What Is Tablo?

Tablo is a network-connected DVR designed to work with a television antenna and your home internet network.

Your antenna receives available local broadcast stations, which may include:

• ABC
• CBS
• NBC
• FOX
• PBS
• The CW
• MeTV
• Antenna TV
• ION
• Additional local subchannels

The exact channels available depend on your location, surrounding terrain, trees, buildings, antenna type, mounting height, and the direction of the broadcast towers.

Once connected, Tablo sends the available antenna channels through your home network. You can then use the Tablo app on compatible smart TVs, streaming devices, smartphones, and tablets to watch live or recorded television throughout your home.

How Tablo Combines Antenna TV With Streaming

The current Tablo system includes both your available over-the-air channels and a selection of free internet-based streaming channels in the Tablo app.

This gives you one convenient place to browse:

• Live local television from your antenna
• Free streaming channels provided through Tablo
• Programs recorded from available channels
• Upcoming shows in the Tablo program guide

You can pause and rewind live television, schedule individual recordings, or record an entire television series.

Tablo does not place paid services such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, or Disney+ inside the Tablo app. Those services remain separate apps on your smart TV or streaming device. However, you can easily use Tablo alongside those services to create a more complete alternative to traditional pay TV.

Do You Need an Antenna for Tablo?

You can use Tablo’s included internet-based channels without connecting an antenna, but adding a properly installed TV antenna provides the greatest benefit.

An antenna may give you access to local news, weather, network programming, sports, and emergency information without a monthly television subscription.

For reliable reception, the antenna must be selected and installed for the conditions at your particular property. An inexpensive indoor antenna may work in areas close to the broadcast towers, but homes farther away—or homes surrounded by trees and other obstructions—may require an attic or outdoor antenna.

Can One Tablo Serve Multiple Televisions?

In many homes, one antenna and one Tablo device can provide television service to multiple compatible screens.

Instead of running a separate antenna cable to every television, Tablo distributes the signal through your home network. Each compatible television or streaming device uses the Tablo app to access live channels and recordings.

The performance of the system will depend on several factors, including:

• Antenna signal quality
• Wi-Fi coverage
• Internet and network reliability
• The number of televisions being used
• The number of tuners available in the Tablo model

A strong antenna signal and a properly designed home network are both important. Tablo cannot correct a weak or unstable signal coming from the antenna.

Does Tablo Require a Monthly Fee?

Current fourth-generation Tablo devices provide program guide information and DVR features without a required monthly subscription. Internet service is still required for initial setup, updates, guide information, and Tablo’s free streaming channels.

The device also includes built-in recording storage, and compatible external storage can be added when more recording space is needed.

Product features and compatible devices can change, so homeowners should review the current information on the official Tablo website before purchasing equipment.

Is Tablo Right for Your Home?

Tablo may be a good choice if you want to:

• Watch local antenna channels on multiple televisions
• Record over-the-air programs
• Add free streaming channels to your viewing choices
• Reduce dependence on cable or satellite television
• Use an app-based television guide
• Combine antenna television with your existing streaming services

However, the results always begin with reliable antenna reception. If the antenna cannot receive a clean signal, Tablo will not be able to produce a clear and dependable picture.

Start With the Right TV Antenna

John’s Antennas can evaluate the available television signals at your Central Florida property and recommend the correct antenna, mounting location, and equipment for your needs.

We install and service outdoor and attic antennas, troubleshoot reception problems, and help customers connect compatible Tablo equipment to their home entertainment systems.

Before buying equipment based only on an online channel prediction, let us help determine what is realistically available at your home.

Call John’s Antennas today to schedule a professional TV antenna evaluation, installation, or repair.