Streaming might be the future of video, but there’s still a place for good old-fashioned, over-the-air (OTA) TV – free TV! It might seem outdated, especially if you’re under 50, but OTA TV holds a significant advantage: it’s free and will remain so for the foreseeable future. Tablo, a major manufacturer of OTA tuners and DVRs, has combined both into its impressive fourth-generation device. But is it worth the effort? Should you choose it over the competition? Let’s delve into this surprising gem.
Before the internet revolutionized video consumption, before satellite and even cable TV, the only way to watch TV was over the air. Your television had an antenna, picking up broadcasts flying through the air and displaying them on your screen. While technology has advanced, the core principle remains the same. The major broadcast networks like ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC still send out shows over the air, thanks to regulations from the federal government. Even your new TV has a built-in tuner to pick up these channels, proving that some things never change.
However, the antenna is no longer built-in. You’ll need to purchase an antenna (often paired with an amplifier) and connect it to your TV using a coaxial cable. Antennas are relatively inexpensive, easy to set up, and a one-time cost for enjoying free OTA TV.
But there’s a better way. This is where products like Tablo and its main competitor, HDHomeRun, come in. Tablo acts as a tuner, just like the one in your TV, but it’s a standalone device that shares the OTA TV signal over your home network, allowing you to enjoy it on multiple devices beyond just your TV. The basic Tablo model has two tuners, letting you watch one show while recording another, or watch live on multiple devices concurrently. A four-tuner model, available for around $150, is also an option. And an important feature – the fourth-generation Tablo comes with built-in storage for recording your favorite OTA shows.
The fourth-generation Tablo boasts compatibility with virtually every major platform, including Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Google TV, iOS, Android, and even Apple TV (as of October 2024). It also works seamlessly with Samsung and LG TVs, which have their own operating systems.
Setting Up Tablo TV
The design of the latest Tablo is refreshingly modern. It’s smaller than previous versions, resembling a 1-inch thick disc about 6 inches across, comparable in size to a Nexus Player from a decade ago.
Setting it up is a breeze. Plug in the power cable and antenna. (You can choose to buy Tablo with or without an antenna, a welcome option for those who already have one.) For convenience, use the Ethernet cable included to connect Tablo directly to your router if they’re located near each other, avoiding the hassle of Wi-Fi setup (Tablo uses Wi-Fi 5, or 802.11ac).
The setup process is carried out using your phone or tablet. It was seamless for me on my iPhone, using the new Tablo app (not the legacy one for older hardware). You’ll need a Tablo account, which is a simple process.
While the setup is generally smooth, there’s one caveat. It took nearly 10 minutes to download guide data, which seems excessive. However, this could be an isolated incident. Remember that you’ll need an internet connection for Tablo to receive guide data updates in the background.
Spending some time in the settings section (accessible from your phone, tablet, or TV app) is worthwhile. You can customize your experience, adjusting channel options, LED settings, and even external storage.
Tablo vs HDHomeRun
Tablo has been a part of my over-the-air TV experience for years. I mostly use it as a backup when my streaming service has issues or if the OTA signal provides better quality. The new generation of Tablo is significantly different from its predecessor. The most notable change is the built-in storage, which is now standard. It was an optional feature before, but now it’s a necessity, making recording effortless.
Another welcome change is the removal of additional fees or subscriptions for extra features or TV guide data. This was a frustrating aspect of the past, creating the impression of being pressured to pay more than you wanted.
The older Tablo devices transcoded the video format on the fly, resulting in a sluggish live experience, particularly when channel surfing. The fourth-generation Tablo natively handles MPEG2, ensuring a smooth and responsive experience.
The app experience has also been significantly improved. While not perfect, it boasts one of the most user-friendly live guides I’ve encountered in any streaming product, especially when viewed on a TV. The guide is clear and easy to navigate, allowing you to effortlessly find live channels and specific shows or recordings. Recording shows is as simple as telling Tablo to do so. You can also customize recordings to extend beyond their scheduled length, which is essential for sports events.
Two Tuners or Four? And More Storage?
There’s another version of the fourth-generation Tablo with four tuners. You’ll want to consider this option carefully before buying, as the number of tuners affects your capabilities. Two tuners allow you to watch two shows simultaneously on two devices, or watch one show while recording another. If you anticipate needing more than that, the four-tuner version is the way to go. There’s a $40 price difference between the two, so it comes down to your individual needs.
Tablo comes with 128GB of built-in storage, offering about 50 hours of recording time. If this is sufficient for you, great. However, you can expand the storage by adding an external hard drive up to 8TB, providing a massive increase in capacity. Just ensure you use a proper HDD and not an SSD or flash storage.
What About NextGen TV?
We’re currently in the ATSC 1.0 broadcast standard era, offering video at 1080p/1080i. However, the transition to ATSC 3.0, or NextGen TV, is underway. NextGen TV boasts 4K resolution, HDR support, and Dolby Atmos audio.
The rollout of NextGen TV has been somewhat rocky. While available in some cities, ATSC 1.0 will remain accessible until at least July 17, 2027. It wouldn’t be surprising to see this date extended further, considering most new TVs lack an ATSC 3.0 tuner.
Nuvyyo, the maker of Tablo, is owned by the E.W. Scripps Company, which operates a significant number of broadcast stations and networks. Therefore, one might expect Tablo to prioritize NextGen TV. However, the fourth-generation Tablo does not yet support ATSC 3.0.
Nuvyyo has stated that development of the fourth-generation Tablo began during a period when crucial portions of the ATSC 3.0 standard for recording and playback of DRM programs were still undefined. The cost of ATSC 3.0 components was another factor. Nuvyyo assures us they are actively working towards a fully compliant ATSC 3.0 product.
If ATSC 3.0 is essential for you, consider the more expensive HDHomeRun Flex 4K. It also allows you to access local OTA TV while away from home.
Drawbacks
The fourth-generation Tablo, at the time of this review, lacks compatibility with a number of devices, despite covering most major platforms. This may pose a challenge for some users.
Another limitation is the absence of Mac or Windows apps. While live streaming services are available on web browsers, dedicated computer apps would be a welcome addition.
Additionally, there’s no extensibility. HDHomeRun offers a distinct advantage by working with Plex, both for live TV and recordings. It also provides management options through a web browser or command line.
Should You Buy Tablo?
With its improved software and the elimination of transcoding lag, the new generation of Tablo addresses the issues that previously favored HDHomeRun. However, remember that Tablo is not a magic solution.
You’ll need an antenna, ideally placed outdoors and high up for better reception. You’ll need to determine the optimal direction for the antenna to maximize channel access in your location. And you’ll need to connect the antenna to the Tablo box and then connect the Tablo box to your home network via Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
Despite the setup process, the fourth-generation Tablo offers a compelling alternative to streaming services. It’s free, save for the initial hardware cost and your time. Just be aware that NextGen TV remains a looming factor. Overall, the fourth-generation Tablo is a solid device that can enhance your TV experience, especially as a backup for streaming services.
