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

How To Get The Most Out Of OTA Broadcast TV

Broadcast tower with blue sky in background

With all the choices out there between streaming services and cable subscriptions, it’s easy to forget that there’s an abundance of free entertainment right over the airwaves. Over-the-air (OTA) broadcast TV offers a fantastic selection of channels at zero cost and with a few smart strategies, you can get the most bang for your buck.

Here’s how you can maximize your OTA TV experience, with a little help from a Tablo device. It’s like having your own bespoke TV service without the monthly fees.

Pick Up A Good Antenna

To start, you’ll need a quality TV antenna. The right antenna can get you started on the right track, making all the difference in the number and quality of channels you receive. If you’re in an urban area, opt for an indoor antenna, positioned as high as possible and near a window facing toward your local broadcast towers. Generally speaking, outdoor or attic-mounted antennas are better for rural settings.

Regularly Scan For Channels

TV signals fluctuate based on a few impeding factors, like new construction, tree growth and varying weather conditions. Regularly rescanning for channels every few months (or more frequent if you’re impatient) may bring in new ones or improved clarity on older channels.

Tablo Channel Scan

Use A DVR For Flexibility

This is where Tablo swoops in to help. Tablo is an OTA DVR that allows you to record live TV and watch it later when you have time. You’ll never miss a show because of your schedule. It even lets you pause and rewind live TV — and during recorded shows, you can even fast forward through commercials.

Stream The Antenna Signal to Multiple Devices

Imagine everyone in your home being able to watch what they want, when they want. With Tablo, you can stream live and recorded TV to multiple devices. So, whether you’re in the living room, the kitchen, or (ahem) bathroom, you can access your recordings via a smartphone, tablet or smart TV.

Access The User-Friendly TV Guide

Tablo has a detailed, but easy to use 14-day TV guide. This complimentary feature lets you see what’s available so you can decide what to watch live and what to record for later.

Explore The Content

Long gone are the days where OTA broadcast TV is only limited to the big networks. These days, you’ll find a variety of free programming, from the local news to educational shows to niche channels dedicated to cooking, travel and more. Spend some time looking around and you’re bound to find something you’ve never seen before.

By combining a quality antenna with the power of a Tablo DVR, you can truly elevate your OTA TV experience. Experience the flexibility, convenience and best of all — the savings — as you explore the wonderful world of free broadcast television!

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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
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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 .

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