Tablo New 4th Gen Over the Air TV Tuner & DVR Review

[@LonSeidman]

I've been seeing the same question now many times from people who are confused about how this works. While this is covered in the video I think it might help to write it out here: the Tablo receives the TV signal and puts it out on your home network. In order to watch TV you need to do so through an app that runs on an Android or Google TV device, Roku or Fire TV. If you don't already have a smart TV powered by one of those operating systems you'll need to purchase a Roku, Fire TV or Google/Android TV device in order to watch.

[@MattStriker252]

I really feel this needs to be spelled out just like this on the box and in the product lit. Would have saved me hours of frustration!

[@lovemaurice]

How many devices can simultaneously watch TV on one Tablo device?

[@robertshade8631]

@@MattStriker252 i agree that the item advertising is misleading for getting whole house tv coverage.

[@garybelew7813]

For your information, there are a lot of android devices that the app doesn't work on, you get sound, but no video.. I have had my Tablo for almost a year and tech support has been "working on it" since I got mine and it still doesn't work on my Samsung tablet or phone.. They have also been saying that an app for smart TVs is "coming soon" and I have a Samsung and a Vizio TV, and they still don't exist. For the most part, you need a ROKU or some other streaming device to use this thing and they mess with the app all the time, so you are constantly running into new issues with the app freezing or returning to the home screen after a certain time.. The last update involved running out of memory if you had closed captioning turned on and they "fixed it" by telling you to turn it off. It's a good idea, but they have a lot of fixing to do to make it as nice as they claim it is.

[@SuperFredAZ]

I have an older (rectangular) Tablo box, I really like it. I have a 1 TB external USB, plenty of storage, works really well.

[@davekolp4552]

Does the older one have an hdmi port so I can hook it up to my TV ? Because I can't install the app on my vizio or my lg tvs?

[@SuperFredAZ]

@@davekolp4552 no HDMI port on mine. I believe they make or made one with an HDMI port, you need to research

[@davidgilpin5200]

I've had a "legacy" Tablo Quad (with subscribed user guide) for 2.5 years. I took the new TabloTV's email offer to existing subscribers on a $20 discount code to try a 4th generation 2 tuner. The primary purpose of this device is to watch and record LOCAL LIVE TV. The folks in my home who watch "local" channels are seniors, so I need an easy-peasy pretty interface that's easy to read, and I believe the 4th gen Tablo delivers on this. Lon did not mention the picture quality - there are no settings for bitrate in the 4th gen Tablo, but the picture quality (to me) is markedly better compared to my legacy Tablo. There are some software strange behaviors and missing features (the lack of PC and Mac support) but I chalk that up to TabloScripps hitting a deadline. I bet we see a steady cadence of fixes and updates, especially before CES 2024 in January. I'll probably sell my Legacy Quad so I can drop the $50/year subscription fee. 4th Gen Tablo + Philo does a good job covering the content watched in my domicile.

[@Pantherman1979]

Yea, I did the same years ago. Have a legacy Tablo with Philo and am looking to drop the subscription fee too.

[@pongchannel.]

You can use the BlueStacks or any phone emulator to bypass that issue still sucks tho

[@daveschmarder-1950]

This is timely. Less than a week ago I called Spectrum and told them they could stick their tv service in the rectum. (Sorry, but I couldn't resist the rhyming) I've had an antenna up for at least 6 years. Picture flakes out when the storms come in.

[@RickPaquin]

I have a ton of trees and that used to be an issue. It's a common misconception that just installing an outside antenna is the best solution Nope. Not unless you live in the desert. The first step for any antenna installation is to FIRST find your maximum signal location, and put your antenna in that location for the best solid storm free reception. Preferably do this when the wind is blowing. Most TV's have signal meters built into their help settings for this purpose. I helped my cousin do this from 6oo mi away. We simply did a video call, she positioned her phone so I could see the signal meter on her TV screen. Wearing a bluetooth, she went out to her yard, attached 50 ft of coax and moved the antenna up, down and all around her the yard until I told her to "STOP RIGHT THERE" where the signal was the strongest. Her reception is now significantly improved. Location is extremely critical for most antenna installations. You might try changing it's location.

[@Bonjour-World]

I called Spectrum about broadband Internet service. They told me that I could not get a copy of the contract before I had placed the order. I told that individual I was NOT a fool and hung up on them. Now looking at StarLink.

[@angelahayes7983]

😆😆😆

[@RogueCylon]

I cancelled Spectrum ten years ago and never looked back. The cost for the amount of usage was insane.

[@daveschmarder-1950]

@@RogueCylon I should have done that a long time ago. I had more money than brains. In 2012 I returned their cable modem and used my own. That modem paid for itself in several months. In 2015 I returned their cable box and used my new Roku. More savings. I guess I missed the boat for the biggest savings.

[@michaelarcy]

I bought this and it was very easy to set up and it currently works great....this is my first day using it...but great so far.

[@jeremyjedynak]

Thanks for the info that Scripps acquired Tablo. The previous iterations of the Tablo seem to have more functionality, which is surprising.

