Abstract: A method of operating a media player includes playing back audio media. During the step of playing back audio media, a maximum volume parameter is refined for the playing back of the media by the media player. The refining is based at least in part on the playing back of audio media during a time period prior to executing the maximum volume refining step. After a period of time, the maximum volume refining step is repeated. The refining is configured to prevent/minimize harm to hearing of the media player user based, for example, on the actual volume of media playback and time/duration profiles provided by occupational safety and/or other organizations.

Abstract: The inventive mechanism uses several sub-systems to generate outputs from the stereo input signal. A first sub-system synthesizes the phantom center output, which places the monaural center image between the left and right speakers in front of the listener. A second sub-system synthesizes the virtual surround (or rear) output signals, which places the sound images to the sides of the listener. A third sub-system synthesizes the left and right stereo outputs, and expands the locations of the left and right sound images.