Table OTA DVR

I have one. Is it a good value? I guess that depends on your expectations and why you want it. First, you have to know what it's going to cost. The Tablo itself will run you $220-300, depending on whether you want a 2- or 4-tuner. Then you need an external usb drive and an antenna, so you're going to be out about $400. Then you will probably want the "Tablo Connect" service, which gets you guide data and the ability to stream away from home. This costs $5/mth, $50/yr, or $150/lifetime. I went ahead and got the lifetime because I hate bills, so my Tablo setup cost me about $550.

Is it worth it? Well, I wouldn't say it's paid itself off yet, but after a few more football seasons I think it will have. I could have gotten by with just an antenna, but I really love the ability to record/pause live TV. That in itself makes it worth it to me. On top of that, the ability to watch live TV on my phone on the shitter or on the road is a bonus.

Even if you don't record much stuff, I find it handy to just use as an antenna "splitter" that works over the network. I think it's much cleaner this way than having to run coax to all your TVs, and instead you can just use a Roku stick or whatever to pick up TV.


The worst part about the Tablo is channel surfing sucks. There is about a 10 second lag when changing channels so it can buffer some video. Not a big deal for me because typically when I watch something I just leave it there, but it might bother some. That's only for live TV, though, previously recorded shows start much faster.



There are alternatives. I think the Simple.TV works just like the Tablo via the network. Tivo has a couple of options I believe, but personally I don't care for it because you need Tivo equipment at each TV you want to watch on (I prefer having the choice to use Roku/FireTV/whatever). HDHomerun works a little differently, as it just kind of puts the TV signal itself onto your network rather than making recordings itself, so you need another device (typically a PC) to schedule and record shows.


If you have any specific questions, ask away and I'll answer as I get time.

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Is it a good value?

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I'm a Tivo user but I looked into Tablo for a friend not too long ago. At first glance it appears to cost less than the Tivo but when you take into account that it doesn't come with a hard drive and the base model only comes with 2 tuners, it's pretty much a draw. The Tablo doesn't come with an HDMI interface; you can only access it over wireless and that requires a Roku or Fire TV type device. I'd be very wary of a third-party interface. Tablo, like Tivo, also charges for its program guide, a necessity if you want to use it as a DVR.

All in all, if you're going to spend the money you'd be better off with a Tivo system. It's proven, rock solid, and trouble free. I'd be hesitant to say the same about the Tablo.

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The Tablo doesn't come with an HDMI interface; you can only access it over wireless

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You can actually access it via wireless or hardwired ethernet. But as for the lack of HDMI, if I had to choose no HDMI (Tablo) or HAVE to plug the device directly to HDMI (Tivo), I'm going no HDMI every time. It's so nice to hide the Tablo box in a closet and use cheap Roku sticks at each TV. IMO, this easily beats having to buy the relatively expensive Tivo Minis for each TV, on top of having to put the bulky main unit right there by the TV. But maybe that's just me.

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that requires a Roku or Fire TV type device. I'd be very wary of a third-party interface.

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The actual interface is a first-party app. Tablo writes the app themselves. It's no different than all the other apps we use on a daily basis. What's to be wary of? I tend to be more wary of using systems where there is only one vendor for hardware and accessories.

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All in all, if you're going to spend the money you'd be better off with a Tivo system. It's proven, rock solid, and trouble free. I'd be hesitant to say the same about the Tablo.

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Lot of personal preference here, but I'd say if you're looking for something similar to a cable DVR experience but for OTA TV, this is probably accurate. My Tablo experience has NOT been totally trouble-free, but it does work well for the most part.

I have it and love it. Absolutely love it.

I wanted the Tivi initially but got the tablo because it was in stock.

It's amazing man - u can watch locals on iPhone or tablet / DVR shows / schedule series recordings and it's just worth every penny.

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All in all, if you're going to spend the money you'd be better off with a Tivo system. It's proven, rock solid, and trouble free. I'd be hesitant to say the same about the Tablo.

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So you haven't used it but have no problem shitting on it?

I have a tablo 2 tuner and really like it. I had two roku3's already and wanted to get ota onto 4 tv's so it was either add 2 roku's (I added a stick and a 4) or a TiVo and 3 mini's. Tablo's hub and spoke model made sense. In a cabinet in the middle of my house I have my modem, router, tablo, and external hard drive. I didn't have to worry about hard working or having additional boxes at each set. Since the roku's are rf remotes, I have no visible boxes at any tv's.

Jumping between channels does take a good 10 seconds if you're not tuned in to both (as you select channels then leave, it stays tuned to that channel unless you go to a third channe (on a 2 tuner) or 5th (on a 4 tuner)).

I only use it for abc, NBC, cbs, and fox so it's not like I have a ton of channels I'm going through. Also, i use it mostly for NFL games and the wife records some daytime stuff and dancing with the stars.

Picture quality is great. You can also adjust the quality.

I think I'm into my system about $400 which will be paid off by New Years with the money saved from cutting the cord. If at any point after that I switch back, I'll be ahead.