Abstract: A vehicle audio system includes an audio central unit, to which one or more further audio components are connected via a first vehicle data bus, and interface means for data communication between the first vehicle data bus and a second vehicle data bus of another type. One of the audio components is an audio gateway unit that contains the interface means, and is formed as an independent component separate from the audio central unit. In addition to data bus gateway functionality, the gateway unit also includes an amplifier functionality, a tuner functionality, one or more further standard audio functionality spanning vehicle types and/or countries, and/or one or more further audio functionalities, which are implemented so as to be parameterizable according to specific vehicle type and/or country.

Abstract: A vehicle audio system has an audio central unit to which one or more further audio components are connected via an associated first data bus, and are interfaced for data communication between the first data bus and a second data bus of another type in the vehicle. One of the audio components is an audio gateway unit which contains the interface, and is an independent component separate from the audio central unit. In addition to the data bus gateway functions, the audio gateway unit includes further standard audio functions spanning vehicle types or countries, or further audio functions which are implemented so as to be parameterizable according to specific vehicle type and/or country.