Tablo unveiled a new over-the-air (OTA) DVR that integrates local channels from a TV antenna, and free ad-supported streaming TV channels.
The surprise announcement happened Monday on Tablo’s website, and via press release.
The new Tablo OTA DVR device is priced at $99.95, and requires no subscription for guide data.
Most people in the U.S. can use a TV antenna to get local broadcast channels such as ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, PBS, Telemundo, MeTV and ion TV. Tablo DVRs make OTA channels available across a home Wi-Fi network so you can watch free TV anywhere in your house using a Smart TV, smartphone or tablet.
The dual-tuner DVR includes a 128GB hard drive, which can save more than 50 hours of HD recordings, according to Nuvyyo.
One Tablo device makes it possible to watch live TV on any screen within your house.
New Tablo apps are available on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV/Google TV and iOS mobile platforms as well as most smart TVs and mobile devices.
Apple TV, and Smart TVs from Samsung and Vizio are expected to be added later this year.
Customers can pause, record and replay live TV. The 4th generation Tablo has 128GB of onboard storage, but customers can still expand recording capacity with up to an 8TB hard drive just like with older models.
Tablo customers can expect a new look for the device. Instead of the black square box that Tablo has used for years, the resigned “whole-home” Tablo is in a smaller white circular case.
The last Tablo device, the Tablo Quad, debuted in March 2021.
Prior Tablo OTA DVRs required a monthly or annual subscription for enhanced guide data and menu features.
The new Tablo may signal that the days of a subscription-oriented device are in the rearview.
“Consumers struggling with inflation are looking for more affordable ways to enjoy live sports, local news and must-watch TV events,” said Grant Hall, CEO of Nuvyyo. “With a live TV guide that spans the best in live broadcast TV and free live streaming content, one-touch series recording as well as customized content recommendations, Tablo has evolved beyond a way to enhance your antenna TV experience to an affordable portal to free TV without a subscription.”
All prior generations of the Tablo devices were not on the website as of Monday.
The company said in a release that all generations of the Tablo device also receive free regular firmware and app updates as well as free technical support.
Previous generations of Tablo network-connected hardware devices will be made compatible with the new app experience later this year.
This is the first product launched since Nuvyyo was acquired by The E.W. Scripps Company (Nasdaq: SSP) in 2022.
Details about how many free, ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channels were not revealed on Monday. But Scripps Networks reported revenue growth in Q3 by expanding its offerings of FAST channels on VIZIO Smart TVs.
The Tablo device is available now at TabloTV.com and BestBuy.com (MSRP is $99.95) and will be available in Best Buy stores across the United States and online at Amazon.com.
The Tablo Total System, which includes a 35-mile indoor TV antenna, is on sale now for $109.95 (MSRP $129.95) at TabloTV.com.
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Founder and Editor of The Cord Cutting Report. Before launching the site in 2016, he worked for more than two decades as a staff writer or correspondent for a number of daily newspapers, including The Boston Globe. His enthusiasm for tech began with the Atari 2600. Follow @james_kimble
