RE: Suggestions for Tidal Streaming problems caused by Internet Connection Problems


During the last several months, my Tidal Streaming service sometimes stopped playing for a few seconds and then started again.  In addition, sometimes, my Internet connection completed stopped working while listening to a Tidal album.  I re-booted my modem and router and everything worked but the Internet connection continued to sometimes drop.  It was driving me crazy.

On Saturday, I completely LOST my Internet connection on my MAC Computer.  I re-booted everything (twice) and still no Internet connection.  I called my Internet Service Provider (ISP) and they said the cable signal strength coming into my modem was incorrect (out of range) and scheduled a Maintenance Tech (Senior level, outside person) Service Call.  This is not the ISP normal service call.

The ISP Maintenance Tech arrived on Sunday and adjusted the signal strength for all their switching components carrying the cable signal to my home.  He then replaced the outside cable junction box (underground) for my neighborhood (3 homes including mine) since it was old and corroded.   He then replaced all the coaxial connector plugs on the cable from my wall plug to my modem and also replaced all the coaxial connector plugs in my outside cable box.   He noticed some of the wires were not straight so he rearranged the wires in my configuration both inside and outside.  Some additional adjustments were required on the outside cable junction box (fine tuning to get the require signal strength).  He was excellent and answered my questions on my configuration.  

When all of the above was done, he tested both the outside cable junction box and the inside signal strength to ensure all cable signals were in the required range (they were).   He then ran a speed test to confirm my upload and download speeds were correct (they were).  He made some additional minor cable and tuning adjustments and now everything is working fine.  He said if the cable signal strength is too high, or low, it will cause the Internet connection to drop its signal.  It has to be in its assigned required range.  

If you are experiencing Internet connection problems, the FIRST step to turn the power off your router, modem (take out the battery, if present) and remove the cable connection from the wall for 3 minutes.  To re-start, plug the coaxial cable back into the wall FIRST and turn on the power for all your devices.  This should solve most problems, but, if not, repeat these steps. You should also ensure the software in your router is current.  

If you are still experiencing Internet connectivity issues, you might need to call your ISP for assistance.  If needed, you might ask the Customer Support person to check the cable signal strength coming into your modem to help troubleshoot the issue. 

I probably should have called my ISP sooner but my Internet connectivity problems happened infrequently.   I was very lucky to have a very experienced ISP Technical person who knew exactly what was needed both inside and outside.   I hope this helps.
hgeifman
Please see the response I received from Tidal below regarding the problem:

“Thanks for reaching out. Please have your friend contact [email protected] for further assistance. Best Regards,

Kevin - Technical Support Specialist
TIDAL Member Support”

Please email a complete description of your Tidal buffering problem to Kevin as noted above.  Please include ALL details including the device, DAC and the frequency including the time of Day.  I recommend that everyone on this post having this buffering issue send an email to the email address above.  The more people that do means, hopefully, the sooner it will get fixed.  Please keep us posted.  Thanks.   
@hgeifman  I have corresponded extensively with Kevin, who may be the only Technical Support person at Tidal since we've both emailed with him. This is his last email to me:

TIDAL Support [KevinMN] (TIDAL)

Oct 21, 10:08 AM EDT

Hello,

Thank you for reaching out to let us know what you’re experiencing.

Our programming team confirmed with me that this is a known issue that is affecting a number of users, which has placed it at the top of their list to fix.

While I don’t have a timeline as to when a fix will go through, please know that our team is working to resolve the issue as soon as possible.

We realize that this is an inconvenience for you, so we thank you for your patience.


Best Regards,

Kevin - Technical Support Specialist
TIDAL Member Support


Hey Group,

Any update on this?  Mine has been good until a few nights ago and I did get some buffering.  I am using an Ethernet cable to a Airport Extreme which is cabled via Ethernet to my Comcast router.  I am on Comcast Business class but in a residential area.  Being an IT Consultant I understand many of the particulars.

BTW,  since no one mentioned it, MQA tracks (Tidal Masters(M)) are streamed at a higher rate as they are 24 bit and I believe 48khz.

Hope y'all keeping warm and dry,
Robert
No mystery here folks.  Tidal's customer base is exceeding it's bandwidth allocation.  You will now see whether Tidal's priority is customer service (continued high quality music streaming) or the corporate bottom line (dealing with complaints rather than paying for more bandwidth).  I know it won't take me long to ditch them if the problem persist.  An uninterrupted mp3 is better than half of a high res song.
In my 3rd month using tidal. I'm about to quit service and demand a refund for the 2 months I paid for if the problems are not resolved very soon.