[@mrbeastman59]

They wanted a $100 unit so made some choices

[@carmenquiralta3617]

I used the Tablo Quad Over-The-Air [OTA] Digital Video Recorder [DVR] for 1 year. I tried all the suggestions to overcome all the problems it continuously presented. Bad reception, DVR recording issues, and lack of customer support. I purchased a good quality OTA antenna and had it professionally installed. Without the Tablo connected I received over 60 Crystal clear channels.

[@RogueCylon]

@@carmenquiralta3617 what do you use for recording and time shifting?

[@RufusLekin7879]

I just set one of these up last night. We had looked at one of these years ago but wasn't looking to sub for the guide features. The setup was straightforward with an existing Ext HD and antenna. I connected it via ethernet. We used it today to watch football on local channels. I don't care about having access to the local channels while away from the house so that's not an issue. Apps for Roku, Fire stick, and Android all seems to work pretty good so far.

[@NickWindham]

Thanks for giving your experience with it. Appreciate it.

[@Adamantus]

Thanks Lon. I replaced my TIVO with this to go to zero ongoing costs and added a 4 TB hard drive, double the capacity of my TIVO. Surprisingly I had a rare TIVO that sold for more than the cost of the Tablo and the hard drive. I like this a lot. No skip but the fast forward has the thumbnails as you noted so you can forward very quickly and stop exactly where you want to. Watching on PC and additional tuners are on my wish list.

[@NickWindham]

Thanks for sharing this feedback so other viewers, like myself, have more info to go off of.

[@PaulsToolReview]

On the Roku remote controling the tablo, they are not using the up down buttons while watching live TV. They should use these buttons to change the channel up or down without having to go to the guide each time! I have the new 4 channel 4th Gen version and we like it so far. I was able to pick up 110 channels including the streaming built in in my area!

[@kevinintheusa8984]

I have the Tablo Dual Tuner with a lifetime subscription and I will keep that going and once they go to a new standard then I will look for something else. Until then, I am doing fine with their older version which is still doing great after almost 6 years of use.

[@nellienel5140]

Same

[@kimmajor4301]

What is the subscription you speak of? I thought once you bought the unit you were done

[@MrJoeSmart]

Great video! Thanks for the detailed review. It would be really helpful to see a side by side comparison with the Tablo Dual and discuss the pros and cons of this new device versus the previous generation. I have the Dual and love it. I pay for all the extra stuff like commercial-skip. Based on what I learned from this video, I don't think this new device is worth the trade offs. I don't get any ATSC 3.0 channels in my area currently, so I'll ride it with my Dual on ATSC 1.0 until 2027. By then hopefully Tablo has an ATSC 3.0 version.

[@sativagirl1885]

The Prisoners Shopping Network should feature this device!

[@animaltalk1515]

Hi there...OMG I WISH I was a techie and could understand everything u wrote in your post and everything this guy in the video is explaining!! Can u explain a few things to me?? What in the world is ATSC (3.0 & 1.0)?? I assume they are networks..so, assuming that, can u plz tell me what channels u get with ATSC 1.0? And, what channels will ATSC 3.0 support?? Also..very importantly..in order for me to use any Tablo, would I have to buy an antenna and have someone install it on our roof or does the antenna that I use for a Tablo get installed inside my house?? Sorry for sounding like an idiot but I'm just NOW learning this stuff!! (I happen to have self taught myself , without any help, at the age of 22, all about cell phones and computers without any help..I am now 55 and whenever anyone needs help with their phones or computers, I'm usually pretty helpful and I'm just a lay person..but I'm JUST NOW learning about the other possibilities to watch TV bc my elderly parents use cable and it's OVER $200 p/month so I want to help them get rid of it..but have to be very careful to make sure that all of the channels they watch STAY PUT in the process!!) THANK u for any help u can provide!! Do u use Facebook messenger by any chance??

[@cazarilolsen4630]

You always have great devices that others do not cover, thanks!

[@christinemurphy7683]

I ordered one and it came a couple of days ago. I already have a Dual with a lifetime guide subscription, and they sent me a 20% off coupon code for this one. The new features looked cool so I wanted to try it. I put a splitter on my antenna and have both Tablos attached, so I can use both; now I have four tuners, and the best of the old and new Tablos. I quite like this new model. I think the interface is more attractive and easier to use than that of the legacy models. Some of the FAST channels that come with it are pretty decent, and I love that they can be recorded. I think this is a great option for the cord cutter who is not looking to spend a lot of money.

[@PC4USE1]

I would hope in the future that Tablo develops a way to record the encrypted signals of ATSC 3.0 or Scripps will have bought a white elephant. Unless,it bought it with the idea of driving a recording tuner device out of business,it would be totally illogical on their part. Incompatibility witha PC and in home network restrictions seem like a big minus for this device.

[@deniseg8312]

Just ordered one today (Monday), should arrive on Friday. Looking forward to receiving it. I've been thinking about getting a DVR for years.

[@shanafan]

Love my Tablo DVR! It is a high game changer for OTA TV. I did connect a network cable to mine because some channels came over as a black screen. Once I plugged the cable in, it was like magic. All the channels works flawlessly.

