UK broadband rules out lossless Spotify service

 

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By Stewart Mitchell

Posted on 16 Jul 2010 at 08:34

Music streaming service Spotify says it won't be launching a lossless audio stream because it fears Britain's creaking broadband network isn't capable of delivering the service properly.

Spotify already streams at 320Kbits/sec, which the company says is almost indiscernible from the lossless quality of CDs. But serious audiophiles always want the highest quality possible and the company is concerned that higher bit-rate streaming could lead to stuttering in streams.

“We want to ensure everyone can enjoy a seamless music experience on Spotify which is the main reason why lossless has yet to be introduced, on our or any similar service,” Jim Butcher head of communications for Spotify told PC Pro. "Although it's something we're definitely working towards once the infrastructure is in place.”

Butcher said that although headline speeds and even non-peak broadband speeds might be adequate for streaming in a lossless format, when demand went up many surfers' connections could be found wanting.

“Providing a lossless service isn't just about general bandwidth per se, but high average speeds which can be very variable depending on time of day and time of the week,” he said.

“On our premium service we stream at a very high quality 320Kbits/sec, which is close to CD quality if not quite lossless, and you would need a very good system to tell the difference.”

The news comes a day after the Government backtracked on a commitment to ensure 2Mbits/sec broadband for every household by 2012.