The Tablo app will not load onto my Roku. (Model 3921RW - Roku Premiere+)
The darker blue verson just keeps saying, “Getting the latest free shows and movies,” with a loading bar.
I have not purchased a Tablo Quad yet; just wanted to make sure my Roku could process the WiFi signal, since my TV is not WiFi.
Is it going to work eventually?
I think one of the first things the app does when loading is look for the Tablo on your network. If there is no Tablo it will not fully load.
If you just want to test the Roku on your Wifi, look in the settings for the network test. You could also load one of the free streaming services, like FreeVee or Tubi. If they work, you should be fine to run a Tablo.
2 Likes
Thanks, KGBnut, The Roku works well even with our 10 mbps wifi, so you may be correct about needing to buy the Tablo first. We’re getting 300 mbps soon; that’s why I’m considering the Tablo now to record from our roof antenna.
I’m assuming that is the speed from your internet provider? 10 mbps is a bit thin, but 300 will be way more than enough. Your internet speed shouldn’t make too much difference for recorded programs (that is your home network speed), but it will make a difference for the included streaming channels.
If you are new to Tablo, I would make a few recommendations, first make sure you have a good antenna. I see that you already have a roof antenna. Is it already hooked up to the tuner on your TV? That way you can check to see which channels you have access to OTA. Don’t be surprised if some of the weaker channels come in on your TV, but not on the Tablo. The tuners in the Tablo are not as forgiving of weak signals as are most TVs. Next, ensure your home network is strong anywhere you have a TV that you are streaming to. If you have the option to go hard-wired Ethernet, I would recommend it, but WiFi is usually good enough. Get an external hard drive. There are some good ones for about $100.00. I have 2TB and that seems like plenty, but the Tablo will accept up to 8TB.
I would recommend getting the four-tuner model. It is not that much more money and is more capable. Put it somewhere in the open, not closed in a cabinet, and definitely not in a hot attic. It needs to cool properly.
One last note, be aware there is currently a conflict between Roku OS14 and the Tablo app when used with certain TVs. On SOME when you try to load an OTA live channel it will kick you out of the device. On some you will get picture, but no sound. Some get some weird font issues. Still others have no trouble at all. Just be aware. Tablo says they are working on it, but they don’t have a date for the expected fix.
Good luck with everything and let us know how you make out.
Thank for the advice (I need it!).
The antenna is currently connected to a DISH Hopper DVR and gets good signal except when it’s terribly stormy. The Hopper (we’re looking forward to getting rid of DISH) is connected to the TV via HDMI, and I assume that’s the reason for a good signal, which is why I’m concerned WiFi might not be as good.
When we get the fiber optic connection, and the Tablo, what would be connected via Ethernet? The modem or router or whatever they supply (and the Tablo) will be on top of a cabinet 2 feet under the TV.
The software version of my Roku is 14.0 (I’m assuming that is the operating system). Should I consider watching recorded shows on the Tablo through something other than the Roku?
Am I correct that, when I buy the Tablo, I will be able to see a week of TV guide for the OTA channels, and be able to set it to always record new episodes of shows in series we watch?
Also, I think I read the Tablo Quad has no remote - meaning I would be using the Roku remote to control recording and playback?
I would suggest hardwiring everything since it will be so close.
You can make wireless worse if you devices are too close… you can come in “too hot” and it will raise the wireless channel utilization. Which will slow things down. It’s like opening the oven door, all the heat hits you in the face… same principle.
If you’re going to buy a wireless router, don’t buy the walmart special. If you buy a $30 router, you will get $30 worth of performance. Some ISP provided router and fiber ONU’s have weak chipsets in them.
1 Like
Thank you, KimchiGUN, I would really love to connect my DVR to my TV via HDMI, but I believe there is no way to do that with a Tablo? Am I missing something?
Actually, I can’t find any 4 channel DVRs out there that will connect via HDMI.