[@lawpilot8526]

1/30/2024 - what do you mean when you say you connected a network cable?

[@shanafan]

@@lawpilot8526 Instead of using WiFi, I plugged in a physical ethernet (networking) cable into the back of it for a stable connection. The blue cable at 2:20 in the video.

[@NickWindham]

​@lawpilot8526 he means he plugged it in to his internet router via an ethernet cord between the two instead of using WiFi to connect the Tablo to the internet.

[@rosesmith3377]

I loved your review on the TABLO. I just purchased one in HSN. Will receive it in December sometime. 👍

[@thomasbrunn4182]

love the picture of the shuttle in background that ship made everything today possible

[@rogerpeterson6388]

Thank you! (It's also refreshing to see MY local channels on your review)!

[@Razor2048]

For a device like that, I wonder if it would work to take it apart, then 3D print a new case for it that has a holder for a a large heatsink similarly to the type used in audio amplifiers. Many passively cooled devices typically have a max ambient temperature rating of 105f on the low end, to around 122f on the higher end for indoor stuff, and then 75C+ for automotive stuff. I have gotten mini PC type devices to work okay in an attic, e.g., a compute stick, by taking them apart and simply strapping them to a larger CPU heatsink. For example for better signal, using an RTL SDR device and a mini PC in an attic that gets as hot as a car when left out in the sun.

[@trabob4438]

I bought a tablo 4th gen and it was easy to hook up and it found my local channels but when I went to play the live tv my channels were all breaking up and froze up. I rescanned and tried again but the same thing so I connected the cable from my antenna directly to my tv and all the stations came in great so I returned it.

[@JDWatkins]

Thank you... You just saved me $150. I was on their we sight, had it in my cart. Then I thought I had better look for a review first. Boy, am I glad I did. For the amount of restrictions that box has, immediately stopped me from buying it. Given that, each of them should be half that price.

[@ronaldvargo4113]

Thanks for the good overview of Tablo's new DVR. Sorry to say but taking away the ability to remote stream, loss of being able to run on a PC and keep a small window in the corner. I for one will stay with their current model of paying each year for the guide data to keep the flexibility.

[@estradaj777]

I owned the previous device and it was real complicated to setup . If this is the same operating system I doubt it’s as easy as you’re making it seem.

[@tomzer1]

On current Tablo, and hopefully this new one, you watch via a Web browser on a PC or Mac. However this recently stopped working on Chrome since Google started requiring all IP connections to be encrypted, even on your own network. But it works fine in other browsers.

[@LonSeidman]

Unfortunately no PC or Mac viewing on this one - at least not yet.

[@tomzer1]

@@LonSeidmanHopefully the URL option for connecting a desktop Web browser to control and view the Tablo hasn’t been dropped in the new designs. I doubt Tablo will go to the time and expense of developing a desktop application for PCs or Macs, as they already had the more universal Web browser option with the My Tablo URL feature. That’s one feature I wanted to investigate on the new units, so I might have to go and ask Tablo and see if the option is still there. Most folks don’t watch TV on their PCs, but I have folks who do. And the Web option did actually offer some advanced features that Tablo hadn’t been offering in their software such as PIP and Split View in iOS and MacOS, for example.

[@Wichitan]

This answered a question we had about the time it takes to change channels. We're currently using a Tablo Dual 1.0 and channel switching time is our biggest complaint. It appears the problem is with the ATSC tuners and not necessarily with the Tablo itself. I'm thinking we'll wait for the ATSC 3.0 version, provided Scripps doesn't do something stupid.

[@catherinemapes2394]

You are wise to wait. They rushed this and there are so many bugs in the software. The apps are not even out for most devices. Can't use it on most of tv brands because the apps are not our. It did not work on the Fire TV Sticks we tried. It won't work on lap tops or computers, only tablets and phones.

[@CalvinCroucher]

I was hoping the gen4 Tablo would improve the time required to change channels but it looks like this 5-10 second delay hasn't been improved. Why is it that AirTV (Sling) can switch channels in under 2 seconds but Tablo can't?

[@ronkeyes659]

Great complete, well articulated, detailed review of this product! Thank you!!

[@mariannelorenz7153]

I have one of these that I just bought at Best buy. I also have a ViewTV at-163. Not a lot difference between these two except the price. I use the Chromecast with Google TV with the Tablo. Picture quality about equal for both devices. Changing channels is quicker with the ViewTV.

[@davegchicago]

Thanks for the video Ive been seeing commercials for this the past week and sparked interest. Wasnt sure about what it offered. You hit all the info buttons I needed to know.

