Tablo arguably represents the biggest threat, as they do offer a free service after you buy the hardware, but their optional guide data subscription ($5/month) is recommended for “the full Tablo experience.” You can also just pony up $150 for a lifetime subscription to the premium guide. And “lifetime” from a Tablo perspective is for the owner, not the specific device. In other words, if your Tablo DVR stops working in 5 years, you can buy a new box and transfer over the guide subscription.