Our antenna connection comes through the floor behind the cabinet under the TV, so I can’t put the Tablo very far away. Once we get connected to fiber optic, I think that box will also come in there. That would mean I can connect the Tablo to the ONU (I had to look that up) via ethernet, but having it all in the same corner of the room might be too close for the WiFi?
I appreciate you taking the time to explain this to a not-very-tech-savvy senior!
With the newest model, you can’t. You stream the Tablo services over the network over the Tablo APP.
You can try to connect it all by wifi… and it can work. I was just giving you a heads up, if you have any quirky wireless issues, that would be the problem. The devices feeling the wireless signal as too hot.
2 Likes
The Tablo itself can be connected directly to your router via Ethernet (my preferred way of doing it). Is your router going to be near where you plan to put the Tablo? If not, you will likely be okay with WiFi. Also, some Roku, like the Ultra can be connected via Ethernet. Again, if you don’t have a way to easily reach it, WiFi will likely be fine. I have some connected both ways.
Yes, Roku 14.0 is the OS. Try it, you may be perfectly fine. I’ve got two Roku that have upgraded to 14.0. My very old one does not work since the upgrade. My newer one works fine. In your case with a newer Roku on a better quality TV you may be okay. Try it before you worry about it. Also, know that Tablo is working on a fix, but it is taking them a while.
Yes, on MOST devices you will see about two weeks of guide data. In order to add a show to record it has to appear in the guide. You can then record episode, or set it to record the series. You have all the usual DVR settings for recording; record new or all, add extra time to the end of the recording, how many episodes to keep, etc…
And yes, the Tablo comes with no remote, because it doesn’t need it. Since you access it through a streaming device, in your case a Roku, you use the remote for your streaming device. For me this was a real selling point. Before this I had DirecTV. I had to have a DTV box on each of my four TV, and had to pay a monthly fee for each box. With Tablo, I can access it on as many TVs as I like just by adding more Roku.
Let me know if you need anything else.
1 Like
Just out of curiosity, who are you getting for fiber? I switched to Frontier about six months ago and have been very happy. The equipment they provided was Eero. Eero gets mixed reviews here, but it has worked well for me.
And you are correct, the Tablo does not connect via HDMI. It does everything through your streaming device. It is the streaming device the connects via HDMI. You access the Tablo the same way as Netflix or Hulu or any other streaming service.
Thanks, KGBnut, Thanks to the advice I’ve gotten here, I think I’ll go ahead and order the 4 tuner Tablo.
It will have to be under the TV because that’s where the antenna comes in.
The equipment that will be provided (We’re getting Socket fiber optic) could come into the house under the TV (connect via Ethernet in that case) - or across the room if it’s bad for the Tablo and the ONT to be so close to each other and to the Roku. Maybe the Socket installer can advise me, but if you have an opinion about those two choices, please advise! 
I can’t imagine any reason why it would be a problem to have all those devices close to each other. I saw KimchiGUN’s note. Not that I doubt him, but I haven’t experienced that. Perhaps he can advise of what is “too close.” Having them close would certainly make it easier to connect them via Ethernet. I see you have a Roku Premiere+. If I am not mistaken, that is Wifi only.
If it were me, I would think about where I use my WiFi. For me, the most WiFi use is my laptop in the family room, and my wife’s laptop in the kitchen. For me, it is critical that I have reliable internet in those locations. That dictates where my router goes. Talk to your installer, tell them your needs, and they can help you pick a spot.
I forgot to check, I assume that you have a smartphone, is that correct? You do need a smartphone for initial set up of the Tablo.
Good luck with everything.
1 Like
That is true the Roku Premier+ does not have an Ethernet connection.
Our house is only 1000 sq feet; I would like to have the router near the TV because that is more central in the house. If I put it in the other corner, it would be an outside corner of our house, although in the same room as our computers and doorbell camera. I will discuss it with the installer, too.
Thanks for thinking of the smartphone; yes, we do have one.
Thank you!
1 Like