My Tablo DVR has become completely unresponsive. There is no LED activity, no boot sequence, and no response to factory reset attempts. I’ve followed all documented procedures:
Verified 12V output from the power supply with a multimeter
Attempted factory reset by holding the button while plugging in power (held for 20+ seconds)
Tried multiple outlets and confirmed direct wall connection
Disconnected all peripherals (USB drive, antenna) during reset attempts
Inspected the reset button for mechanical failure
Despite these steps, the unit remains inert. Based on community reports, this appears to be a known issue affecting multiple users. I’d like to know what options are available—whether warranty coverage, repair, or replacement.
I had an identical situation. It had just died. I had been watching the evening news and it just quit. I called Tech Support, they confirmed that it was dead. Before I could even ask, he offered to send me a replacement, no questions asked.
It did take them a few days to ship it out, but I had a new one within a week. Setting up the new one went really quick and I was back up and running. It has been running well ever since.
In case you didn’t realize, even with an external drive, your previously recorded show are lost.
Mine did the same thing today - in the middle of a football game! Luckily I had an antenna connection directly to my TV so I could continue watching. I submitted a support ticket here asking for a replacement: https://bit.ly/TabloTVHelp
This one is under a year old, so it should be under warranty.
I finally heard back from Tablo. The unit is less than 2 years old and they said it looks like you now own a dandy paperweight. Thanks for contacting us.
This was their reply:
Thank you for your response and for sharing the invoice.
Please be informed that the Tablo comes with a one-year warranty.
According to the invoice, your Tablo was purchased in November 2023, which means it is now out of warranty.
Unfortunately, we will not be able to process a replacement for your device.
I do NOT plan to buy another unit. At least I got a dandy paperweight now.
Mine just died overnight. Was working ok last night, this morning, it’s totally dead. I purchased this Oct 8th of last year. With others having this same issue, I’m wondering if it’s faulty hardware or maybe the most recent update really screwed something up? Anyway, submitted a support ticket, we’ll see what happens.
Got an email this morning, wanted me to do some steps to see if it would power on after reset (it didn’t… it’s dead, Jim). Advised to send in proof of purchase & info for a replacement. Did so, I will post back when I get it.
Question though… when I get the new Tablo, it will be like starting from scratch right? I mean I know I lose my shows that were on the HDD, but they don’t assign the Tablo to me do they? I know Amazon does that for some devices (like plugs/bulbs/etc). I ask because I’ve had difficulty setting the original one up and just trying to be prepared.
