Now the trial lawyers are smelling blood... never a good sign:
HD Car Radio Investigation
The trial lawyers at Keefe Bartels, LLC are currently investigating the marketing and sales of HD car radios by certain car manufacturers. HD radios utilize a technology by which AM and FM radio stations transmit both audio and data signals along with their analog signals. HD radios are frequently touted as cutting edge technology which will dramatically improve sound quality, provide new benefits to the user and enhance the radio listening experience. In recent years HD car radios have been included in various high end automobiles. HD radios are also frequently sold as an add-on feature for such luxury brands as BMW and Jaguar.
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Despite the increased sales of HD car radios and the growing number of radio stations transmitting digitally, there are continual complaints about the technology and these audio devices. HD car radios are plagued by an inability to receive the digital signals transmitted by FM and AM radio stations and a significantly reduced sound quality when such signals are received. Such problems coupled with the increased costs for HD car radios call into question the utility of this supposed technological innovation. Consumers are being enticed to purchase HD car radios that commonly fail to perform or provide any benefits and features. The additional cost to the consumer is both unwarranted and unnecessary when the HD radios do not work as they are supposed to.
Despite iBiquity’s claims of improved sound quality and transmission, there have been numerous complaints about HD Radio from not only the radio industry but also consumers. These complaints have included:
-Radio receiver bumping station from HD to analog mode;
-Echo sound heard when the radio switches between HD and analog modes;
-Crackling or static sound when HD mode is inactive;
-Insufficient numbers of HD Radio stations;
-Loss of signal while driving in valleys or between high buildings;
-Signal disruption for environmental conditions; and
-Adjacent channel interference.
