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expired Posted by istaylor • Mar 7, 2024
expired Posted by istaylor • Mar 7, 2024

Tablo Subscription-Free OTA Antenna DVR w/ 2 Tuners (4th Generation)

+ Free Shipping

$75

$100

25% off
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Channel Master has Tablo Subscription-Free OTA Antenna DVR w/ 2 Tuners (4th Generation) on sale for $75. Shipping is free.

Thanks to community member istaylor for finding this deal.

Note: Antenna not included. Tablo does not have an HDMI output and requires an internet connection and either an Apple or Android smartphone for setup. Select the free shipping option at checkout.

Product Details:
  • Compatible with all TV antennas.
  • Watch, pause, record & replay live TV (on up to two channels)
  • No contracts, subscriptions or monthly fees
  • Simply connect your indoor or outdoor antenna to the Tablo, and link it to your Wi-Fi or wired internet connection.
  • Download the Tablo App on your compatible devices, including Roku, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, and smartphones/tablets running iOS and Android, to start watching TV.

Editor's Notes

Written by oceanlake | Staff
  • Please see the original post for additional details & give the WIKI and additional forum comments a read for helpful discussion.

Original Post

Written by istaylor
Community Notes
About the Poster
Deal Details
Community Notes
About the Poster
Channel Master has Tablo Subscription-Free OTA Antenna DVR w/ 2 Tuners (4th Generation) on sale for $75. Shipping is free.

Thanks to community member istaylor for finding this deal.

Note: Antenna not included. Tablo does not have an HDMI output and requires an internet connection and either an Apple or Android smartphone for setup. Select the free shipping option at checkout.

Product Details:
  • Compatible with all TV antennas.
  • Watch, pause, record & replay live TV (on up to two channels)
  • No contracts, subscriptions or monthly fees
  • Simply connect your indoor or outdoor antenna to the Tablo, and link it to your Wi-Fi or wired internet connection.
  • Download the Tablo App on your compatible devices, including Roku, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, and smartphones/tablets running iOS and Android, to start watching TV.

Editor's Notes

Written by oceanlake | Staff
  • Please see the original post for additional details & give the WIKI and additional forum comments a read for helpful discussion.

Original Post

Written by istaylor

Community Voting

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Top Comments

Just remember that this unit requires an active internet connection to work. Don't expect to watch OTA TV or your recordings with this tuner when your internet is down. Don't expect to watch OTA TV or your recordings when the Tablo servers are down (happened last year on a Sunday during NFL football season).

Unlike the Legacy versions, this unit can only be watched on your local network, not remotely while out of your house.

Yes, the guide data is free, but you are agreeing to send all of your actions on the device to the mothership. Remember in this case you are the product whose data is being collected and sold.

If you want a Tablo, look at the Legacy devices which don't have any of the tracking and you can watch them outside your local network. (You'll need to pay for guide data on this device).
https://us-store.tablotv.com/prod...he-air-dvr
Homerun HD is one option.

Watch out for what the broadcast overloards are doing with the new protocols.

ATSC3 DRM update (highlights some OTA device manufacturers)
https://youtu.be/iEjBrItgXuU?feature=shared

NextGen DVR Rules
https://youtu.be/6PwUpniOxQU?feature=shared

What you need to know about ATSC 3.0
https://www.crutchfield.com/S-VeM...0-faq.html

ATSC 3.0: Everything you need to know about broadcast TV's next big thing
https://www.digitaltrends.com/hom...lby-atmos/
Here is a list of Legacy devices.

What are Tablo legacy models?
Tablo legacy models are older hardware devices including the Tablo DUAL LITE, Tablo DUAL 128GB, Tablo QUAD, Tablo QUAD 1TB, Tablo DUAL HDMI, Tablo QUAD HDMI, as well as the original 2-Tuner and 4-Tuner Tablo DVRs.

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Mar 7, 2024
216 Posts
Joined Mar 2018
Mar 7, 2024
sivartk
Mar 7, 2024
216 Posts

Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank sivartk

Just remember that this unit requires an active internet connection to work. Don't expect to watch OTA TV or your recordings with this tuner when your internet is down. Don't expect to watch OTA TV or your recordings when the Tablo servers are down (happened last year on a Sunday during NFL football season).

Unlike the Legacy versions, this unit can only be watched on your local network, not remotely while out of your house.