[@ilblues]

The 4th generation Tablo works well enough and does not require an annual fee for guide service like the legacy Tablos. The Roku and android apps work, but I don’t find them as intuitive as apps for legacy devices. As a Tablo user for many years, the new one disappoints me in several ways. There is no Windows app, no remote access, no commercial skip, and no support for the user community to create 3rd party apps like Tablo Ripper. The new Tablo requires a separate Roku and android app from the old Tablo, which means my Roku now has 2 apps for Tablo. Setup failed several times because it refused to register under my existing Tablo account. Not until I created a 2nd account with another email address would the new Tablo register. The new Tablo is feature poor compared to the old Tablo. I had hoped in buying a new Tablo I’d feel good about retiring my old one. Instead, I’ll be keeping it until the annual subscription runs out in November. I hope by then they at least come up with a Windows app - I have no intention of giving up the ability to watch my Tablo in a small window while working on a spreadsheet, etc.

[@billw452]

The entire point of a DVR at this point is for the convenience of watching anywhere, anytime I want. This is a giant step back for all of us and thanks in no small part to Scripps. I'm likely switching to Silicon Dust's HD Homerun on a plex server

[@larsord9139]

All of us? Maybe many of us, but certainly not all of us. I hardly watch much at home let alone when I'm not at home. Of course I'm 89 so I really don't leave home much any more. For me it looks like it might be useful.

[@NickWindham]

​@@larsord9139agreed.

[@NickWindham]

You're an advanced/heavy user that's willing to spend a few hundred dollars and tinker for hours to get a more elaborate system working. Yes, the best HDHomerun sounds like a better fit for you but Tablo is aiming for the other 80% of the market that is less computer/tech savvy.

[@nikosaek781]

i just got my tablo and the on box and i love it.

[@radiofan2454]

Tablo/Nuvyyo claims the reason the 4th gen units don't allow for out of house viewing is the 4th gen Tablo doesn't "transcode" the recordings in real time like the older network Tablo units do. The recording for the 4th gen is done in full MPEG2, which creates a larger "banndwidth-heavy file." FYI: The MPEG2 format is the same format that the TV attached Tablos recorded in, and they too don't allow for remote (Tablo Connect) viewing. One also has to wonder if Scripps is purposely preventing out of home viewing to protect their local broadcast assets? In any case, Tablo/Nuvyyo is claiming that they are looking into remote viewing options for the 4th gen Tablos.

[@MSDOGS1976]

Good info. I set mine up a couple of days ago and it has been flaky. I'm using mine via wifi so perhaps that's part of it. One thing it does is I can click on a channel and nothing happens. This right after watching another channel. Scroll to another channel...same thing. Nothing. I have to back out of the app(I use through Roku) and go back in and it works. Another thing when scanning for channels it will pick all up I'm supposed to get but some of the sub-channels won't have the details in the grid so I can't watch those. I've just unchecked those so they won't clutter my menu. Close to sending it back but may just live with it.

[@pcrucitti]

Curious on what external drive people are using with this product. I need to purchase one and am not sure if one is better than another. Thank you in advance

[@metalpose]

I was planning to get this but it’s still missing a few things like streaming outside the home :(. I’ll stick to TiVo Bolt. Great features, customizable and outside network streaming. But I do love the internet channel recordings. That’s a huge plus. TiVo will never get there. Lol

[@jaybender]

Watched the whole thing.... very good.... but I have one MAJOR question that did not seem to be addressed..... what is that remote you're waving around and clicking with, and did that come with the Tablo? Or.... do you have to buy some other device or service to actually be able to USE this? (Roku, etc.)??????

[@LonSeidman]

There is no Tablo remote as it requires a second device to watch and interact. I was using the remote for my Onn box for the demo.

[@rpaulmerrell]

Did you try seeing if it works with Channels whole home DVR with their tablet support this would be perfect for a Channels user

[@markprince3469]

My primary use for a dvr is to watch NFL games on a 90-120 minute delay, meaning that the game is still happening when I start watching from the beginning. I then fast forward through commercials and catch up in about an hour or less, without having lost the ability to pause/rewind/ffwd. Will this unit allow me to do this? I’d love to cut the cord, but this is an essential function for me.

[@dolemite44149]

Great review. Exactly what I was looking for in a review.

[@ardithconley2628]

Good video but ya know I had one of those and took it down do to I did not want anything you need to hook up to your internet. I never could get the timing right on recordings. I did pull the trigger on a Mediasonic HomeWorx ATSC Digital Converter Box with TV Tuner, TV Recording, USB Multimedia Function (HW-150PVR-Y22) from Amazon supporting the Antenna man's recommendation. Reason for me was it was no internet required. Only reason I would like ATSC 3.0 is do to the ATSC 1.0 channels come in better.

[@SoyChele]

Extremely well done review. Much appreciated. It was very comprehensive and delivered rather well. Thank you!

[@wm.donaldholmes5010]

This may be a circumstance that others share. My TV signal is provided by my condo assoc. (Direct TV I think), about 120 channels. My access is by a standard RCA plug on a coax cable just like from an antenna. I have added Roku. I have wifi internet. I am interested in the new Tablo unit to allow recording sports programs. Your very thorough review indicates that it may work for me even though you refer to OTA signals only. Will it work for my set-up? Thank you very much.

[@nickbwright1]

Lon, I just love your reviews. You do such a good job. Thanks!

