If your smart TV isn't compatible with Tablo or you have an older 'dumb TV', making a small investment in a compatible streaming device will almost always allow you to access the Tablo app on your television.
What Is a Streaming Device?
A streaming device is a small, specialized computer that connects directly to your television.
There are two formats of streaming devices: box or stick. Box-style devices are more expensive but much more feature-rich and powerful. They use an HDMI cable to connect the device to the HDMI port in the back or side of most televisions. Stick-style streaming devices are less expensive and therefore more popular and plug right into the HDMI port on your television.
Any television manufactured after 2005 should have at least one HDMI port.
All streaming devices are designed to make it simple to access and display video content received primarily through your home's internet connection. They can however, also display video from other devices on your home Wi-Fi network like Tablo, your computer or network-connected hard drives.
When you connect the streaming device to your television and set it up, you will use the remote control that comes with the device to navigate an on-screen interface.
Streaming devices will have major apps like Netflix, Prime Video and Disney Plus pre-loaded but additional apps, like Tablo, can be downloaded to expand both your paid and free viewing options.
Purchasing a streaming device is much less expensive, and better for the environment, than buying a new smart TV. They may even have better and faster technology than the 'smarts' inside newer televisions.
How To Set Up a Streaming Device
Using a streaming device with your Tablo whole-home DVR is easy. First, set up your Tablo through the Tablo app on your iOS or Android smartphone or tablet. When your Tablo device's setup is complete and you can access live TV on your mobile device, then it's time to set up your streaming device.
Make sure to connect the streaming device to the same home network as your Tablo. Then search for and download the Tablo app on your streaming device. When you open the Tablo app, it will find and connect to your Tablo automatically.
Then, using the streaming device's remote to control the Tablo app, you can access live and recorded programs from your Tablo on your television.
What Streaming Device Should I Buy to Use with Tablo?
We have a list of pros and cons for specific streaming device platforms compatible with our 4th Generation Tablo models here.
To ensure your streaming device has enough memory and processing power to provide a smooth streaming experience, we suggest TV fans avoid low-end streaming devices and upgrade to newer models about every five years.