Beware HDtracks!

Posted by: Hot Rats on 14 March 2011

I purchased a download of the 24-Bit/96kHz version of 'Tommy' from HDtracks this evening. I paid for it using PayPal as the site will not accept UK cards.

The Java based download manager that HDtracks use managed to download the pdf file of scanned artwork and the first track of the album. Now it refuses to download any more tracks.

I have checked that my version of Java is up to date.

I would advise caution when buying from HDtracks. This was my first purchase ... and it will be my last. There is no wonder that illegal downloads prevail!
Posted on: 15 March 2011 by james n
Why don't you just contact HD tracks, explain your problem and get them to sort it out.
Posted on: 15 March 2011 by Hot Rats
I have done. I'll await their reply. if you believe posts on another digital audio forum, HDtracks are not particularly good at getting back to dissatisfied customers.

I'll report back on my experience with them.
Posted on: 15 March 2011 by a.diabelli
I got the same problem on the first (and only...) purchase I've made from them, same scenario (I'm from Italy and I choose to pay with paypal...) I think it's something related with the different emails I choose for registration and for payment... If you log in and go in your account pag - history you should have the download status not yet conmpleted, right?
Posted on: 15 March 2011 by BigH47
I downloaded the free stuff from HD Tracks OK. I guess paying for D/Ls is the problem?
Posted on: 15 March 2011 by Anthony H
I had a problem with one track of Band On The Run.  It seemed to have 'locked' any further downloads when I paid for two of the Stones albums.  I mailed them at HD and had a rapid response and some sort of 'reset' at their end and the download sailed through.  Had no problem with The Who subsequently.  Up to now satisfied with service and content even though they state that they don't sell outside the US. (Used PayPal).
Awaiting next batch of Stones an hopefully more Who.............
Posted on: 15 March 2011 by GerryMcg
Are you downloading to an external store e.g. NAS, as I posted on the other thread but got no reply ,you should download to an internal drive.
Posted on: 15 March 2011 by Hot Rats
I received the following reply:

Thank you for your order on HDtracks.  I'm sorry to hear that you are having problems with your download.  If the download manager seems excessively slow or stuck, closing and then relaunching it (by clicking on the red Resume Download link in your order history), or rebooting your computer usually fixes this problem.  If it does not, could you please make sure of the following:

 

  • If you are on a wireless connection, please try a wired connection.
  • Please make sure that you have enough space left on your hard drive.
  • Please try resetting the modem and/or your router as well.
  • Some users have found that removing their router and plugging directly into the modem helps a stalled download, so please try that.
  • A computer reboot should clear your Java cache, but it might help to do so manually: http://www.uwplatt.edu/oit/howto/java-cache.html

 

You can also try this version of the download manager which downloads the files in smaller chunks than our regular download manager: http://www.hdtracks.com/hdtracks.slow.jnlp

 

Please save the file to your computer, and when you're downloading tracks from our site, cancel the download manager that pops up and instead double click this one to launch.

 

I apologize for any inconvenience this has caused.

 

To stay abreast of site developments, new releases, specials, featured artists, and more... Sign-up for our weekly newsletter by clicking here.

 

Sincerely,

Chris

Customer Support



Why the heck should I try a wired connection. Everything else works OK ... It seems like their Java based downloader is non too good! Enough space on the hard drive? ... That's just a silly suggestion! Reset modem ... Did that!

HDtracks reset my download and 'Tommy' is downloading again. It's much much slower than Rapidshare or Fileserve.

Download companies must provide a fast and reliable service if they are to compete! If they do not, illegal download sites will surely flourish
Posted on: 16 March 2011 by GraemeH
Gets up, walks over to cd collection, presses 'play'.......
Posted on: 16 March 2011 by Jono 13
Originally Posted by GraemeH:
Gets up, walks over to cd collection, presses 'play'.......

Removes original "Band on the run" from record collection, switches on RP1 and lowers the needle..........

Jono
Posted on: 16 March 2011 by GerryMcg
Originally Posted by GraemeH:
Gets up, walks over to cd collection, presses 'play'.......

Only after drive to railway station, buy train ticket to London walk to record store have lunch and make return trip....

....or order from Amazon wait for delivery next day, or 2 days if ordering on Saturday.

Posted on: 16 March 2011 by GraemeH
Originally Posted by GerryMcg:
        Only after drive to railway station, buy train ticket to London walk to record store have lunch and make return trip....

A perfect day!
Posted on: 16 March 2011 by GerryMcg
Originally Posted by GraemeH:
A perfect day!

Indeed,

Problem was after a few pints over lunch with my mate, I return to the record shops, and impulsively buy a lot more albums.
Posted on: 20 March 2011 by Hoekie
Downloaded Tommy today, using paypal, without any problems.
Posted on: 22 March 2011 by mNait
Suffered the same issues - but Hd tracks got back to me within their day - think they are in California - they tweaked something at their end and the download went smoothly. Fire them another mail.



Posted on: 22 March 2011 by mNait
Oops - should have read fully to see that the issue was resolved.  Makes one appreciate how good the whole iTunes purchasing experience is.  If they ever go high quality then guys like HDtracks will find it tough to compete...