Hi everyone! I’m considering taking the plunge to “cut the cord” moving away from DirecTV to an OTA solution. I’m considering options, including Tablo, but I’m interested in feedback on a couple things to help me decide. I thought I would include a diagram of my existing (black) & proposed (purple) setup in case it helps.
Here are the points where I’m looking for some feedback:
I’m presuming that with any Tablo I purchase I’m going to want to immediately upgrade to the latest firmware version (2.2.2?) since I presume with the recent rollout that it’ll ship with an older version. Is that correct? If so, should I do the minimal connection & setup only? Do I have to wait for my unit to be randomly upgraded or can I download it?
In addition to 3 existing TVs where I would want to share recordings (I have DirecTV whole home DVR now) I also have 1 or 2 where I would just want to get the OTA signal without connection to Tablo. Given the signal splitting needed, and the distance from the attic to basement where the Tablo would be located near my router, should I be using a pre-amp (which I already have) or a distribution amp in this situation?
Streaming to existing TVs. I’m really confused on a couple aspects of this one:
a) wired vs wireless to streaming device - I’ll probably go wired just to avoid potential wifi issues
b) which streaming device? I already have 2 AppleTVs and this method seems clunky as I’m understanding it. It’s not clear to me if this will improve with the next gen AppleTV. It’s also not clear to me whether Roku or FireTV would provide a better interface for watching live TV or recorded programs. There doesn’t seem to be a consensus best device to use - there seem to be pitfalls & tradeoffs with each.
My main TV is a Samsung 4K smart HDTV, and I pass all video input to an AV receiver which converts everything from multiple sources (Bluray, DirecTV, AppleTV) to 4K if needed (instead of the TV doing it) and also allows having just 1 HDMI to the TV. With this setup I’m thinking I would set the Tablo to record at 720p to avoid some of the 1080P playback issues I’ve read about. Would that be the route to go on this?
You can’t split the Tablo out to TV. It would be OTA antenna split to Tablo antenna connection. Keep Tablo easily accessible to reconnect network, etc. Tablo has an internal wireless internet to initially connect to home network. Then Tablo recognizes wired LAN connection. Streaming recordings to 3 televisions, might push your network. Others can advise on antenna and which casting device to use as remote(s). You might read posts on Tablo Exporter script regarding download of all shows from Tablo hard drive via wired network to computer drive. Not sure that is relevant, but another piece. I use the Android Tablo app on a CipherTV (Canada West). Had been using a wired iPad. Hopefully others can post more helpful information.
Remember that the Tablo splits the antenna internally depending on if you get the 2 or 4 channel model. You will also need a USB 2 hard disk. Note that with the 2.2.2 firmware you can use just about any disk. They tested a Seagate 5 TB Desktop expansion model without any problems and is what I upgraded to from a 1 TB WD Elements disk.
Not all routers are created equally. What router do you have? Some are better at streaming.
Wired is best but I have everything witeless and it works. Note no other streaming going on while watching Tablo.
With today’s an announcement mentioned of FireTV 4 and expected Roku nouncement( I assume Oct or Nov) of the Roku 4. Do you have Amazon Prime? If you do, then FireTV is the best. If not, then Roku 4.
The Tablo with the old firmware will work as is with a 2 TB or less Hard Drive. You will automatically upgrade to the latest firmware soon after setup. I recommend getting a greater than 2 TB hard drive and using some drive you have handy until after the Tablo upgrades. If you don’t have an expendable hard drive < 2TB, I’d just connect the Tablo and see if it upgrades, then attach the > 2 TB drive.
I’d recommend both a pre-amp at the antenna and distribution amp. If you want to start with one or the other, start with the pre amp at the antenna. Amplifying at the antenna preserves the Signal To Noise Ratio. Amplifying at the end of a cable run amplifies any noise picked up along that cable run.
a) Wired is better. b) I use multiple streaming devices on the tv; Roku 3, Chromecast, Rasplex with a plex server. As you said, each has there tradeoffs. Start with your AppleTV’s and see how they work. I can view with my Android Phones and Chrome browser and cast to the Chromecasts.