[@jimmygreen3811]

Nice review. I have a 4 tuner unit that is a couple of years old. Mine out of the box, had a bad tuner which I had to diagnose myself as tech support could not figure it out. As a result it took about 6 weeks to finally convince them it was their unit and not my antenna, network, some sort of interference... The only way to work with tech support at the time was through email. My point is, if you have issues that tech support can not diagnose quickly, send it back during the return period and save your self the aggravation.

[@sebaszwarc]

Or maybe construct your own device like that based on Rpi4?

[@GertrudeWhite-qt6nd]

Esse Wi-Fi 6 é um diferencial enorme, tudo roda liso demais

[@KC-pf4tj]

Great video! I have the older version Tablo box and have had it for 3 years. It connects to my Wi-Fi as I Don have a Ethernet connection that area. Switching from channel to channel is slower than the newer box you’re reviewing and the interface software looks much better than my Roku application. I was hoping that the tuner would have been ATSC 3.0 but I guess I’ll wait till the prices come down for me to afford.

[@rb797]

Thank you so much. You explained Tablo perfectly. I understand how it works now.

[@dennisengland9787]

Where I live, I still get quite a few OTA stations. However, a few years ago I was working in the Florida pandandle and there were only a couple of very weak stations. Then a year later I was working in Idaho and there were absolutely no broadcast TV channels. I'll likely get something like this for my home, but how much of the country doesn't get OTA TV anymore?

[@josephregallis3394]

If it doesn't have ATSC 3.0 functionality, then I can't use it. I'm still waiting for a box that can give me the new standard at an affordable price and that works well!

[@AAa-qd8hb]

* NEXTGEN-TV is a failure if people outside of cities have no tv. * 35 MILES OUT = the new NO TV for you "NEAR DEEP FRINGE". * I currently get all ota DC 1.0 tv channels and nextgen-tv does not work at my location. * I own the first officially approved Nextgen-tv ADTH tuner box and I am only 35 miles from the DC nextgen-tv LIGHTHOUSE antenna on RF channel 33 located at Howard University in DC and I only get very short clips with 95 percent nothing. * I am on the new nextgen-tv NO TV FOR YOU fringe. * I have the best outside yagi directional antennas with built-in preamps with RG6 solid copper quad shielded coax cables that are pointed correctly at WHUT NEXTGEN-TV antenna. * Thank you for your time helping the people keep free ota TV.

[@uknowit9130]

DRM slowing rollout of ota DVR options

[@josephregallis3394]

I've heard this ADTH tuner box doesn't work well. That is why I'm waiting for them to get the bugs out or/and to upgrade their software!@@AAa-qd8hb

[@penultimatename6677]

Zapperbox expects to have it working around Sept 18. I agree Tablo is a waste of time without 3.0 capability.

[@penultimatename6677]

That distance restriction is similar to ATSC 1.0. There are reasons to gripe when discussing encryption. Your concern is a physical signal issue.

[@michaelsheeder148]

I have a different tablo for several years now and the recording conflict is the same on that as well you have to figure out where the problem is. I don't foresee that they're going to change. Thanks Michael

[@michaelarcy]

Can you do a review of “FreeCast” streaming tv

[@JoeSiegler]

Thanks for this video. I've been a TiVo customer since 2000, and in 23 years this is the first product that might legit make me look at ditching TiVo. What I'd really like is a detailed deep dive into the interface and recording and searches and stuff like that - basically how it compares to TiVo as I know that VERY well. I did notice on their website in the FAQ area they say they have a version of this coming with four tuners, which I will definitely hold out for, as I have two four tuner TiVo's in my house, so I'm likely to need that given the amount of stuff I record.

[@metalpose]

Don’t switch. You’ll regret it. Stick to TIVO. ITS THE BEST.

[@shenmisheshou7002]

With ATSC 3.0, the signal can be coded with DRM, and this means you won't be able to use a DVR anymore. Unless your TIVO breaks, I would suggest that you not purchase this box because it will soon be obsolete. The major networks are all going to DRM on their ATSC 3.0 channels and they may be able to turn off their NTSC channels in two years. It is the end of the DVR.

[@JoeSiegler]

@@shenmisheshou7002 That doesn't really have anything to do with this. Neither TiVo or this Tablo device are ATSC 3.

[@kevinlsims7330]

I Use A Silicone Dust Quad Tuner And A Win TV Quad Tuner! I Have To Buy My TV Program List But I Use jellyfin Media Server To Distribute My TV To All 8 Of My TV's!! Jellyfin Is The Free Version Of Emby! Over The Years I have Obtained Hundreds Of Complete TV Series All Served Up To Me In A Format like Netflix! I Use A Program Called MCE Buddy To Convert the Recordings From Mpeg2 To MP4 As It Does All Of The Work That I Use To Do Manually Like Cut The Ads Out And Add The Meta Data! I Have SFF PC's Running Each Of My TV's So Browsing The Web Or Playing Games etc Is Just A Click Of My Mouse!

[@kevinlsims7330]

@@shenmisheshou7002 They Will Be Forced To Sell Converter Boxes Like They Had To Do When They Switched To Digital!! And The Adaptation Of 3.0 Is FAILING!! It Will Take Them 10+ Years To Trick The Public Into Accepting This CRAP!! LG Told Them NO! Rummers Are That Samsung And Sony Have Said Not Now Also!! How Many Of The new TV's Sold On Black Friday Are 3.0? Very Very Few!

