Here is a list of issues Im having, maybe some of them have been updated, but when I got the tablo originally I had a hard time trying to use it. I think my Samsung TV was too old, which was a 2017. I upgraded in December with a 2024 Samsung and was able to down the app. Before I downloaded the app in Apple TV.
My biggest is right now is that the coaxial cable is way too thick and heavy and not flexible. It will not allow me to hang the antenna to anything, which causes me to not be able to get all the OTA channels that I like to watch.
The channels I do get, I cant watch. It doesnt broadcast, so I have about 12 channels that I was able to tune into, when it would download 85 channels.
The other feature I do not like is not having the ability to channel surf. Its very tedious and for me and not too user friendly.
Here are my original notes I took October 19, 2024 - There isn’t a way to check all the channels, you have to literally check all available channels to access them - After scanning and tediously checking channels to save and add, which were 85 that i had to check mark, not 1 channel broadcasted - IM now rescanning to figure out why channels are not showing. now it’s stating 80 channels are checked. AND still no live channels
*- - you are not able to use the channel scroller on the remote to go in between channels. you need to back out and go to menu to change to the next channel. this takes all the excitement out of channel surfing. *
*- - two part annoyance to select a channel, then after selecting the channel you are now given a choice to watch, then you must hit the watch button. * - the antenna cable is too thick and heavy making the antenna fall. The cable weighs more than the antenna
I think your primary problem is your antenna. I’m guessing that you have one of those flap-panel antennas that you hang on the wall inside your house, is that correct? Unless you live REALLY close to the broadcast towers, those things are useless. If it is an option for you, I would strongly recommend getting an attic-mounted, or even better, a roof-mounted antenna.
Yes, I recognize that people in apartment buildings and other similar circumstances don’t have that option. For those folks, there are also some better quality indoor antennas. If you haven’t already, check out the AntennaMan on YouTube. He gives great advice and reviews for antennas. He also has an antenna recommendation service for $40.00 if you really need some help. It helped me and I thought it was well-worth the money.
I love my Tablo, but it took some time to dial it in. A Tablo is only as good as the signal it receives, and that all comes down to the antenna.
I’m not surprised. I really wish they wouldn’t offer that bundle. Those antennas are very limited.
I know that a better antenna would be an additional expense, but it will likely solve your problem.
I had DirecTV for 20+ years. I had a falling out with them and also realized that 90% of my viewing was the major broadcast channels. I dumped DirecTV and save $150.00 a month. I got a 4-tuner Tablo, a good roof-top antenna, and an external harddrive. All in, the new system paid for itself in less than two months.
I ordered a Phillips antenna which can sit on top of the TV for a more sleek aesthetic look, Ill try connecting that to it.
I also ordered a booster connecter. Its suppose to help cut out wifi signals, so maybe that will help with my OTA. Ill update once I get it.
It seems with my new Samsung TV getting OTA channels are not as easy as before. The Tablo Antenna that came with my device officially ate it. Since its feather light and the coaxial cable being heavy, it fell and chipped the corner.
I live in a Duplex, so I could have someone install a rooftop, but ID like to avoid that as my channels I like I should be able to get OTA with a regular indoor antenna.
Were talking METV and Antenna TV…I just cant seem to get them unscrambled!
Once I get the channels and up and going on my Tablo, thats where Ill need some help navigating the device.
FWIW I have had good luck with the Televes indoor antennas, even without a clear view of the broadcast towers, and placed right on the same shelf with my 2 tablo’s. No long coax needed.
These cables from amazon are not kosher but worked fine for me and are easy to handle Superbat F-Type Cable 75 Ohm 6ft TV Coax Cable