Settings dialog not working if internet connection blocked

[pstein]

My firewall blocks Internet connection (=update check) of MediaCoder.

When I start mediacoder and try to call the "File--->Settings" menu then the dialog windows opens but only
the message

"Loading...."

is shown (forever). See attached snapshot

Whats wrong? Is it really required to have internet connection?
The settings dialog should be showable whether there is an Internet connection or not.

Peter