[@RogueCylon]

The problem I had was the network ports led on the Tablo I had. Plus the heat given off. Mine was a Gen 1, have they improved?

[@markmcg8912]

Hi Lon, I heard there is a new antenna that performs better and is transparent. Could you review the new bundle ? Thanks!

[@melindaearly7594]

Thanks 🙏 for your great service and advice.It’s been very helpful. Have a abundantly blessed evening 😇😎🤩

[@sharoncook9694]

Can you watch it on your TV, not a mobile device (too small)? If you’re watching live TV, can you rewind X seconds/minutes in case you missed something? I have a TiVo but this seems more cost friendly. Thank you!

[@Askeyb2011]

The manufacturer likely knows they will sale a new version of Tablo that supports the 3.0 broadcast. I read that there will likely be converters for current TVs that only have tuners for the 1.0. I don't have it all understood but for now if I understand right 1.0 will be around for a while. You mentioned 2027 likely and it will likely be in areas because broadcasters are not required to switch to 3.0 as they were when everything went from Analog to Digital.

[@catherinemapes2394]

I have the older Tablo Quad. I told people how great it is. A relative got the new one and it doesn't do half the things the old one did. Says it works on all devices. Not true. No app for Lg tvs. It doesn't work on laptops or computers like the old one, only phones and tablets. There is no port forwarding like the old one, or web app. Tried to get it to work on older Fire TV Sticks and it would open to dash board, but when clicked on live tv it looped back to Fire Stick dashboard and restarted. Only worked on iPhones. Tried mirroring but only stayed in portrait display even when rotated on the phone. We spent most of a day trying to get this to work on her devices. This is not an improvement.

[@danielcortes1529]

Thank you for the info I have a question Do I need to subscribe to a cable company to use this product

[@LonSeidman]

No it’ll pull the tv signal off the air

[@groppo8]

Very good video and nice gadget. Is the Tablo available for use in Australia? I would love to record programs from my fire stick but I don't have any device for this. Would I need an adaptor of some kind? Could you please advise best option for recording? Many thanks.

[@1framistan]

I just installed mine and I was surprised it does NOT have an HDMI cable. It has an ETHERNET cable which needs to go to the router. OR you can use WIFI. However wifi sometimes is GLITCHY, so I bought a 7 dollar ethernet cable and ran the 25 foot cable to my other room where the router is located. I think anyone trying to install this should just forget using wifi. It's too glitchy. EDIT... Oh and I forget that the TABLO does NOT have a remote control !! It uses your ROKU remote because it works with the ROKU (or other similar unit) with the TABLO app you MUST load into your cellphone.

[@wklorenz]

I use the ONN device that I see you are using. My TV is a Samsung non-smart TV. I have a RCA yagi antenna with rotor mounted on my chimney. Using the TV tuner and not the Tablo tuner I get a better quality picture. The Tablo picture is good but using the TV OTA tuner is better. I believe the Tablo is 1080i and the TV is 1080p and that's the reason. Any ideas Bill

[@peterb1277]

Great video. How does compare to Amazon recast? Tablo seems to have more options.

[@nellienel5140]

Idk if its worthb upgrading if you already got one... only benefit i see if you wanna set up second antenna have two tablos

[@frankbringhurst9490]

My tv already will pickup antenna channels. So I guess this just records as the only difference?

[@terryshouseholdtipstricks4713]

I bought this new and 'improved' version and it keep freezing up during the setup. Calling their 'tech support' was no help, they said they would email me within 24 hours after I explained the problem. The email I received said my 'support ' ticket was closed!! I'll stick with my Zapperbox!!

[@richard6150]

Can it pause live TV? Can you add extra time to a program if needed?

[@AcmeAirlines]

Thanks for the great review. I bought one and love it because the Vizio tv I have in my den doesn't have a tuner and this not only gives me that ability now, but I can also record. The only issue I have is that my PC will only download the older app and I cannot use it with the newer unit and the same goes with my older Firestick in my bedroom. Why is that? Any assistance is appreciated and keep up the reviews...

[@LonSeidman]

Unfortunately the new one doesn’t support PCs and likely won’t in the future.

[@AcmeAirlines]

@@LonSeidman Thanks for the info!!!

[@salocin911]

great content as always

[@GameMasterpg]

I'm staying with the older Tablo that has four tuner's & can records 4 show's at once

[@joanie5812]

Totally agree no need to upgrade from the Tablo Quad. This is just a money grab by Scripps.

[@GameMasterpg]

@@joanie5812 Only thing good about it is people can record from the free online channels. Everything else is downgrade from Tablo Quad

[@paulblack9931]

Agree too. I’ll wait for an updated version with 4 tuners and storage card slot similar to the Quad.

