With the announcement of the new subscription-free 4th generation Tablo device, existing Tablo customers may be wondering how this affects their current Tablo experience.
As outlined in the announcement blog, nothing changes for current customers and no action is required.
Tablo Apps and Compatibility
The new Tablo apps are not yet compatible with legacy Tablo hardware devices, but later this year, a firmware update will be available for legacy network-connected Tablo hardware models to make them compatible with the new Tablo app experience.
Legacy TV-connected Tablo hardware models can expect this update in 2024.
In the meantime, owners of legacy Tablo hardware devices should continue to use the legacy Tablo apps with the light blue, orange, and white branding.
For network-connected Tablo devices, the firmware update will simply enable customers to use the new Tablo app experience. It will not disable access to current subscription features or legacy apps.
After the firmware update, owners of legacy network-connected Tablo devices can try out the new apps and see if they like them or keep using the legacy apps to enjoy the same Tablo experience they've been enjoying for years.
Specific details for the firmware update on legacy TV-connected HDMI Tablo devices have not yet been determined due to the complexity of the 'app' being part of the operating system on the device itself. As we evaluate the best path forward for those devices, we will try to provide as much flexibility and choice as possible for customers.
Legacy Tablo Hardware Subscriptions
An active TV Guide Data Service subscription will always be required to use advanced features on legacy Tablo models using legacy Tablo apps.
Some of the subscription-only features current customers enjoy today are not available or will not be made available in the new Tablo app experience.
However, when the future firmware upgrade to legacy Tablo models is made available, legacy Tablo owners can try out the new Tablo app experience and cancel their subscription if they decide to make the switch.
Legacy Tablo hardware subscriptions are not transferrable to the new 4th generation Tablo as they do not require or recognize subscriptions.
Considerations For Current Tablo Customers
Current Tablo customers should review this list of considerations before switching to the 4th generation Tablo device, or using the new Tablo app experience when it becomes available on legacy Tablo models:
- 2-Tuner Only
The current 4th generation Tablo is only available as a 2-tuner model at this time. Those with 4-tuner Tablo legacy models may wish to wait until the new Tablo app experience is available. - Does Not Support Tablo Connect
The new Tablo app experience and the 4th generation Tablo do not support Tablo Connect. Owners of network-connected legacy Tablo models who rely on this feature should keep this in mind. - Does Not Support Premium Service/Automatic Commercial Skip
The new Tablo app experience does not support Premium Service subscriptions or Automatic Commercial Skip. Existing Tablo customers who still use this now sunsetted feature should keep this in mind. - Different App Support
The new Tablo app experience does not currently support Apple TV, Samsung TIZEN smart TVs, or LG webOS smart TVs. Those apps, as well as an app for Vizio SmartCast smart TVs, will be available in the coming months. The 4th generation Tablo and the new Tablo app experience do not currently offer support for PC or MAC. - Features Still In Development
Several popular features are still in development within the new Tablo app experience including guide screens on iOS and Android mobile, conflict resolution, and quick channel select. The ability to manage your 4th generation Tablo device remotely from the new Tablo app experience on iOS or Android mobile devices is also in development. - Recordings & Schedules from Legacy Tablo Devices Cannot Be Transferred
As the 4th generation Tablo device has a different type of recording format and database, you cannot move existing recordings or recording schedules from legacy network-connected or TV-connected Tablo devices to the newest Tablo. - Not available in Canada
The 4th generation Tablo is not available to consumers in Canada as the integrated free streaming channels are licensed only for customers in the United States.
