting it here.
[Nvidia Shield TV & Shield TV Pro (2019) Guides, Ne] minhgi:
Can AI Upscale work if you patch the root with safety net module? Someone in the Nvida Shield OG TV forum said it work. Wonder if dolby work as well?
[Nvidia Shield TV & Shield TV Pro (2019) Guides, Ne] I_did_it_just_tmrrow:
I can not imagine. Do you have a link to that post?
[Nvidia Shield TV & Shield TV Pro (2019) Guides, Ne] minhgi:
(two questions) System-wide equalizer options, and SafetyNet-fix Magisk module issues [Nvidia Shield Pro 2019]

Hi, First time poster, so if I am in the wrong spot feel free to point me in the right direction! I recently bought an Nvidia Shield Pro (2019) exclusively to watch Amazon Prime Video and Netflix. Normally I'd watch streaming videos on my...

xdaforums.com
[Nvidia Shield TV & Shield TV Pro (2019) Guides, Ne] minhgi:
Typo.
[Nvidia Shield TV & Shield TV Pro (2019) Guides, Ne] downie154:
Hi Jenneh,

I was wondering you may be able to help me out or point me in the right direction.

I want to turn my Nivida Shield TV 2017 into a Retro Game Emulation Device using Launch Box as a Programme.

The shield is a tough egg to crack. you can not get Launch Box in the android play store. It has to be sideloaded .

I'm not so sure on how to side load or how to import game file onto the external hardrive.

Any advice would be great.

Thank you

David
[Nvidia Shield TV & Shield TV Pro (2019) Guides, Ne] wilkosolutions:
I use swift backup and it seems to work better than Titanium. You can find the premium version on mobilism.org. Download the direct apk from www.mobilism.org/app
[Nvidia Shield TV & Shield TV Pro (2019) Guides, Ne] brb1985:
OP of linked thread here.

Using an unlocked bootloader + Magisk + SafetyNet-fix, I can at least confirm that the AI upscaling option was available (and it did not say anything about "unlocked bootloader" underneath the option). In hindsight I should have taken a picture. However, I only saw upscaling was available with the above mods *and* I had my Shield Pro 2019 hooked up to a 1080p television. Once I hooked my Shield up to my LG C3 4k television with the above mods, the Nvidia shield refused to display anything but a black screen.

So I guess in theory I didn't prove that it worked per se, but I did certainly see that the AI upscaling option was there on a 1080p screen.

I have since reverted everything back to stock image + locked bootloader and haven't messed with it since, only because I did not find an answer to my black screen issue. Going back to stock + locked means that I can at least use the Shield on my 4k television.
[Nvidia Shield TV & Shield TV Pro (2019) Guides, Ne] CCL X10:
Glad to still see some development being done for the 2019 models. I've got a 2019 pro and love it, but would like a little more power. All I want for my shield is the ability to overclock for better emulation performance. Already did a repaste with better stuff which did help some.

Otherwise I love this little thing. Definitely can't lose upscaling or dolby vision though. I use DV all the time.

I am guessing there is no way to get OC without root or bootloader unlock right? At least not without losing ai upscaling and DV that is.

Thanks for your effort on this either way!
[Nvidia Shield TV & Shield TV Pro (2019) Guides, Ne] minhgi:
anyone try PlayIntegrityNEXT and PlayIntegrityFix together. Fix the root security on my pixel 8 pro and Shield TV 2017 (use for emulate and other heavy task). Too scared to try it on my Shield TV 2019. What I am looking for if it makes the AI Scaling and DV working. Maybe we just need passed the basic amd device security.

https://github.com/daboynb/PlayIntegrityNEXT - use the playcurl

GitHub - chiteroman/PlayIntegrityFix: Fix Play Integrity (and SafetyNet) verdicts.

Fix Play Integrity (and SafetyNet) verdicts. Contribute to chiteroman/PlayIntegrityFix development by creating an account on GitHub.

github.com

Use both together

MEETS_BASIC_INTEGRITY ✅

MEETS_DEVICE_INTEGRITY ✅
[Nvidia Shield TV & Shield TV Pro (2019) Guides, Ne] joebrit:
I've got the nvidia shield pro 2019 on 9.1.1. I unlocked the bootloader, rooted and installed those two mods. I pass device and basic integrity (but not strong). I pass the safetynet basic and cts profile checks. And it supports widevine L1. After deleting google play and google play services data, and cache, google play store is certified.

Unfortunately. ai upscaling does not work. In the ai-enhanced setting it says "active: enhanced (unsupported content)" or "active: no (upscaling not required)" if I play higher resolution youtube content (e.g. 1080p on a 1080p screen).

