A media device and method execute computer instructions to: generate a first query fingerprint of media content; send the first query fingerprint to a server; and receive, from the server, an identification of a first channel being watched in response to the server finding a match to the first query fingerprint. The media device iteratively receives, from the server, a plurality of fingerprints generated from the media content in locations ahead of where the media content is being received; store the plurality of fingerprints in a local database of a computer-readable storage medium; and compare a second query fingerprint of the media content with the plurality of fingerprints to determine whether the media device remains set on the first channel, without continuously pinging the server. When the media device locally detects a non-match with the second query fingerprint, the process starts over with it finding a match at the server.