In case you were wondering, the precise term is 'barratry' A.K.A.
'ambulance chasing'. You can't even avoid the trolling shysters here.
"The People v. HD Radio"
"It's not quite going in that direction - yet - but another law firm
has opened an inquiry into 'defective' HD Radio receivers in high-end
automobiles. The first firm on the scene, Keefe Bartels, is now
soliciting consumer complaints about problems with HD Radio reception.
Details are few, but there's always the chance - if a lawsuit is filed
- that the plaintiffs could push for class-action status. Both firms
appear to be working in concert. That would be a significant nail in
iBiquity's coffin: receiver manufacturers, already unenthused with the
product, will stay well away from the technology... There's also the
possibility that lawsuits could be filed between radio stations
suffering interference from other stations that have deployed HD side-
channels. Since the FCC is doing nothing with at least three pending
complaints, the victim-stations suffering HD-induced interference may
have no recourse but the courts. Were any of these legal
potentialities to be realized, 'game-changer' is not strong enough to
denote the consequences."
"HD Radio Not High Definition"
"Despite iBiquity’s claims of improved sound quality and transmission,
there have been numerous complaints about HD Radio not only from the
radio industry, but also from consumers. These complaints have
included: insufficient numbers of HD Radio stations... Automakers are
aware of the complaints associated with HD Radio. For example, in
2007, BMW released a Service Information Bulletin describing the
problems associated with HD Radio, but noted that there was no
retrofit kit or procedure available. The attorneys at Keefe Bartels
are continuing their investigation into HD Radio and whether consumers
are being forced to purchase technology that does not work as
claimed."
"Law Firm's HD Radio Probe Still in Early Days"
"Keefe Bartels, the law firm that's looking into whether consumers are
unhappy with their new HD Radio car receivers, is hearing lots of
stories... Keefe became interested in the technology when he bought a
new BMW a couple of years ago. He says the dealer told him HD Radio
wouldn't work but that it was built into the cost of the car, because
the receiver was part of a package. He says the dealer threw in a set
of floor mats to compensate... Keefe says it is receiving complaints
from all kinds of people and wants to determine how individuals have
been affected... He's also getting an earful from radio industry
people, so this should be interesting."
"Volvo Makes HD Radio Standard Across All Vehicles"
"With our 2010 and 2011 models, Volvo drivers can expect the best in
audio quality, more music and news/talk through multicast channels,
and advanced data services with scrolling text that shows artist name
and title, and much more, said Doug Speck, President/CEO of Volvo Cars
of North America, LLC."
"Automotive Recall and TSB Titles for 2009 and 2010 Volvos"
"TJ20784 MAR 09 Audio System - HD Radio(R) Troubleshooting
Guidelines"
"TJ20306 DEC 08 Campaign - HD Radio Software Update"
"Radio’s Revenue Falls Even as Audience Grows"
“HD radio is pretty much going to be nonexistent, because they can’t
figure out how to get the auto guys to include that as an option, and
the auto guys that do include HD don’t let the consumers know about
it, Ms. Ryvicker of Wachovia Capital Markets said."