The latest Tablo news along with tips to maximize your free TV experience. 

Tablo Q&A – Is the 4th Generation Tablo a Good Replacement for the Amazon Recast?

4th Generation Tablo on a shelf.
4th Generation Tablo on a shelf.

Today’s question comes from Louise who asks, “My Amazon Recast has stopped recording TV series. Is Tablo a good replacement for the Recast?”

Amazon officially discontinued its over-the-air DVR, the Amazon Fire TV Recast, in 2022. While the company promised software security updates through 2026, users have recently been frustrated by a slow breakdown of the device’s functionality, including the inability to set series recordings.

Because the Amazon Recast was modeled on the same whole-home network-based approach as Tablo, it’s easy for former Recast owners to make the switch to a 4th Generation Tablo.

With Tablo, Louise can use the same TV antenna, the same Fire TV devices and the same internet connection she used for her old DVR. Once initial setup is complete, she’ll be able to set series recordings once again using the Tablo app.

There are a few things Amazon Recast owners should note before making the switch:

  • Smaller Recording Storage
    Tablo has about 50 hours of onboard storage. Recast users who routinely recorded more programs may wish to add a compatible USB hard drive and expand Tablo’s storage.
 
  • No Amazon Live Grid Integration
    While the Tablo app does offer its own live TV grid, which blends OTA and a selection of free streaming channels, Tablo content cannot be integrated into Amazon’s own live grid guide alongside sources like Philo and Pluto TV.

For those small tradeoffs, Tablo will provide:

  • Regular app and firmware updates.
  • Arguably, better picture quality.
  • The ability to watch, pause, record and stream content on a wider variety of supported devices.
  • 7-day a week customer support by phone, email or chat.
  • And much more, with no ongoing fees or subscriptions.

Not sure which Tablo model is right for you? Check out our quiz!

Have a question about watching TV that you’d like answered? Send us a note and you may see your question on the Tablo blog and in an upcoming issue of our newsletter, Stay Tuned!

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How to restart your phone/tablet

Sometimes, just restarting your smartphone or tablet can clear up issues with apps. The links below will provide detailed instructions on how to force close your Tablo app. 

Apple iPhone

Android smartphones 

Most Android smartphones and tablets can be restarted by holding the POWER button and then selecting RESTART or POWER OFF and RESTART from the POWER OPTIONS menu.

NOTE: Newer Samsung devices require you to hold the POWER/SIDE button and VOLUME DOWN to make the POWER OPTIONS menu appear. On the Google Pixel 6, hold the POWER and VOLUME UP buttons.

How to force close your Tablo app?

Sometimes, just restarting the app can fix things. The links below will provide detailed instructions on how to force close your Tablo app. 

Apple iPhone/iPad

Android smartphones/tablets 

Need help with the final steps?

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.  Follow the steps in the video below for a full walkthrough of the remaining parts of the Tablo setup process.

Tablo Logo White

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Getting your channels...

You can get channels for free!
Over-the-Air Channels
i
Streaming Channels
i
Tablo gives you more!
  • Pause, Record, Replay
  • Enjoy your shows whenever it’s convenient for you.
  • 50+ hours of built-in storage
  • Expandable via USB for up to 8TB of additional space.
  • Your Local Channels
  • Watch Free OTA channels – news, sports, live events, and more.
Tablo gives you more!
  • Popular Streaming Channels
  • Far more than a standard antenna can deliver.
  • Subscription-Free Entertainment
  • Get premium content without paying for costly streaming services.
  • Pause, Record, Replay
  • Enjoy your shows whenever it’s convenient for you.
  • 50+ hours of built-in storage
  • Expandable via USB for up to 8TB of additional space.

This is an estimate only. Actual broadcast TV channels received may vary based on TV antenna location, reception, topography, and other obstructions. Streaming channels require an internet connection. View the Channel Details Report for specifics of each channel and to help determine what antenna is needed. 

Reception alert:  Based upon the location you entered, you may not get many of the major networks.  As a result, Tablo may not be the best fit for you.  Please enter your full address above for best accuracy. 

Major Local Broadcast Channels

Major networks you know that have live sports, major events, local news and more. 

Entertainment and Lifestyle Channels

Sports Channels

News Channels

Movie Channels

Family and Kid Channels

En Español

Additional TV Broadcast Networks

Internet Streaming TV Channels

Internet-based free streaming channels .

Alien Nation Black logo
All Reality
At The Movies Channel
Aventura Channel
Bachelor Nation
Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern
Bleacher Report Sports Network
Bodas+
Buzzfeed Food logo
Buzzfeed Unsolved
Cartoon Rewind
Chasing Criminals
Classic Cinema
CNN Headlines
CNN Originals
CNN XPRESS
Confess by nosey logo
court TV logo
Crime Scenes
Crimen
Declassified logo
Family Unscripted
Fawesome logo
Funny Favorites
Generation Drama
Ghosts Are Real
Gusto Espanol
HBO Boxing
Anime HiDive logo
History Untold
Home Crashers
How To
iFood logo
In The Garage
laff more! TV logo
LatiNation
Living With Evil
Love & Marriage
Love Kills
Medical Incredible
MotorTrend FAST TV
Mysterious Worlds
Nikita
Nitro Circus Logo
On The Telly
OZ TV logo
Paws & Claws
Popular Science logo
Primetime Soaps
Racing America logo
Say Yes to the Dress
Science is Amazing
Space Science Now logo
Surfer logo
Survive or Die
Sweet Escapes