[@dcarlin3]

Why do you think the new one requires a computer? He said earlier in video it can be placed anywhere near antenna, and devices stream over network - just like my original Tablo 4 tuner

[@GameMasterpg]

@@dcarlin3 Since you're slow I'll use easy words. New Tablo Computer (Required) Old Tablo Computer (Optional)

[@briantownsend3200]

Thank you for this review. This is very helpful information.

[@mindfreak2121]

Is this a Digital TV converter box that uses a coaxial antenna and then let's you watch TV on any mobile device? Cellphone, Tablet and Computer/Laptop? If so. Do you have to be home on your home Wi-Fi in order for you to watch over the air TV? Or can you leave your home and go out of town and watch your air TV from anywhere on your mobile devices? After the free 14-day TV guide (no $5 subscription fee). You say that there is no subscription fee. What happens after the 14 day free guide?

[@mikesmith1550]

Good video! Wondering here...I use a Verizon Jetpack for all my internet, both at home and mobile. Do you see any compatibility issues with that? FWIW I'm 76yo and some of this is fun, but sometimes I can get frustrated too. I hope to keep things simple. Thanks for any input.

[@harobikes3three3]

Would be interested in a comparison of the Zapper Box compared to their Quad legacy DVR. Any quick thoughts?

[@BigDo]

Can recordings on the external hard drive be exported to a network drive, phone, or tablet?.. A work around for not being able to watch shows outside of your network....

[@stevengoodman3636]

I have a Tablo Dual Lite with an external hard drive. When I plug that drive into my Windows 10 pc it isn't recognized.

[@steveschaefer5835]

Thanks for this video it’s vary informative. I do have a question, though. At one point in the video, you showed the app on your phone, but at the end of the video, you said you can’t pick up the channel on a Mac device. I was hoping to put this in an RV and use an iPad to watch TV with but you’re saying that’s not possible? Thanks.

[@LonSeidman]

It'll work on the iPad but not on the Mac.

[@steveschaefer5835]

​@@LonSeidman I see it will not work on a Mac computer but it will work on an Apple product like a phone or a iPad. Thanks

[@wklorenz]

where do you select either LAN or WiFi ??. I've looked in the settings and don't see anything. Thanks, Bill

[@marksalamon619]

Thanks for your review So, ATSC 1.0 only - I'll pass on this product. I'll save the $99 cost of this device and apply it to the purchase of a TV from Sony, Samsung, Hisense, or LG with ATSC 3.0 tuners built into their models, or an ATSC 3.0 tuner box from a company like ADTH.

[@IraQNid]

If your Personal Computer has an external antenna capture card or USB dongle equivalent then you should be able to watch the feed from the Tablo on your computer. A tear down of the Tablo is in order so we can see what kind of hardware it is using. Then see if we can't augment that to gain better performance and to get around their restrictions. Since I don't use a router or home network let me ask this of more experienced people: is it possible to block the commercials for streaming video or audio coming into your home via your network? If so is that difficult to do? Are there ready made hardware/software solutions that can prevent people from seeing or hearing advertisements for Internet derived entertainment where Ad Block+ can't be used? What is the speed and connection type of the USB port? It looks like a Type A port judging by the size and shape of the cable. But you can never be certain when some companies make goofy looking cables in the name of proprietary connections that cost more to buy (Apple for instance).

[@dalehenderson4136]

Lon, I just received a reply from Tablo Support stating that the Tablo 4th Gen OTA DVR does not support ATSC 3.0 signals and that there is no eta as to when that might be available. Since all the major networks here in the Detroit area broadcast in ATSC 3.0, it would seem that this device would not work. Comments please.

[@LonSeidman]

It’ll work as they are required to continue simulcasting ATSC 1.0 until 2027

[@dalehenderson4136]

@@LonSeidman: Thanks!

[@lostinmyspace4910]

Does having a good Tablo connection depend on good antenna connection because I only get about 22 stations by antenna, and only one bar signal strength on most stations except when it rains...then I loose some stations altogether. My new TV does have built in Roku..

[@LonSeidman]

Yes it'll be the same as what you experience on your television with an antenna attached.

[@SkellyCA]

I know that Tablo does not require a subscription but they do offer one, which I believe gives you a 14 day guide and other perks.

[@davidgilpin5200]

The subscription guide is only for the "Legacy" Tablo devices. The 4th generation includes the guide as part of the device, paid for by revenue generated from the Scripps-owned FAST streaming channels included.

[@the-papaw]

tablo or hdhomerun (especially using multiple instances of my kodi fork)

[@cybdiver]

I was just about to buy one then you said atsc 1.0 is being retired. That means it will stop working in 2027. I'm guessing this will apply to TV's also?

[@DanDDirges]

Excellent review! I have the AIRTV 2 DVR and it works great and is cheaper. It can be a hassle to set up though. Probably all devices like this are.

[@randyfleet8929]

The AIRTV 2 sucks I had it and it sucks

[@EarlBalentine]

I have Tablo DVR at home on my network and I access my Home DVR from my Firestick using the Tablo app to view my DVR recordings. In the original setup both devices have to be on the same network for the setup to work remotely. Occasionally I lose my hand shake and can't see any of my recordings. I accidentally delete the Tablo TV remote app from my Firestick on the road and can';t see my recordings. I guess there's nothing I can do until I get home. I will be gone several weeks on the road and wish I could get my recording back. I wonder if the new 4th generation Tablo is better then the previous version?

