What is Prefetch Mode?
Prefetch Mode is a CloudBox feature designed to support scheduled music playback during temporary internet interruptions.
When Prefetch Mode is enabled, the CloudBox downloads the next day’s music schedule and media during a configured download window. This allows the CloudBox to continue playing its downloaded schedule if the location temporarily loses internet connectivity.
Prefetch Mode is best suited for locations that want scheduled Business Station playback to continue during brief internet interruptions. It is not designed for immediate, live station control while offline.
Important Considerations
Before enabling Prefetch Mode, please note the following:
Prefetch Mode works with Pandora CloudCover Business Stations.
Prefetch Mode is not supported with Pandora Radio Integration.
Station changes are applied after the CloudBox downloads an updated schedule and media.
“Play Now” and immediate station changes are not the intended control path when Prefetch Mode is enabled.
If the CloudBox is restarted, it may need to reconnect and download its schedule and media again before Prefetch playback is available.
How Prefetch Mode Works
Each night, the CloudBox downloads the next 24 hours of scheduled music and media during the location’s configured Media Download Window.
Enabling Prefetch Mode
To enable Prefetch Mode:
Contact Pandora CloudCover Support or your account manager.
Let them know which location or locations should use Prefetch Mode.
Confirm that the CloudBox is running software version 6 or later.
Choose a Media Download Window for the location.
How Controls Work with Prefetch Mode
With Prefetch Mode enabled, CloudBox playback is schedule-driven. If the CloudBox is online, standard controls and playback history remain available. However, station changes do not take effect immediately through “Play Now.” Instead, the CloudBox applies the change after it downloads the updated schedule and media.
If a station change needs to be applied sooner, update the station and then use the Download Media button on the Zones page in Tune to force the CloudBox to download the latest schedule and media.
Common Questions
If the CloudBox is online, will controls and history still work? Yes. Controls and playback history remain available while the CloudBox is online. Station changes will apply after the next media download window, or sooner if media is downloaded manually.
Can I use Prefetch Mode with Pandora Radio Integration? No. Prefetch Mode is available for Pandora CloudCover Business Stations and is not supported with Pandora Radio Integration.
Can I force a station change to apply sooner? Yes. First, change the station. Then select Download Media from the Zones page in Tune to download the updated 24-hour schedule and media.
What happens if the CloudBox is restarted? After a restart, the CloudBox may need to reconnect and download its schedule and media again before Prefetch playback is available.
How to Set The Prefetch Media Download Window
Select Account and the Prefetch tab
Then Select Edit
Adjust your media download window time accordingly and hit Save
Can I enable Prefetch for only specific locations? Yes!
At the bottom of the Prefetch tab you'll see each username for your account. Here you can toggle the switch to the right to turn it on, or to the left to turn it off for a location.