It seems like some people in this thread have got it working by changing certain parameters in build.prop but I can't see any confirmed solution so haven't tried changing any parameters myself yet.
[Nvidia Shield TV & Shield TV Pro (2019) Guides, Ne] minhgi:
Do your tv support 4k resolution? It only upscaling 720p and 1080p to 4k. That how you supposed to test the 4k upscaling.
[Nvidia Shield TV & Shield TV Pro (2019) Guides, Ne] joebrit:
Yes it does. I've just tried it after changing the resolution to 4k and it's the same result. But according to this page it should still work for other resolutions as well.
[Nvidia Shield TV & Shield TV Pro (2019) Guides, Ne] minhgi:
Yeah. I heard ai upscaling and doby vision work when the bootloader get lock again. You might lose root. Many have try edit the build.prop and recovery but no success.

If you use your nvidia for emulator and other heavy task, I write up guide for increase zram and swap and prioritize foreground task schedule on root.

Thanks for testing
[Nvidia Shield TV & Shield TV Pro (2019) Guides, Ne] beatLeo:
What a really nice surprise. I thought there was no more development for the others models besides 2019, but seems there are. I found this because by mistake i updated the magisk app for my 2015 5000 Gb model, and loose root. Now i feel i can update it, and plus, get better my shield. So i have some questions i hope you could answer:

1. About what @kurtzyload had make with "zram", it's that better than "Performance Enhanced Overclock Kernel" (https://xdaforums.com/t/kernel-9-1-performance-enhanced-overclock-kernel.3943079/) make for 2015 and 2017 models?

I don't know if this 2 things could work together, i had it that kernel working on my shiled and there was better performance (benchmarks confirmed that).

So long ago, on android gingerbread (2.3) i used an app for swap zram with success. I have tried on the shield with some apps but i haven't seen any improved. I will try @kurtzyload tutorial, ram improove will really make a diference on dolphin emulator and some games on skyline emultaror (nintendo switch emulator).

2. I was looking to use some apps that no longer work on the shield, like disney+ and directv go, maybe some others, but i have never understand the steps to make it work again. Could you guide me on that?

It is really pleasent to find that there are still people involved with nvidia shield developer.

Thank you guys.
[Nvidia Shield TV & Shield TV Pro (2019) Guides, Ne] jenneh:
See for me the upscaler has always said this and I would like to understand better how to know if it is working. Do you know how to tell on stock, without root, it is working? It never said anything for me other than unsupported so I do not know how to tell, rooted or not.

One of the main ideas of this thread is to spread awareness you can root stock images by patching the boot.img, so we have a root method for 9++, unreleased on nvidia gameworks, which is neat.... but useless for those that want AI Upscaling.

I trust what nooted said that it worked for them, I just cannot personally figure out for the life of me how to use it myself to tell the difference. Lol. So if someone from the community could please show us how to tell or explain it to me I would be grateful so we can solve this problem for the community.

Or at least it would be beneficial to me to see what it is I am trying to fix so I know if I got the settings right or not, if that makes sense. I appreciate everyone's time
[Nvidia Shield TV & Shield TV Pro (2019) Guides, Ne] tnomtlaw:
same here.I don't how its really supposed to work
[Nvidia Shield TV & Shield TV Pro (2019) Guides, Ne] abc1054:
I can tell you that ai upscaling don't work. It suppose to say, yes in the setting when you turn it on watching a video 720p to 1080p in ai upscaling . When I was rooted , it said unsupported..ai upscale didn't work. Video was same as basic. No difference in video quality. Just basic.
[Nvidia Shield TV & Shield TV Pro (2019) Guides, Ne] abc1054:
Somehow AI needs fixing. I don't think anyone checked it, except me. I watch videos in Ai upscaling alot. So I know the difference, when no ai upscaling. I have a insignia tv 50" Qled 4k UHD
[Nvidia Shield TV & Shield TV Pro (2019) Guides, Ne] jenneh:
Okay this is helpful. Next question. Is this something you are able to trigger when in youtube or plex or how are you switching it to active? I have only tried this using youtube and opening settings app from there and on stock it still wouldn't go active. I need to do that basic step to even be able to know what to fix haha
[Nvidia Shield TV & Shield TV Pro (2019) Guides, Ne] abc1054:
I have external ssd drive with movies in it, I watch it with vlc player , then press the remote to ai upscaling .
[Nvidia Shield TV & Shield TV Pro (2019) Guides, Ne] abc1054:
It might be your tv.