On May 26 2020, the app codebase known as Tablo PREVIEW for Amazon Fire TV and Android TV was transferred to the main app to become new default Tablo app (version 2.0.0) for these platforms.
As we worked to complete this new interface, many Tablo OTA DVR customers have already been enjoying using Tablo PREVIEW. Since the app reached (and in some cases eclipsed) feature parity with our original Tablo application, we felt it was time to make the switch.
Keep reading to learn more about this change and what to expect from our redesigned and updated Tablo application for Amazon Fire TV and Android TV.
New & Improved from the Ground Up:
The goal of this project was to build a smoother, more user-friendly application for Amazon Fire TV and Android TV. It was based on a back-end communication method originally developed for the Tablo Roku app.
Moving to this new communication method eliminates the need for the app to sync with the Tablo at start up, which was one of the biggest downsides of the original Tablo application.
Now Tablo users can jump right into the newly redesigned screens and features and start enjoying their favorite Over-the-Air TV shows on their Android TV and Amazon Fire TV devices.
A New Home for All Your Favorite Tablo Features:
This newly updated Tablo app for Amazon Fire TV and Android TV devices includes all your favorite Tablo DVR features and screens including:
- Automatic Commercial Skip
- Advanced Recording Options
- Quick Channel Select including Last Channel
- Manual Recordings
- Optional 14-day Live TV grid guide (toggle on/off in settings)
- Filters including Coming Soon, Recent Recordings, Genres and more
- Tablo Connect for remote streaming
Tablo customers who’ve previously used Tablo Connect via the original Tablo application will be able to transition seamlessly to this new app for remote streaming as pairing data has been preserved.
Updated Recording Conflict Resolution Engine:
This new app for Fire TV and Android TV also includes an updated conflict resolution engine for scheduled recordings.
If you attempt to schedule 3 or more recordings on a 2-tuner Tablo DVR, or 5 or more recordings on a 4-tuner Tablo DVR during the same time slot, a recording conflict will be created.
Programs in conflict will not be recorded by your DVR, so to avoid disappointment, recording conflicts should be resolved prior to the air date of the shows in question.
Thankfully, this new conflict resolution engine makes it easy to adjust recording schedules to ensure your favorite programs aren’t missed.
Simply select a conflicting recording (flagged in red) from the Live TV grid or from the SCHEDULED > COMING SOON screen.
Then select the RESOLVE CONFLICT button which will open a screen showing the conflicting scheduled recordings. Selecting one of the recordings scheduled will offer users the following options:
- UNSCHEDULE AIRING – Remove the recording schedule from that single episode
- UNSCHEDULE SHOW – Remove the recording schedule from all airings of that series
- GO TO AIRING DETAILS – Takes you to the specific episode where you can view a synopsis and adjust your recording schedule using Advanced Recording Options (i.e. start recording early or late) which can resolve small scheduling overlaps and clear the conflict
Not using Amazon Fire TV or Android TV? This new conflict resolution engine will be added to other TV-based Tablo apps in time. A basic version of conflict resolution is already available via Tablo mobile apps and the web app at my.tablotv.com.
How to Get the Updated Tablo App for Amazon Fire TV & Android TV:
Tablo customers who’ve been using the original app and who have automatic updates enabled on their Amazon Fire TV or Android TV devices don’t need to take any action to enjoy this new app. Version 2.0.0 is available now.
If you’ve been using Tablo PREVIEW exclusively, you will need to look for and download, the Tablo application from the Amazon app store or the Google Play Store. (Canadian users may need to search for NUVYYO instead of Tablo.)
We urge you to make the switch now as the current PREVIEW application will not support Tablo Connect, will no longer get updates and will eventually be removed from the app stores. (Tablo PREVIEW has been removed from the app store as of March 22, 2021. If you haven’t done so yet, please download the application marked Tablo and use this app moving forward.)
Tablo App for Amazon Fire TV & Android TV FAQ:
I really liked the original app. Is there a way to get it back?
Unfortunately it’s not possible to use or download the older app. While we understand that change can be difficult, we know you’ll enjoy this new version.
Is there a Tablo PREVIEW app for other platforms like Roku?
Back in 2015 there was a PREVIEW app for Roku as we transitioned from our original Roku channel. Now our apps on Roku, Apple TV and iOS all use the same back-end communication method as this new app for Amazon Fire TV and Android TV for all or most of their interactions with your Tablo OTA DVR. As we continue to transition additional apps to this new back-end, we don’t anticipate any other PREVIEW app versions will be required.
How can I tell if I have the latest version of the Tablo app for Fire TV and Android TV?
Within the Tablo app go to SETTINGS and scroll down to the section titled FIRE TV or ANDROID. There you’ll see the application version (look for version 2.0.0).
If you see version 1.8.8, your streaming device hasn’t downloaded the update yet. If you see version 1.8.0, you’re using the Tablo PREVIEW application and should download and switch to the app called Tablo (on Fire TV) or Tablo (on Android).
(Updated March 22, 2021)
