[wrxtasy]

Probably a noob question. In the "START HERE - Pick the Right Kodi Box " thread it is suggested that for 4k/HDR content Gigabit Ethernet is recommended. Wouldn't a USB 3. HDD directly connected to Shield give you more throughput?

Yes USB3 would give higher data transfer thruput vs GigaE. if you wanted to data transfer massive GB files - TO - USB3 connected storage quicker. Like you do on a Desktop PC.

BUT even old USB2 that has an everyday, typical data transfer speed of 220-300Mbps is more than capable of being used for reliable Kodi playback of even the highest Bitrate 4K HDR Bluray Rips available.

GigaE aka 1000Mbps is needed for - reliable - home networked - high bitrate 4K HDR Bluray (inc lossless audio) Kodi playback because 4K HDR Rips bitrates spike above 100Mbps and regular 100Mbit Ethernet simply is not capable enough.