Today, Tablo introduced a new feature for 4th Generation Tablo apps. Offline Mode allows users to watch live TV from an antenna and recorded content during internet or server outages.
4th Gen Tablo devices need an active internet connection to offer users over 100 free channels, in addition to channels from an antenna, and to perform basic tasks like updating the channel guide. Now, with the new Offline feature, users will be able to access live local channels from an antenna and previously recorded content, as long as that user has power and a router that can provide a LAN connection.
Tablo says that Offline Mode comes into play in three scenarios: an internet outage, a server slowdown, and during a power outage followed by an internet outage.
Here’s how to it works. When your Tablo device detects that there is no active internet connection, you’ll get a notification on your Tablo app saying that Offline Mode is required to watch content. When you select ENTER OFFLINE MODE, you’ll be able to continue watching local channels and recorded content. When the internet connection is restored, you’ll get another notification and can choose EXIT OFFLINE MODE. At that point, your Tablo will go back to full functionality. Note that there is no way to manually kick in Offline Mode; you’ll need to be prompted by the app.
While you’re in Offline Mode, you’ll have access to the basic live TV screen and most library features. You won’t have access to other Tablo features including browsing content on the Home and Guide screens, watching recordings that are still in-progress, browsing upcoming content on the guide, or updating your device.
Offline Mode is now available on 4th Generation Tablo apps for Amazon Fire TV and Android TV and will be available later this week on Apple TV, iOS mobile and Roku. Tablo plans for Offline Mode to be added to Android mobile, Samsung and LG smart TVs in the coming months.