This is a legacy article. For channel scan instructions for 4th Generation Tablo devices, go here.
When you first set your Tablo up, the legacy Tablo app will walk you through running your very first channel scan.
But there may be other times when a new channel scan is needed including:
- When you re-position your antenna due to reception issues.
- If a new station becomes available in your area.
- To get the most up-to-date information regarding signal strength.
How to Run a New Channel Scan
To run a new channel scan, you will first need to connect to your Tablo using the legacy Tablo app on iOS, Android, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV or Android TV or by using the Tablo Web App in your browser (Safari, Microsoft Edge or Firefox, Google Chrome is not supported).
Owners of Tablo DUAL HDMI or QUAD HDMI OTA DVRs can run a channel scan directly in the SETTINGS section of the user interface.
Once connected, open the menu and select SETTINGS.
Scroll down until you find the GUIDE section.
Here's what this window looks like on the web app in your browser:
Select EDIT CHANNEL LINEUP to open the list of channels currently in your lineup:
If you simply wish to remove a channel from your lineup, you can deselect it using the checkbox on the left. Once you're done, remember to select ADD TO GUIDE to save your changes.
To begin a new channel scan, select the RESCAN button and the scan will begin.
While the scan is in progress, the ADD TO GUIDE button will remain inactive.
Once the scan is finished, you'll notice some channels will be automatically selected, while others will be deselected. Tablo will, by default, choose the high-definition (HD) version of a channel over its standard definition (SD) counterpart, as seen with channels 6-1 and 6-2 in the scan above. Your Tablo will also deselect any channel that it identifies as having poor reception.
When you've finished selecting the channels you want in your guide, select the ADD TO GUIDE button to finish the process. You will be returned to your settings page and a new guide update will begin downloading.
We recommend running a new channel scan once every three months. If a broadcaster adds a channel in your area or changes the broadcast frequency of an existing station, running a regular channel scan will ensure you stay up-to-date on these potential content changes.