Tablo TV DVRs Get an Offline Mode, With a Catch

Nuvyyo is rolling out long-awaited Offline Mode for its fourth-generation Tablo DVRs, a feature that allows users to watch local content during internet or server failures, as first reported by Cord Cutters News. The update addresses a long-standing user complaint that the devices could become useless during outages.

• No more paperweights: The feature is a direct response to user outrage after past server outages turned the DVRs into expensive paperweights, locking people out of their own recordings. The issue peaked last fall when a service disruption kept football fans from watching live NFL games.
• Some assembly required: The fix isn't perfect, however. Offline mode can't be manually activated and won't work if the Tablo reboots during an outage, as it needs an internet connection to get the current time. A working home router is also required, and users lose access to the program guide and streaming channels.

While not a flawless solution, the update makes the Tablo a more resilient and reliable device for its core function: watching over-the-air television. The company behind Tablo, Nuvyyo, is part of the larger E. W. Scripps media conglomerate. For those weighing their options, the news comes amidst a competitive market for over-the-air DVRs, with the fourth-generation Tablo itself including over 50 hours of expandable built-in storage.