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Tablo FAQs – A Comprehensive List

Tablo Support - David
Tablo Support - David
  • Updated

Have a question about Tablo? This is a great place to start!

Click on an FAQ category to jump to that section.

Don't see the answer to your question below, just type it in the search bar at the top of the page. 

 

FAQ CATEGORIES

 

About 4th Generation Tablo Devices

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  • What do I get when I buy a Tablo device?
    The Tablo Total System comes with everything you need to start watching TV for free today including the Tablo device with 50+ hours of onboard storage, a 35-mile TV antenna, power supply, Ethernet cable, and free Tablo apps for every screen. Already have a TV antenna? Choose the ‘no antenna’ option to save even more.

  • What channels can I get with a TV antenna and Tablo?
    Most Americans can access major broadcast networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS, and the CW for free and in high-definition with a simple TV antenna. Many additional 'subchannels' are also often available with unique content like throwback sitcoms, sci-fi favorites, and westerns. See what antenna TV channels you can watch and record with Tablo in your area.  

  • What live internet-based streaming channels can I get with Tablo?
    Whether you’re into cooking, true crime, travel, or sports, there’s a free streaming channel on Tablo for you. See a list of the 40+ free streaming channels you can watch and record with Tablo.

  • How does Tablo work?
    Tablo connects your TV antenna to your home router using Wi-Fi or Ethernet to stream live and recorded programming to all your internet-connected devices. This allows you to position your TV antenna wherever it gets the best signal. 

  • Does Tablo come with a remote?
    No. 4th generation Tablo devices don’t need their own remote because you control Tablo using your existing streaming device or smart TV remote once the Tablo app has been downloaded.  

  • How do I watch Tablo on my streaming device or Smart TV?
    Once you’ve completed the initial setup of your Tablo device, you simply need to search for and download the Tablo app in the app store on your streaming device or smart TV. The app will then find Tablo on your home network and connect to it. Click here for device-specific instructions.

  • Do I need internet to use Tablo?
    Yes. You do need internet access to use Tablo. Like many modern gadgets, Tablo is a network-connected device, designed to have consistent high-speed internet access and will not function without it. 

  • What hard drives are compatible with Tablo if I want to increase recording storage capacity?
    4th generation Tablo devices come with 50+ hours of onboard HD storage. However, you can choose to connect a portable USB hard drive (USB 2.0 or 3.0) between 1TB and 8TB in size for up to 1000 hours of additional storage capacity

  • Can I watch or record cable/satellite or streaming services with Tablo?
    No. Tablo is designed to stream and record broadcast TV from antennas as well as the included free TV streaming channels. It does not support viewing or recording from streaming services like Netflix for Sling, or cable or satellite channels like ESPN or HGTV.

  • Is a 4-tuner version of the 4th generation Tablo device in the works?
    Yes! While we don't have a specific ETA for this product to share at this time, we know that some TV lovers need the flexibility of a 4-tuner Tablo device.

  • Does the 4th generation Tablo support ATSC 3.0 (aka NextGen TV)?
    No. The tuners in the 4th generation Tablo support the ATSC 1.0 broadcast standard used by all major commercial broadcasts today and the Tablo device takes full advantage of it like never before. While ATSC 3.0 broadcasts are available in some markets, ATSC 1.0 broadcasts will continue through at least June 2027.


Compatible Devices and Apps

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  • What devices can I use to set up my Tablo?
    To set up your Tablo you'll need an iOS or Android smartphone or tablet.

  • What devices are compatible with Tablo for viewing and managing live TV and recordings?
    The 4th generation Tablo is compatible with recent streaming devices (sticks and boxes), and Smart TVs from Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV/Google TV, Apple TV*, Samsung*, LG*, and Vizio*, as well as smartphones and tablets running iOS and Android. (*Coming soon) Click here for links to all Tablo apps and device compatibility details for legacy Tablo models.

  • How do I get the Tablo app for my device?
    Visit our apps and compatible devices page for links to all Tablo apps.   

  

4th Generation Tablo Features

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  • Can I set series recordings with my Tablo?
    Yes. One-touch recording of an entire TV series is available with Tablo. See a full overview of Tablo’s recording features here.

  • Can I time shift with Tablo (aka watch recordings on tape delay)?
    Yes! You can begin watching in-progress recordings as little as 30 seconds after they’re set to start.

  • Does Tablo support 5.1 Surround Sound?
    Yes. Tablo supports the passthrough of 5.1 Surround Sound to devices capable of decoding this sound profile.

  • Does Tablo support closed captioning?
    Yes! Tablo supports closed captioning on most platforms.


Shipping & Returns

  • What are Tablo’s shipping and return policies?
    Shipping is always free to residents of the United States. And while we hope you love your Tablo, if you're unhappy for any reason we offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. Customers must pay for return shipping. See our store policies page for details.
     