Yes, the guide data is free, but you are agreeing to send all of your actions on the device to the mothership. Remember in this case you are the product whose data is being collected and sold.

If you want a Tablo, look at the Legacy devices which don't have any of the tracking and you can watch them outside your local network. (You'll need to pay for guide data on this device).
https://us-store.tablotv.com/prod...he-air-dvr
Last edited by sivartk March 7, 2024 at 06:38 AM.
15
3
Mar 7, 2024
102 Posts
Joined Jun 2007
Mar 7, 2024
SteveHebe
Mar 7, 2024
102 Posts
Here is a list of Legacy devices.

What are Tablo legacy models?
Tablo legacy models are older hardware devices including the Tablo DUAL LITE, Tablo DUAL 128GB, Tablo QUAD, Tablo QUAD 1TB, Tablo DUAL HDMI, Tablo QUAD HDMI, as well as the original 2-Tuner and 4-Tuner Tablo DVRs.
Mar 8, 2024
2,939 Posts
Joined Apr 2010
Mar 8, 2024
wbs3333
Mar 8, 2024
2,939 Posts
Quote from sivartk :
Just remember that this unit requires an active internet connection to work. Don't expect to watch OTA TV or your recordings with this tuner when your internet is down. Don't expect to watch OTA TV or your recordings when the Tablo servers are down (happened last year on a Sunday during NFL football season).

Unlike the Legacy versions, this unit can only be watched on your local network, not remotely while out of your house.

Yes, the guide data is free, but you are agreeing to send all of your actions on the device to the mothership. Remember in this case you are the product whose data is being collected and sold.

If you want a Tablo, look at the Legacy devices which don't have any of the tracking and you can watch them outside your local network. (You'll need to pay for guide data on this device).
https://us-store.tablotv.com/prod...he-air-dvr

Thanks for the info.
Mar 8, 2024
2,849 Posts
Joined Sep 2008
Mar 8, 2024
ChiefAlchemist
Mar 8, 2024
2,849 Posts
Quote from sivartk :
Just remember that this unit requires an active internet connection to work. Don't expect to watch OTA TV or your recordings with this tuner when your internet is down. Don't expect to watch OTA TV or your recordings when the Tablo servers are down (happened last year on a Sunday during NFL football season).

Unlike the Legacy versions, this unit can only be watched on your local network, not remotely while out of your house.

Yes, the guide data is free, but you are agreeing to send all of your actions on the device to the mothership. Remember in this case you are the product whose data is being collected and sold.

If you want a Tablo, look at the Legacy devices which don't have any of the tracking and you can watch them outside your local network. (You'll need to pay for guide data on this device).
https://us-store.tablotv.com/prod...he-air-dvr
What are the alternatives to this brand / product? No sense indirectly supporting Surveillance Capitalism.
5
Mar 8, 2024
13 Posts
Joined Feb 2018
Mar 8, 2024
AquaMarmot594
Mar 8, 2024
13 Posts

Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank AquaMarmot594

Homerun HD is one option.

Watch out for what the broadcast overloards are doing with the new protocols.

ATSC3 DRM update (highlights some OTA device manufacturers)
https://youtu.be/iEjBrItgXuU?feature=shared

NextGen DVR Rules
https://youtu.be/6PwUpniOxQU?feature=shared

What you need to know about ATSC 3.0
https://www.crutchfield.com/S-VeM...0-faq.html

ATSC 3.0: Everything you need to know about broadcast TV's next big thing
https://www.digitaltrends.com/hom...lby-atmos/
Last edited by AquaMarmot594 March 8, 2024 at 05:49 AM.
2
1
Mar 8, 2024
1,039 Posts
Joined Sep 2014
Mar 8, 2024
jaredalanmitchell
Mar 8, 2024
1,039 Posts
Quote from AquaMarmot594 :
Homerun HD is one option.

Watch out for what the broadcast overloards are doing with the new protocols.

ATSC3 DRM update (highlights some OTA device manufacturers)
https://youtu.be/iEjBrItgXuU?feature=shared

NextGen DVR Rules
https://youtu.be/6PwUpniOxQU?feature=shared

What you need to know about ATSC 3.0
https://www.crutchfield.com/S-VeM...0-faq.html

ATSC 3.0: Everything you need to know about broadcast TV's next big thing
https://www.digitaltrends.com/hom...lby-atmos/
It seems like a lot is still up in the air about ATSC and Network DVR devices. I'm currently on a FireTV recast which is working fine for ATSC 2.0 and my current needs.

