Downloading Hi Res files wirelessly

Posted by: KRM on 04 August 2011

This is probably a silly question, but does anyone know if there are any issues with downloading hi res flac files to a PC over a wireless network? I know it's slower and I don't intend to play them wirelessly, but is thereany possibility downloaded files be inferior to what I would have got if I had remembered to plug the laptop into the computer? I have just done my first HDTracks download (Moving Pictures) and it sounds fantastic, but I would be gutted if I had compromised the quality by using the wireless network.

Aplogies again if it's a stupid question.

Keith

Posted on: 04 August 2011 by Ian P

Hi Keith,

The only stupid question is one you don't ask!

A network won't impact on the quality per se, the only thing you might experience is drop-outs (or pauses) if the network can't keep up. If you have 802.11 n or even the older g (and you probably have one of these) I doubt you'd experience any issues.

In essence the network is simply a delivery mechanism - it cannot randomly downscale the data stream to a lower quality audio format - it wouldn't know how to. All that can happen is that is that if it cannot keep up the music will stop (or pause). You will mosre likely have seen this effect when watching video over the internet - where the picture may freeze temporarily.

Hope that helps,

Ian

Posted on: 04 August 2011 by KRM

Thanks Ian,

This is as I suspected. In fact, I'm only downloading wirelessly as both server and renderer are wired via a switch. The download only needs to do is get all the 1s and 0s in the right order. Sounds like speed is the only issue.

Cheers,

Keith

Posted on: 04 August 2011 by pcstockton

Originally Posted by Ian P:

The only stupid question is one you don't ask!

Not true. There are no stupid questions (although this one is close). There are only stupid answers.

Posted on: 05 August 2011 by KRM

So I think the question I asked wasn't stupid ("there are no stupid questions"), but the one I didn't ask is close to stupid? Phew!

Posted on: 05 August 2011 by Aleg

Questions aren't stupid.

They can show a lack of knowledge or insight and provide an opportunity for learning.

So keep 'em coming.

Posted on: 05 August 2011 by KRM

Couldn't Agree more Aleg.

I think this is particularly true of the streaming forum. It's a new area and there are so many new issues to contend with. Also, the computer stuff is a big turn off for many who are just looking for the best way to replay their music. I fall somwhere in the middle.

I do realise that neither Ian or Patrick said it was a stupid question (that was me! :-). They were actually making the same point as you, I think.

Posted on: 05 August 2011 by Ian P

Keith,

Just to clarify I merely meant that a question is only stupid if it needs asking but is left unasked. Clearly yours, therefore, was not stupid :-)

Apologies if my turn of phrase indicated anything other than that.

Kind regards,

Ian

Posted on: 05 August 2011 by pcstockton

Let us be VERY clear here. You can safely download an album from HDTracks over WIFI without degrading anything. Although wireless is likely to take a bit longer.

-Patrick