  • Where does Tablo ship?
    When purchasing direct from Tablo, current-generation Tablo products are available to residents of the United States (including Alaska & Hawaii). Legacy Tablo models are also available for shipping to Canada. See our store policies page for details.

 

About Legacy Model Tablo Devices

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  • What are Tablo legacy models?
    Tablo legacy models are older hardware devices including the Tablo DUAL LITE, Tablo DUAL 128GB, Tablo QUAD, Tablo QUAD 1TB, Tablo DUAL HDMI, Tablo QUAD HDMI, as well as the original 2-Tuner and 4-Tuner Tablo DVRs. 

  • What’s the difference between the 4th generation Tablo and legacy Tablo models?
    The 4th generation Tablo is our latest whole-home network-connected device which enhances the free TV experience for consumers who use an antenna to watch broadcast television. The 4th generation Tablo offers a suite of fully revamped apps, onboard storage, and the ability to watch and record additional free streaming channels on top of antenna TV content, all without any subscriptions or fees. While legacy Tablo models are still available, the newest Tablo apps and free streaming channels are not yet compatible, and access to advanced features still requires a TV Guide Data Service subscription. 

  • If I choose a legacy Tablo model, do I still need a TV Guide Data Service subscription to enjoy all of the features?
    Currently, yes. Legacy Tablo models still require a TV Guide Data Service subscription for access to advanced features via legacy Tablo apps. However, a future upgrade to legacy Tablo models is planned to enable those devices to connect to the new Tablo app experience which does not require a subscription.

  • What's the difference between TV-connected Tablo OTA DVRs and network-connected Tablo OTA DVRs?
    Network-connected Tablo DVRs don’t connect to your television at all. Instead, they connect to your home’s Wi-Fi router to distribute live and recorded TV to multiple internet-connected devices like smart TVs, streaming boxes and sticks, smartphones, and tablets. On the other hand, TV-connected DVRs are designed for people who primarily watch programming on a single television. They offer a more traditional DVR setup that connects directly to your television while at the same time providing the powerful yet easy-to-use DVR interface that Tablo customers know and love.

  • Do TV-Connected Tablo OTA DVRs let me stream video to other devices?
    While TV-connected Tablo OTA DVRs are designed for TV fans who primarily watch programming on a single television, they do enable streaming to a limited selection of internet-connected devices within the home with an active TV Guide Data Service subscription. Depending on the quality of your home network, TV-connected Tablo DVRs can stream to up to two (for the Tablo DUAL HDMI) or four (for the Tablo QUAD HDMI) compatible smart TVs or streaming set-top-boxes at the same time. They are not compatible with existing Tablo apps for computers, smartphones, tablets, Apple TV, or select smart TVs.

  • What is happening with the Tablo ATSC 3.0 QUAD HDMI DVR?
    We are still working on the Tablo ATSC 3.0 QUAD HDMI DVR and understand that early adopters of ATSC 3.0 are still eager for a compatible Tablo solution. There is no ETA for this product right now, but significant progress is being made to ensure the device will be fully certified and compliant with all ATSC 3.0 requirements.

 

Subscriptions (For Legacy Model Customers Only)

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  • Does the 4th generation Tablo require a subscription?
    No. There are no subscriptions, contracts, or hidden fees with the 4th generation Tablo whatsoever. Programming from your TV antenna as well as the 40+ included internet-based streaming channels are absolutely free and there is no cost to enjoy Tablo apps, features, or guide data. 

  • For legacy Tablo models, what does my Tablo TV Guide Data Service subscription include?
    For a small monthly fee, our TV Guide Data Service subscription provides the beautiful cover art, episode and series synopses, and metadata that makes it easy for you to browse content and set recordings on your legacy model Tablo through our various apps. A subscription also enables some of Tablo's cooler features like Tablo Connect for out-of-home streaming. Get pricing here.

  • I have a legacy model Tablo. Can I stop paying my TV Guide Data Service subscription and still enjoy all the same features?
    No. An active TV Guide Data Service subscription will always be required to use advanced features on legacy Tablo models using legacy Tablo apps. However, a future firmware upgrade to legacy Tablo models is planned to enable those devices to connect to the latest Tablo app experience which does not require a subscription. At that time, legacy Tablo owners using the latest Tablo app experience can choose to cancel their subscriptions. Stay tuned for details on the timing of the firmware upgrade for your Tablo device.

  • I have a legacy Tablo device. Can I stop paying my Premium Service subscription and still enjoy Automatic Commercial Skip?
    No. The Automatic Commercial Skip feature was sunset for new customers in 2022 and is not available in the new Tablo app experience. Premium Service subscribers must continue to pay for TV Guide Data Service and Premium Service to enjoy Automatic Commercial Skip on legacy Tablo devices and apps.

  • Can I apply my existing Tablo subscription to a 4th generation Tablo?
    No. 4th-generation Tablo products do not require or recognize subscriptions.