Cut the Cord in 2025: Stream & Record Live TV with Tablo OTA DVR
As a longtime cord-cutter here in Milwaukee, I made the switch years ago when Netflix streaming launched on Roku. It quickly became our go-to platform, replacing almost everything we watched on cable. Still, there were a few holdouts—live Packers games, local news, and a couple of network shows like *The Big Bang Theory*—that kept us tethered to broadcast TV.
Fortunately, an over-the-air (OTA) antenna made it easy to bring back those essentials, streaming local channels in glorious HD—completely free. But there was still something missing: the ability to record, pause, and skip commercials.
Why Tablo OTA DVR Is the Best Cord-Cutting Companion
After trying a few options, I found my ideal setup with the Tablo DVR. It’s a sleek, affordable, internet-connected device that pairs with your OTA antenna and home Wi-Fi. Once connected, Tablo gives you full DVR functionality for antenna TV.
We connected the Tablo to a small USB hard drive and installed the Tablo app on our Roku. Now, from the comfort of the couch, we can:
- Pause and rewind live TV (perfect for Packers games!)
- Record our favorite shows for later
- Skip through commercials without frustration
- Stream broadcast television from anywhere in the house
Watch Local Channels Without Cable in Milwaukee
The best part? It’s all over-the-air TV—no cable bill, no contracts. Milwaukee’s digital broadcast coverage is excellent, and the Tablo works perfectly with a basic indoor antenna. You get access to local stations like Fox, CBS, NBC, and ABC in high definition.
With Tablo OTA DVR, your antenna essentially becomes a smart streaming system. Combine that with a Roku or Fire TV Stick and you’ve got a full-featured setup that rivals any cable box.
Tablo DVR Setup: Easy & Secure
Tablo is simple to install, but like any internet-connected device, make sure to secure it properly. Change the default password, ensure it’s behind a secure Wi-Fi network, and consider enabling router-level protections. You can also check out Tablo’s official guide on how Tablo works for step-by-step help with installation.
Ready to Cut the Cord in 2025?
If you’re tired of overpriced cable bills and only use it to watch the occasional local show or sports game, the Tablo OTA DVR could be the final piece of your cord-cutting puzzle. It brings modern features like streaming, recording, and commercial-skipping to your old-fashioned antenna setup.
Here at Tobin Solutions, we help Milwaukee-area households and small businesses embrace modern technology safely and securely. Whether you’re looking to reduce your cable dependency or need help setting up your home streaming system, we’re here to help.
Need help setting up your Tablo DVR or securing your smart home devices? Contact us at info@tobinsolutions.com or call 414-443-9999.