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

Tablo Q&A – What Streaming Device Works Best with Tablo?

Google, Apple, Roku and Fire streaming devices.
Google, Apple, Roku and Fire streaming devices.

Today’s question comes from Gerald, who asks, “I got a Tablo for Christmas and I don’t have a smart TV, so I’ll need a compatible streaming stick. Which one is best for using Tablo?”

Whether you have a ‘dumb TV’, need to upgrade the smarts of an aging smart TV or just prefer to use a separate streaming device, there are many Tablo-compatible streaming boxes and sticks on the market.

Which streaming box or stick is ‘best’ for Tablo is mostly a matter of personal preference but there are some considerations to keep in mind for each platform.

To ensure your streaming device has enough memory and processing power to provide a smooth streaming experience, TV fans should avoid low-end devices and upgrade to a newer model about every five years.


Amazon Fire TV

Pros

  • Amazon Fire TV is a popular platform that offers both stick and box-style streaming devices with high-quality Wi-Fi connections and fully-featured remotes for under $140.
  • Amazon also offers frequent device discounts as well as a device trade-in program if you’re planning to upgrade.

Cons

  • Lower-end and older models of Fire TV streaming sticks don’t have the memory or horsepower to run the Tablo app well.
  • Fire TV devices also require some light maintenance in the form of clearing app caches to keep things running smoothly.


Android TV/Google TV

ONN 4K Streaming Box

Pros

  • Android TV (aka Google TV) has grown in popularity over the last few years thanks to the arrival of affordable, better quality streaming devices like the Chromecast with Google TV and the ONN 4K and 4K PRO. Their latest model is the Google TV Streamer.
  • For around $50 or less, Android/Google TV devices are widely available, offer simple, yet functional remotes and some even have high-quality Wi-Fi chips.

Cons

  • Like Fire TV, Android TV devices require some light maintenance in the form of clearing app caches to keep things running smoothly.
  • To get a top-of-the-line experience with a more fully featured remote, you’ll need to spend $200 on the Nvidia Shield.


Roku

Roku Device and Box.

Pros

  • Roku is also very popular and offers a wide range of stick and box-style devices with simple, yet functional remotes and interfaces for under $100.
  • Roku also offers frequent device discounts.

Cons


Apple TV

Pros

  • Apple TV is a premium platform with excellent quality hardware and Wi-Fi connectivity and a simple, yet functional remote.
  • The interface is snappy and well designed in true Apple fashion.

Cons

  • Expect to pay a premium for this Apple product which starts at $129.
  • Some people find the touch aspects of the remote annoying, but this can be adjusted or even disabled.
  • If you frequently watch in-progress recordings (aka tape delay), you should choose a different platform as this Tablo feature has limitations on Apple TV.

 

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.

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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
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Buzzfeed Unsolved
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Gusto Espanol
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laff more! TV logo
LatiNation
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OZ TV logo
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Space Science Now logo
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