[@billdungan3709]

When the Apple app is available can we use the Apple Remote?

[@steveq17]

Thanks for the information. ℹ have always just streamed stuff but this seems really cool.

[@BigFredddy68]

Looks like ur In the Detroit area, do u have a videthat shows u step by step how to set up and connect a ONN Box or Fire Stick? Thanks

[@LonSeidman]

I live in Connecticut. But the process is the same as I demonstrated-once the tablo is on the network the apps will find it automatically

[@BigFredddy68]

@@LonSeidman well thanks I guess the Channels look the same

[@sorryociffer]

When it records a show onto your hard drive, in what format is it and is it encrypted? If I were to disconnect the tablet and simply have this hard drive full of shows, would I be able to watch them at a later date with no network connection and no tablet connected?

[@FredMcIntyre]

Thanks for the info Lon! 😃👍🏻👊🏻 ....If you mark the recording as watched, does it reset the progress meter back to the beginning of the recording? ... if so, this would be a helpful workaround to having to rewind to "start from the beginning" at least until they hopefully add the option to "start from the beginning"... 😉

[@richardremmele8685]

Rewind?? It is not tape

[@FredMcIntyre]

​@@richardremmele8685I know it's not tape and it's not actually being rewound, like everyone else knows, it's simply terminology that is broadly used and understood to mean "To reverse the playing of (an audio or video recording)" which is precisely why the above quoted phrase is included within the definition of the word rewind, and also why Lon himself used the word "rewind" in the video, I hope this clarifies things for you and helps to alleviate any confusion that you may have over this broadly used and simple to understand terminology.

[@richardremmele8685]

@@FredMcIntyre Sorry for the Jibe, but I record everything, I always have. HD HomeRun, Win TV dual, and PlayOn, not only does it start at the beginning but even when set to pick up where it last played or whatever that checked box is called, it still starts at the beginning, unlike streaming which does pick up from last played which is annoying because it stay in continue watching until you fast forward past the credits to the end to get it out of continue watching

[@FredMcIntyre]

@@richardremmele8685 What does any of that have to do with your questioning of my use of the word "rewind" ? ... what word/words/terms do you typically use when talking about reversing of play? Please share.... did you even finish watching and listening to this video before you started this questioning? ...did you understand the information in the video?

[@jonbauer5270]

I was really looking forward to getting one of these; thought it would be great. So, off to Best Buy, made my purchase; ask the salesperson if the required app was available via computer. He checked his phone and said it was available on Microsoft. Got to the installation phase which requires downloading of the app from Apple or Android; remembering an old I-phone, I tried to download the app. Apple responded that the phone didn't have sufficient iOS so I updated the software. With the update installed, I still was informed of insufficient iOS. Not being able to activate the Table, I returned it......what a disappointment. Why did Tablo link activation w/an app from another site, I would think it'd be part of Tablo's software?

[@derekvallem]

Thanks for the review. I currently have the Tablo dual which I like. Do you see any reason to get this instead?

[@wsgut123]

This is targeted to a different market I feel. I'm sure they'll release something that's more power user oriented down the line.

[@AlbertoRodriguez-ju6hc]

Hmm had no idea I needed a device for this, that's a drag. 85 dollars for 3 years of service I think I'll look into this after the upgrade so I get the next gen device I get service longer thank you.

[@DouglasBarnum]

Don’t see 1.0 going away in 2027. Not around here at least. Maybe 2040. 😂

[@AAa-qd8hb]

* NEXTGEN-TV is a failure if people outside of cities have no tv. * 35 MILES OUT = the new NO TV for you "NEAR DEEP FRINGE". * I currently get all ota DC 1.0 tv channels and nextgen-tv does not work at my location. * I own the first officially approved Nextgen-tv ADTH tuner box and I am only 35 miles from the DC nextgen-tv LIGHTHOUSE antenna on RF channel 33 located at Howard University in DC and I only get very short clips with 95 percent nothing. * I am on the new nextgen-tv NO TV FOR YOU fringe. * I have the best outside yagi directional antennas with built-in preamps with RG6 solid copper quad shielded coax cables that are pointed correctly at WHUT NEXTGEN-TV antenna. * Thank you for your time helping the people keep free ota TV.

[@AudiophileTommy]

You can thank the DAMN DRM idiots for that 🎉 also the greedy local channels that want to lock you out of FREE TV by putting it behind a paywall !!! It’s ALL about the greed 🎉

[@scottmargolis9765]

Excellent and super informative review. Thank you

[@billmongiello4885]

after you record a movie to the tablo or your hard drive can you record that movie to a dvd or thumb drive...also i see you have a remote, does the remote come with the $99 package or is it an extra cost

[@LonSeidman]

Unfortunately they don’t have a mechanism to extract the video. Read the pinned comment regarding the remote it’s not a standalone device and requires an android tv/roku/fire to work