TIDAL Rolls Out FLAC HiRes
All Image Credit: TIDAL
Following the announcement in April 2023 that Tidal would be adding hi-res FLAC streams to its catalogue, the music streaming service’s CEO, Jesse Dorogusker, has now confirmed the roll-out has begun and stated that Tidal is “choosing FLAC as our preferred format for high-resolution audio”.
Jesse Dorogusker has confirmed on Reddit that streams in FLAC up to 24-bit/192KHz quality are now available for Tidal’s Early Access Program (EAP) users on iOS. If you are in that group, simply update your beta app and select ‘Max’ quality in the new ‘Audio & Playback’ settings. For those not part of the EAP program Jesse has indicated that the files should be avilable to other HiFi Plus subscribers shortly, quote: “all HiFi Plus users in August”.
Tidal already has over 100 million CD-quality (16-bit/44.1kHz) FLAC streams in its library for its HiFi and HiFi Plus subscribers and according to Dorogusker the service currently has “over six million tracks” available in hi-res FLAC and is “actively working with distributors, labels, and artists to add more content in this format every day”.
Despite the selection of FLAC as Tidal’s default HiRes format, Jesse Dorogusker has confirmed that TIDAL will; “continue to support multiple formats to make sure we have as much hi-res content as possible”. So that seems to indicate that MQA technologies will continue to be supported even with the news that MQA have entered into administration.
Further updates will be avilable on Reddit from the CEO later this month; “to share more on how the beta is going, plus give some insight into additional changes we’re looking to make”.
Here is the full Reddit statement from Jesse Dorogusker:
“HiFi Plus subscribers have always had access to our highest-resolution audio, and now we are offering hi-resolution content in FLAC format, up to 24-bit, 192kHz. Try it now by updating your beta app, and selecting “Max” quality in the new Audio & Playback settings screen. We appreciate your excitement and want to hear from you before rolling it out more broadly.
“We’re choosing FLAC as our preferred format for high-resolution audio, and we’ll continue to support multiple formats to make sure we have as much hi-res content as possible. It’s open source, allowing greater access for artists and fans, and aligns with TIDAL’s support for open platforms. Pairing accessibility with best-in-class audio quality directly aligns with our purpose of empowering artists to run thriving businesses in the economy.
“Starting today, there are over 6 million tracks available to stream in HiRes FLAC. We’re actively working with distributors, labels, and artists to add more content in this format every day.
“I’ll be back next month to share more on how the beta is going, plus give some insight into additional changes we’re looking to make. And don’t worry, if you aren’t a part of our EAP, you’ll be able to experience HiRes FLAC soon — we’re going to be adding it for all HiFi Plus users in August.”
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