I’d set it 1080p to start and see if you have any issues with your system. There are a number of third party methods to pull shows (TabloExporter is what I use) and transcode (Handbrake) the shows you’ve recorded if required.
As others said, your diagram shows the splitter after the tablo. You want to use one splitter or distribution amplifier if you can, with all your devices coming off of it. I’d recommend running OTA antenna to all of your TV’s, if you can. You can watch live TV with the Tablo, but you add lag (if you surf channels) and lose 5.1 (at least for now)
With the new firmware, I am running a 5 TB drive and now recording at 1080p vs 720p with no significant issues. Yes, there are Roku reboots and a Roku that keeps dropping of the network, but that is not a Tablo issue.
Great post by the way, only thing missing that might help further is your TV fool report and where you’ll be setting up your antenna. Some expert antenna users could help you with that here. http://tvfool.com/
I’ll let someone else who has better knowledge of this answer
As @beastman mentioned, you’ll be splitting a few times in the Tablo along with directly to other TVs. I do recommend a pre-amp, I’ve gone through two, the RCA was DOA, the Wineguard is excellent. Read the instructions on where the Pre-amp should be installed, it should be closest to the antenna.
a. Wired at 1 GBPS (CAT 6) will always be better. If you have to do Wireless make sure you are using a 5 Mhz network.
b. I’m anxiously awaiting for the Next Gen Apple TV. The Tablo team is working on an app, no ETA. :A dedicated app will take the “airplay” issues away.
From my understanding, you should avoid any of the streaming “sticks”. I would go with the Roku 3 or Fire TV, the more expensive devices with better processors. I imagine the Nexus Player would work well, its on sale now (new device out soon I imagine) and has decent specs.
Each devices interface is different so its hard to pinpoint which will be best for you. Can you provide some input on your price preferences, apps that you use, and current ecosystem of devices (phones/tablets)? This info might help with pinpointing the right choice for you.
Personally I have a Roku and I’m growing tired of the bugs, some will say they have none but I find it to not be a stable environment. Other than the bugs, its a clean and simple interface. I would probably move to the Nexus Player if the Apple TV wasn’t coming out in October. I don’t like the FireTV locking me in the Amazon ecosystem.
4… I’ll let someone else who has better knowledge of this answer
Thanks everyone for the great feedback so far. I want to read through it all in more detail and respond. But one thing I wanted to add was around typical viewing habits and how that plays into the question of streaming device to choose.
We mostly watch network broadcast TV and record a number of shows for later viewing and “time shifting” to avoid commercials. Other main viewing is sports which is generally on local channels but in some cases are in regional like Fox Sports North which I think is going to be tough to get. Otherwise it’s basically watching live TV or some Netflix or HBO programs on demand.
I’ve read about issues watching live TV on certain devices.
It may be so that a lot of people have had bad luck with the sticks, I don’t really know, but not for me. I have a Roku stick (in fact it’s a refurb I picked up from Newegg for 15 bucks) and I’ve had zero issues with it.
Caveats:
I have the stick and the Tablo both on 5 Ghz using an Asus TM-AC1900. There are two walls between them, but the distance is only about 6 ft. In fact, the wifi setup actually worked better for me than powerline adapters. Go figure. I guess the close proximity trumped electric line noise.
I don’t usually use 1080p setting on the Tablo, just the 720p setting (not the Roku/Chromecast setting). I did test it one time with a half hour program @1080p and had no issues with it, including the FF/Rewind re-boot problem so many are having with the Roku. And that was with the 2.2.2 firmware, so I guess it was recording at the 60 frame rate. Interface has been snappy and responsive for me.
I’m not saying I recommend the stick, but I would not rule it out either. I have no idea if it’s up to top performance as my requirements are not as stringent as some (my 57 year old eyes really can’t tell between 720 and 1080 ).