Is there any point in upgrading now or just wait for ATSC 3.0 to mature a little? It looks like we have ATSC 3.0 broadcasts in the Charlotte area, but I don't want to give up my network DVR functionality, and for the most part the FireTV recast has been solid.
1
Mar 8, 2024
872 Posts
Joined Dec 2007
Mar 8, 2024
QFT
Mar 8, 2024
872 Posts
Quote from ChiefAlchemist :
What are the alternatives to this brand / product? No sense indirectly supporting Surveillance Capitalism.
HDHomerun is a popular choice, though typically more expensive. It's pretty good. Reliable, can stream TV to all kinds of devices with a simple app that connects over the local network, and also integrates cleanly with Plex. It has options for multi-tuner units and you can add your own external storage.

My main complaints is that it doesn't have wifi (so you have to run network to it) and the interface is pretty archaic, but they claim they're updating it soon.

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Mar 8, 2024
2,232 Posts
Joined Feb 2014
Mar 8, 2024
elefante72
Mar 8, 2024
2,232 Posts

Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank elefante72

Quote from jaredalanmitchell :
It seems like a lot is still up in the air about ATSC and Network DVR devices. I'm currently on a FireTV recast which is working fine for ATSC 2.0 and my current needs.

Is there any point in upgrading now or just wait for ATSC 3.0 to mature a little? It looks like we have ATSC 3.0 broadcasts in the Charlotte area, but I don't want to give up my network DVR functionality, and for the most part the FireTV recast has been solid.
I have a HDHR (ATSC1) -> Plex and all my channels simulcast in ATSC3 here but three of them are encrypted. To me I will keep my legacy HDHR until I have to switch and if they keep messing it up w/ DRM and encryption I may never switch I will just go back to live streaming of the high seas kind.

I am not buying a device that they will deactivate when they see fit or come up with arbitrary rules of where and how I can view my recordings and have constant bugs because of the stupid encryption schemes and incompatibilities.

Supposedly ATSC3 uses better encoding but I have zero issues since I setup my antenna properly and live in the metro so I see ZERO reason to move anytime soon so I would say just keep what you have (recode) and be happy.

One of the monopolies driving this DRM nonsense is Scripps who now owns Tablo so I am certainly not giving them my money to then just take it away and spy on me 24/7.
Last edited by elefante72 March 8, 2024 at 01:36 PM.
2
Mar 8, 2024
2,232 Posts
Joined Feb 2014
Mar 8, 2024
elefante72
Mar 8, 2024
2,232 Posts
Quote from QFT :
HDHomerun is a popular choice, though typically more expensive. It's pretty good. Reliable, can stream TV to all kinds of devices with a simple app that connects over the local network, and also integrates cleanly with Plex. It has options for multi-tuner units and you can add your own external storage.

My main complaints is that it doesn't have wifi (so you have to run network to it) and the interface is pretty archaic, but they claim they're updating it soon.
I believe (opinion) it doesn't have wifi is because it is a small company and if you stream wifi to a server then stream wifi out of the server there are probably more than a few people who will mess that up and/or have interference. A tablo has the antenna/server in one so only stream to client. I had a tablo for years and threw it out because it was just not reliable. It never went into production.

So be thankful you need to plug copper in here, even if you have a great setup there are many who do not. I have had two HDHR tuners for almost 10 years and I have never had a device outage (stations have been out). It is literally in the top 3 of most stable tech devices I have ever owned.
1
Mar 9, 2024
700 Posts
Joined Aug 2012
Mar 9, 2024
SCscoutguy
Mar 9, 2024
700 Posts
Quote from sivartk :
Just remember that this unit requires an active internet connection to work. Don't expect to watch OTA TV or your recordings with this tuner when your internet is down. Don't expect to watch OTA TV or your recordings when the Tablo servers are down (happened last year on a Sunday during NFL football season).

Unlike the Legacy versions, this unit can only be watched on your local network, not remotely while out of your house.

Yes, the guide data is free, but you are agreeing to send all of your actions on the device to the mothership. Remember in this case you are the product whose data is being collected and sold.

