It’s been about a year since we last gave an overview of recommended set-top-box streaming media devices for use with Tablo OTA DVRs. While the same major players are still involved, many have recently launched or announced new and improved devices in anticipation of Black Friday sales and the 2016 holiday shopping season.
*** Click to see the latest recommendations ***
Things to Keep In Mind While Shopping for a Streaming Media Set-Top-Box:
The ‘best’ set-top-box for you really depends on your needs and budget. That being said, here are a few things to keep in mind while shopping for a Tablo-supported streaming media device:
#1 Splurge vs. Save:
While it may be tempting to save a few dollars on a lower-end model, the speed and features on the fancier models (like an Ethernet port, ability to play files from USB sticks and expandable storage) often come in handy.
#2 Box vs. Stick:
Previous generation ‘stick’ style streaming devices lacked the power of their set-top-box cousins but manufacturers are getting better at cramming more muscle into smaller spaces. Still, a box will likely get you more features (as noted above) that will lead to a better overall experience.
#3 App Support:
Identify which streaming services you use or plan to use before purchasing and make sure they’re fully supported. For example, Apple TV does not offer Amazon Video and neither does the Xioami Mi Box (yet). However, ALL the devices below support a native Tablo DVR app.
#4 ‘Current’ Generation vs. Clearance Models:
While you may find a deal on a previous generation device, investing in newer hardware will make sure you can enjoy it for a longer period of time before it becomes obsolete.
#5 Operating Systems:
You may have seen ‘generic’ Android devices (sometimes called KODI streaming boxes) in buy/sell groups, at mall kiosks or online retailers. These ‘generic’ devices are often uncertified by major streaming service companies like Netflix and are sometimes running a mobile version of the Android operating system instead of the TV version. This can cause app incompatibility or streaming quality problems so these devices are not recommended.
#6 Native App vs. Screen Mirroring:
The set-top-box devices mentioned below all offer ‘native’ apps which means they support easy-to-use interfaces optimized to work with that device’s specific environment and its associated remote. Chromecast and early generations of the Apple TV do work with Tablo, but require you to begin playback on a supported mobile device then ‘bounce’ (aka: “Airplay” or “Cast”) the video up to your big screen. This two-device requirement can be cumbersome and can introduce a delay when using video controls due to the double network hop (first from Tablo DVR to the mobile device, then from the mobile device to the set-top-box) so it may not be an ideal solution for your primary TV.
#7 Set-Top-Box vs. Smart TV:
If you’ve recently recently invested in an internet-connected Smart TV, you might be wondering if you even need a streaming set-top-box to use with your Tablo DVR. If your TV is running a Roku, Android TV or LG WebOS 2.0 or 3.0 as its operating system, your Smart TV should allow you to load and use a Tablo app.
However, while the concept of a Smart TV sounds really cool, in practice the hardware innovation and app support for Smart TVs often lags behind that of streaming devices. This can lead to a less than ideal experience. The one exception that we’ve seen are Roku-powered Smart TVs which have the same processors and app support as their set-top-boxes. But even then, there’s a benefit to keeping your TV ‘dumb’ and using an external set-top-box which you can easily upgrade or replace as needed, instead of buying a whole new TV.
With those guidelines in mind, here are our recommendations for Tablo DVR-supported streaming media set-top-boxes in 2016:
-
Roku – Best Seller & All The Apps
-
Amazon Fire TV – Great for Prime Members
-
Apple TV – Apple Fanatic’s STB of Choice
-
Nvidia Shield – Powerful but Pricey Android TV/Gaming Hybrid
-
Xiaomi Mi Box – Little Box, Big Value
-
Xbox One – The Gamer’s Choice
#1: Roku – Best Seller & All the Apps:
Over half of our Tablo OTA DVR customers today use Roku as their primary viewing device, which makes sense given that it leads the market in sales. This market domination is primarily because Roku is content agnostic. Long story short, if you want to stream it, there’s probably a Roku ‘channel’ for it which means you can view all of your favorite content via a single interface and a single remote.
Roku Benefits:
- Provides access to most Tablo screens including Live TV, Recordings, Guide and Scheduled
- Provides support for over 3,500+ paid or free ‘channels’ including Tablo and the most popular online streaming services including Netflix, Sling TV, Amazon and more
- Affordable – price points between $30 – $130 USD
- Wide range of devices including stick and set-top-box styles to suit all needs
- Available online and in-store in both the US and Canada
Roku Drawbacks:
- Does not offer access to a full version of Tablo’s settings screen
- Lacks some filter/sort options available on other devices
- Does not support Tablo Connect
- Does not provide the ability to set manual recordings
To Note:
- All current generation Roku devices are confirmed to work with Tablo
- Roku Express+ is the only current streaming set-top-box that offers composite connections for non-HDMI TVs
- Older models (Roku SD, HD, XD, XDS and ‘purple body’ streaming stick lack the horsepower to stream Tablo content
The Roku Device We Recommend:
- The ‘black body’ Roku streaming stick, Roku Premiere+ and Roku Ultra offer the best experience for your Tablo OTA DVR
#2: Amazon Fire TV – Great for Prime Members:
The second most popular device for Tablo users today is the Amazon Fire TV. The Fire TV does support a wide range of today’s most popular apps but is especially friendly for those who have an Amazon Prime account which provides access to Amazon’s video library.
