Cable TV customers for some yet-to-be-named cable providers will be able to sign up for a new smaller bundle of entertainment channels minus sports and broadcast networks. The service will partner with OTA DVR company Nuvyyo to utilize the Tablo Tuner and DVR in order to deliver local network affiliates and the smaller digital sub-channels via an antenna.
The program will be offered in areas where users will be able to pick up on those signals, typically within 60 miles of broadcast towers. The move may act as a customer retention tool to keep customers who are ready to cut the cord on the all-inclusive bundles that most providers have offered for decades.
How will it work?
Individual cable providers will supply a paired-down group of lower-cost (for the provider) cable channels at a much lower price than the traditional bundle by excluding expensive
options like regional sports networks, the ESPN family of networks and the local broadcast channels to customers. The cable companies will also provide customers with a Tablo DVR, which allows users to receive and record over-the-air signals with no subscription as well as provide dozens of free internet-based genre channels ranging from news, sports, and entertainment. Users might be familiar with this sort of option already via services like Pluto TV, Tubi or The Roku Channel.
Customers will need to be able to access the Tablo App via a smart TV or connected streaming device
Besides the Tablo hardware customers will also need a smart TV that has a Tablo app or one of the easy to find streaming devices such as a Roku, Fire TV, Google TV/Android TV box or an Apple TV. This is because the Tablo is not designed as a set-top box. It does not have an HDMI port and therefore can not deliver video or audio signals to a television.
Why is Tablo designed without an HDMI Port?
Tablo DVR’s are meant to be placed in an area that is most advantageous for receiving over-the-air signals. This means that a user is able to set up the Tablo where they want to install their antenna instead of where the TV is. So a person could have their Tablo and antenna in a third-floor bedroom or attic and a TV in a basement and still get the best signal possible. The users access their over-the-air, cable and free Internet channels via the Tablo app.
* For the best over the air signals we at the Streaming Advisor always recommend using an outdoor professionally mounted antenna.
What TV’s have a Tablo App?
Tablo provides a listing of devices and TV’s that have the Tablo app in its frequently asked questions section labeled “What smart devices are compatible with Tablo for viewing and managing live TV and recordings? “