If you want a Tablo, look at the Legacy devices which don't have any of the tracking and you can watch them outside your local network. (You'll need to pay for guide data on this device).
https://us-store.tablotv.com/prod...he-air-dvr
When Scripps bought Tablo they made the guide data on the legacy devices free. I use HDHomeruns but I do have a Tablo 4 tuner that I have will use on occasion and its guide data has been free since the new devices came out.
1
Mar 9, 2024
7 Posts
Joined Jul 2007
Mar 9, 2024
tomservo
Mar 9, 2024
7 Posts
Tablo is decent for an OTA recorder. It's well priced for something without subscription fees. I also use an older generation HDHomerun in combination with MythTV. Setup and getting guide data can be a bit annoying but I do appreciate having local control. The newer software and HDHomerun hardware looks to have some improvements but it still seems hard to get guide data without some subscription.

I set up a Tablo for my parents and for the most part it seems user friendly for them. It also has the ability to record shows off several FAST channels which is unique. The UI seemed a bit buggy but improving. While it may not be technically a supported feature, I've done some remote use over a WireGuard tunnel.
1
Mar 9, 2024
481 Posts
Joined Jan 2004
Mar 9, 2024
stevo
Mar 9, 2024
481 Posts
Quote from AquaMarmot594 :
Homerun HD is one option.

Watch out for what the broadcast overloards are doing with the new protocols.

ATSC3 DRM update (highlights some OTA device manufacturers)
https://youtu.be/iEjBrItgXuU?feature=shared

NextGen DVR Rules
https://youtu.be/6PwUpniOxQU?feature=shared

What you need to know about ATSC 3.0
https://www.crutchfield.com/S-VeM...0-faq.html

ATSC 3.0: Everything you need to know about broadcast TV's next big thing
https://www.digitaltrends.com/hom...lby-atmos/
HDHomeRun running on plex = win
Mar 9, 2024
2,057 Posts
Joined Jan 2007
Mar 9, 2024
gullzway
Mar 9, 2024
2,057 Posts
Quote from sivartk :
Yes, the guide data is free, but you are agreeing to send all of your actions on the device to the mothership. Remember in this case you are the product whose data is being collected and sold.

Curious if running Adguard Home on your home router would block this?
Though I'm not sure I care if they track what OTA channels I'm watching.

My Flint 2 router running Adguard Home is constantly blocking DNS requests from google/amazon devices.

Also wondering if you use Wireguard, as I do sometimes with Wireguard server on my Flint 2, since you're connecting to your Home network remotely, if you could watch the content remotely.
Last edited by gullzway March 8, 2024 at 11:53 PM.
Mar 9, 2024
1,242 Posts
Joined Nov 2006
Mar 9, 2024
OoTLink
Mar 9, 2024
1,242 Posts
I bought one of these around the time they came out and really ... wish I hadn't spent the money........

After numerous software/firmware updates it's ACTUALLY usable. Like I haven't touched mine in at least a month and it's just been sitting there plugged in... I just realized that, downloaded the app on my phone (which I had replaced about a month ago)... it found my tablo, connected, and I am watching some random crap now. Wow.

You need a decent streaming stick. An old roku won't cut it, but an express 4k will work fine. They've been promising an apple tv app for ages but never made one lmao. There's no PC support. WTF?! ;_;

I'm not sure there's any truly polished TV equipment out there. Not since analog TV died and MS killed WIndows Media Center.
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Mar 9, 2024
1,130 Posts
Joined May 2010
Mar 9, 2024
BuyMoreChuck
Mar 9, 2024
1,130 Posts
Quote from elefante72 :
I believe (opinion) it doesn't have wifi is because it is a small company and if you stream wifi to a server then stream wifi out of the server there are probably more than a few people who will mess that up and/or have interference. A tablo has the antenna/server in one so only stream to client. I had a tablo for years and threw it out because it was just not reliable. It never went into production.

So be thankful you need to plug copper in here, even if you have a great setup there are many who do not. I have had two HDHR tuners for almost 10 years and I have never had a device outage (stations have been out). It is literally in the top 3 of most stable tech devices I have ever owned.
I am not sure what is meant by wifi. Are you saying the unit itself does the broadcasting via wifi? I have my homerun connected to my network switch and all of my devices can see it. I run my homerun off my fire tablet and PC. I have not used it for recording since Windows Media Center (I kept my old Windows 7 machine) and have Plex, but really not set up yet.

The homerun device is good at pulling in stations. I have two - one is slightly better than the other.
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