My Chromecast works well when close enough to the router, but when in my wife’s studio, the wifi signal drops to a point where it struggles… Thinking about replacing it and just keep it handy for travel.
There is Sling TV, which I had my free month when it came out. it gives you all the ESPN, CNN, some other channels. The main problem with it, that while a great idea, they did NOT (I don’t know about now) have enough bandwidth for streaming games. The more people that watch it, the more bandwidth required. For example, IF the Superbowl were on ESPN or any channel on SlingTV, it would be UNWATCHABLE. The other two problems are only one stream, and you can not record it.
One thing that hasn’t been mentioned in this thread is NO Roku device will work away from the Tablo. Fire TV and Fire TV Stick WILL both work at a friends house, hotel, etc. Roku might be able to be used away from home WHEN the name/passsword is implemented, but NO IDEA how many years that might be.
Upgrade right away, it will be available to you. The ‘roll-out phase’ is done.
If you are going to split the signal 3-4 ways BEFORE even sending it to the Tablo then yes, a distribution amp in the basement before you split is likely a good idea.
AppleTVs use AirPay from an iOS device at the moment. The hope is the new ATV will allow a dedicated app bc of its new App Store. As for which device to get, if you can wait untill October I would recommend the NEW Amazon Fire TV box over the Roku 3 Model 4230, way better box for the same price. Many people have been happy with the Nexus player too.
If you hard wire the Tablo and hard wire your playback devices, definitely stick with the 1080p recording quality. You can see the difference between 720p and 1080p. The 1080p playback issue with the 2.2.2 firmware is isolated to the Roku.
Now questions for you:
What is the make and model of the antenna you’re using?
How far is the cable run from the antenna to the basement? You may want to consider installing a pre-amp at the antenna mast (within a few feet of the antenna is ideal).
For the price I would only recommend the new FireTV if you have Amazon Prime. I would wait for the Roku 4. The Roku has many channels to watch including The BW that are not on FireTV. Some, such Netflix, Smithsoian Channel, Hulu are on both devices. I find the Roku easier to update to a new version of the app than the Roku. Both offer “update automatic” box you can check. If you do, then it checks once a day. It is easier to add private channels on Roku than FireTV. For example:
To install new Tablo Preview Beta on Roku, I simply had to go to check for updates, and BAM! The new channel updated. To install the new Tablo Beta on FireTV, I first had to click on a link that was sent to add it to the Amazon cloud. Then Sync to clould, then install. In my mind, I should have just been able to update, since I already had the prior beta installed.
There is LOTS of additional free stuff on the FireTV if you have Amazon Prime (I don’t). I only got the FireTV Stick so I can watch on TV remotely. I have added a few other channels that are on both devices.
We have used the Roku, the AppleTV, and the FireTV. At the moment, the winner with regard to the Tablo app is the FireTV. Our Roku experiences the rebooting issues when you FF that have been discussed in other threads. The standard Roku app contains all of the features but has a clunky interface. The Preview Roku app has a nice interface, but only the LiveTV and Recordings feature. Eventually, I expect all of this to get resolved - the Preview app will be completed and replace the standard app and Tablo/Roku will fix the reboot bug (I hope). AppleTV didn’t have an app store open to developers so it was limited and we sold it (you had to use Air Play to cast from an iPad or iPhone to use Tablo). The new AppleTV will change that, but it will probably take some time to get all the apps into their store.
The FireTV app is full featured with a nice interface and has been working bug free for me. As others have mentioned, the FireTV is tied to Amazon’s ecosystem (in the same way that Apple products are tied to iTunes). So it is a great device for accessing Amazon content like Prime videos and music. But it’s app store is not as complete as Roku’s. It does have all of the major streaming services and I haven’t yet encountered anything I wanted that is not available in its app store, but hard core streamers may find it lacking compared with Roku’s channel store.
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