This article is a walkthrough for the legacy TV-Connected Tablo. If you are looking for instructions to set up your 4th Generation Tablo, visit this page.
NOTE - Legacy Tablo apps are no longer available for download. Many of the underlying technologies used by legacy Tablo apps and services are becoming obsolete and are no longer maintainable. Support was discontinued for all legacy Tablo apps on September 1st, 2026.
If you own a legacy TV-connected Tablo model (DUAL HDMI and Tablo QUAD HDMI), your Tablo’s onboard interface and the legacy Tablo apps that support in-home streaming will remain accessible but won't be maintained or updated. Except for the legacy Roku app, legacy Tablo apps are not available for download from app stores.
Tablo DUAL HDMI and QUAD HDMI owners can continue to use the Tablo’s onboard interface and the legacy Tablo apps that support in-home streaming from TV-connected Tablo devices as long as those apps remain functional.
However, since TV-connected legacy Tablo devices cannot transition to using 4th Generation Tablo apps, it may be advisable to upgrade to a 4th Generation Tablo device if you would like to maintain long-term whole-home functionality.
Setting up a legacy TV-connected Tablo is quick and easy. To start, you will need the following:
- Your TV Connected Tablo
- Your external USB Hard Drive - We Recommend Between 1 TB to 8 TB
- Your Over-the-Air (OTA) antenna
When you open your TV-connected Tablo, you will find the following in the box:
- Your TV-Connected Tablo OTA DVR
- Your Tablo's Remote
- AAA Batteries for the Remote
- Your Tablo's Power Adapter
- An HDMI Cable
- An Ethernet Cable
Now that your TV-connected Tablo is out of the box, you can set it up as follows:
- Start by placing your Tablo near your TV. Then connect your OTA TV antenna to your Tablo by using your antenna’s coaxial cable. Ensure that your TV antenna is well placed as high as possible and near a window. You can find some tips on antenna placement, here.
- Next, install your external USB Hard Drive by connecting it to the USB port in the back of your Tablo. Ensure the hard drive is placed beside, not on, the Tablo.
- If possible, connect your Tablo directly to your router using the included Ethernet cable. If that is not possible, you will be able to connect your Tablo to Wi-Fi later in the setup.
- Continue by connecting the included HDMI cable to your Tablo on one end and your TV's HDMI port on the other.
- You are now ready to power your Tablo on by plugging in the included power adapter. The blue LED light will turn on to indicate the unit is booting up. If you do not see anything on screen, ensure your TV's HDMI input is set to the HDMI port your Tablo is plugged in to.
- Use your Tablo remote and follow the instructions on screen. You will be guided through connecting your Tablo to Wi-Fi, if you’re not using Ethernet, formatting your hard drive and performing your first channel scan.