Amazon Fire TV Benefits:
- Provides access to all Tablo screens and filters including settings
- Provides support for over 7,000+ paid or free apps and games including Tablo and the most popular online streaming services including Netflix, Sling TV, Amazon and more
- Affordable – price points between $40 – $130 USD
- Offers both box and stick-style models as well as bundles with an antenna or gaming controller
- Supports Tablo Connect
- Supports setting manual recordings
Amazon Fire TV Drawbacks:
- Available only in the US
- Cannot control Tablo app using Amazon voice controls
- Amazon Fire TV user interface aggressively pushes Amazon Video content so if you’re not a subscriber it can be off-putting
To Note:
- All Amazon Fire TV devices are confirmed to work with Tablo.
The Amazon Fire TV Device We Recommend:
- The AmazonFire TV box will be your best experience with the Tablo OTA DVR. While the stick is a very close second, it does not offer the flexibility to connect to your network via Ethernet.
#3: Apple TV – Apple Fanatic’s STB of Choice:
In 2015, the folks at Apple launched a new Apple TV streaming set-top-box which for the first time offered a companion app-store experience like on iPads and iPhones. This innovation enabled Tablo to create its first native app on the device of choice for Apple fans.
Apple TV Benefits:
- Super-fast in-app navigation
- Can control video playback including ‘skip forward’ using Siri voice assistant
- Allows you to access live and recorded local TV on the same device as purchased content from iTunes
- Available in the US and Canada
Apple TV Drawbacks:
- Provides access only to Tablo’s Live TV and Recordings screens today (additional screens & filters will be added in upcoming updates)
- Supports a limited (but growing) app ecosystem compared to competitors like Amazon and Roku
- Expensive – price starts at $150 USD
- Does not support Tablo Connect
- Does not provide the ability to set manual recordings
To Note:
- Only 4th Generation Apple TV devices (2015 & newer) support the native Tablo app
- Previous generation Apple TV devices (shorter devices with a silver remote) do not have access to the native Tablo app, but can be used with AirPlay via other iOS devices
The Apple TV Device We Recommend:
- The 4th Generation Apple TV is the only Apple TV device that supports Tablo OTA DVR with a native app.
#4: NVIDIA Sheild: Powerful but Pricey Android TV/Gaming Hybrid:
The Nvidia Shield is a hybrid between a streaming set-top-box and a gaming console that runs on the Android TV operating system. The mix is appealing, especially for gamers and home theatre hobbyists. Its powerful hardware and the flexibility of expandable storage means it’s well suited to acting as a mini Home Theatre PC.
Nvidia Shield Benefits:
- Super-fast in-app navigation
- Provides access to all Tablo screens and filters including settings
- Supports Tablo Connect
- Supports setting manual recordings
- Can be controlled with a gamepad or optional remote control
- Provides access to a wide range of popular apps and games from the Google Play store
- Can become a mini HTPC with PLEX
- Available in the US and Canada
Nvidia Shield Drawbacks:
- Most expensive of all streaming devices – starts at $199 USD
- Cannot control Tablo app using Google voice controls
To Note:
- All versions of the Nvidia Shield support the Tablo app
- There are rumors of a new/updated Nvidia Shield being launched this fall although it’s unclear how this potential new device would differ from the existing version
The Nvidia Shield Device We Recommend:
- The base 16 GB Nvidia Shield model seems to offer the best value since both models offer expandable storage and provide an excellent Tablo experience.
#5: Xiaomi Mi Box – Little Box, Big Value:
The Mi Box is the new kid on the block. Launched in October of 2016, this tiny Android TV-based streaming set-top-box has stepped into the void left by the discontinued, but much loved, Google Nexus Player. Many North Americans may have never heard of Xiaomi, but the Chinese company is the world’s 4th largest smartphone manufacturer and is expanding quickly into new markets.
Xiaomi Mi Box Benefits:
- Affordable – $69 USD
- Offers good value in terms of speed, features and technology
- Provides access to all Tablo screens and filters including settings
- Supports Tablo Connect
- Supports setting manual recordings
- Provides access to a limited but growing range of popular apps and games from the Google Play store
- Offers an optional gaming controller
Xiaomi Mi Box Drawbacks:
- Available only in the US
- Connects via WiFi only
- Cannot control Tablo app using Google voice controls
To Note:
- Only the North American version of the Mi Box supports the Tablo app.
The Xiaomi Mi Box We Recommend:
- The American version of the Xiaomi Mi Box is a great choice for an excellent Android TV-based Tablo experience at an affordable price point.
#6: XBOX One – The Gamer’s Choice:
Tablo recently added support for Xbox, one of the word’s most popular gaming platforms. Xbox is definitley focused on gaming first, but many users like that the device also doubles as a streaming set-top-box.
Xbox Benefits:
- Snappy in-app navigation
- Provides access to most Tablo screens and features including settings
- Supports setting manual recordings
- Can be controlled with a gamepad or optional remote control
- Available in the US and Canada
Xbox Drawbacks:
- Expensive – price starts at $250
- Supports a very limited streaming app ecosystem
- Requires you to pry the device out of the hands of a gamer to actually watch TV
To Note:
- Only the Xbox One and Xbox One S support the Tablo app. Older models like the Xbox 360 are not supported.
The Xbox We Recommend:
- If you have an Xbox One or an Xbox One S already connected to a TV in your house, we recommend that one. If you’re looking for a device just for streaming and you or your kids aren’t gamers, one of the options above is a better bet.
It should be noted that while this is a list of recommended set-top-boxes, you can also use your iOS and Android smartphones and tablets as well as your PC or MAC computer to browse, record and stream Tablo content.
We hope you’ve found this overview helpful! If you have any feedback or suggestions about details we should add, let us know via Twitter or Facebook.
