Tablo today introduced a new USB device for cord-cutters looking to add DVR functionality to Android streaming boxes like the NVIDIA Shield. This $70 dongle pairs with Tablo’s smartphone apps to record content on a device’s internal storage or an external hard drive. For cord-cutters this potentially offers one of the easier ways to bring over-the-air content to Android streaming media players, a proposition that previously required a few workarounds…
Tablo’s latest release makes building your own DIY DVR easier than ever if you have the necessary hardware. The dongle itself attaches on one end via USB with a coaxial connection on the opposite side for an antenna. There’s no signal boosting power here, so you’re essentially just adding the DVR functionality to an existing setup.
Like its previous releases, users will be required to signup for a subscription plan to unlock the full potential of Tablo’s software. It will run $4 per month or $40 annually for access to 14-days worth of guide data and enabled one-click recording following an initial six-month trial. Conversely, 24 hours worth of listings is available for free.
The free Tablo app for Android pairs with this USB dongle to deliver full DVR functionality in HD to your smartphone. Access to previous recordings, guide data and a Netflix-style layout also highlight the list of features. Tablo Engine is available for download today at the Google Play Store. New users will receive a free 30-day trial of Tablo’s guide services.
Tablo has long been known for its innovative strategies for bringing DVR capabilities to cord-cutting devices. Its latest release passes HDHomeRun’s current beta offering, and is comparable to what PLEX brings to the table. We’re more fond on the recently released Dual OTA DVR that brings functionality to a wide range of streaming device, including Roku and Apple TV. Today’s announcement is rather specific in compatibility, but it’s good to see the popular NVIDIA Shield (and others) receive DVR functionality. This is just another option in a continually growing range of accessories for cord-cutters.
You can purchase Tablo’s latest release direct from the manufacturer today for $70.
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Tablo ENGINE OTA DVR app and Tablo TUNER Antenna Adapter Now Available!
At the Consumer Electronics Show in January, we announced we were hard at work on a brand new way for cord cutters to watch and record Over-the-Air TV…
A software-based Tablo DVR experience
Today, we’re excited to tell you that the Tablo ENGINE DVR app and the companion Tablo TUNER dual-tuner USB antenna adapter are now ready to help you transform your Nvidia SHIELD set-top-box into an OTA DVR!
You might be thinking… Wait a minute, wasn’t this called Tablo DROID? You’re right. But given that Tablo ENGINE is the driving force behind the Tablo DVR but in app form, we think the new moniker is a better representation of the app’s purpose. We hope you like it too!
When you connect an Over-the-Air TV antenna to your Nvidia SHIELD with a Tablo TUNER (or another compatible USB tuner adapter), the Tablo ENGINE app transforms your Nvidia SHIELD into an Over-the-Air DVR that lets you discover, watch, and record live HDTV without the need for DVR hardware or an always-on computer.
Unlike Tablo’s network-connected DVRs (Tablo 2-Tuner, Tablo 4-Tuner, and Tablo DUAL) which stream live and recorded HDTV content to multiple devices, the Tablo TUNER/Tablo ENGINE software OTA DVR solution is designed for cord cutters who want to watch content on a main television screen connected to an Android TV set-top-box via HDMI.
The Tablo ENGINE app – which is a free download from the Google Play Store – provides the awesome Tablo interface and DVR features cord cutters love including:
Live TV
Watch, pause and rewind live TV in stunning full HD quality (MPEG-2).
Fast Channel Changes
Tune to live TV in seconds from the live TV grid guide.
Recording & Time Shifting
Watch, pause, rewind and fast forward completed and in-progress recordings.
Easily Skip Through Commercials
Completed recordings will include fast forward preview thumbnails that make it easy to zip through commercials or find a specific point in your recording.
14-Day Live TV Grid Guide
Browse and set recordings for shows airing over the next 14 days.
Content Discovery & Series Recording:
Discover new shows and set one-click series recordings (ALL NEW or ALL episodes) via the Netflix-style program guide views.
5.1 Surround Sound
Enable Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound pass-through for a premium audio experience.
A companion browser-based app for Tablo ENGINE is also available at my.tablotv.com for managing recordings and adjusting Tablo ENGINE’s settings when you’re on your local network.
Tablo TUNER is a dual-tuner USB adapter that connects your HDTV antenna to your Nvidia SHIELD streaming set-top-box. It works with the Tablo ENGINE app to let you enjoy live and recorded OTA TV content without the need for additional DVR hardware.
As a dual-tuner device, Tablo TUNER will let you watch live or record up to two OTA TV channels at once using the Tablo ENGINE app.
Tablo TUNER is available now from the Tablo web store for $69.99 USD/$89.99 CAD.
Limited Time Offer
As a special introductory offer, with the purchase of a Tablo TUNER adapter, we’re giving you 6 months of Tablo ENGINE guide data subscription absolutely free.
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