Abstract: An automotive multimedia entertainment system includes a head unit and a DVD player remote from and integrated with the head unit. Operation of the DVD player can be initiated by user interaction with the head unit. A method for interfacing a head unit with a DVD player comprises the initial step of initializing the DVD player. Next, the DVD player is monitored for communication failures and functional faults. The head unit enters a DVD normal operation mode if the DVD player is initialized and no communication failures or functional faults exist. If a communication failure or functional fault exists, the head unit enters a fault mode. If a communication failure or critical functional fault is confirmed, the DVD player enters a shutdown mode.

Abstract: A low impedance stereo audio bus interface between multiple audio transmitters and a receiver. The bus has a core transmitter circuit associated with each output of the multiple audio transmitters and each core transmitter circuit generates a pair of balanced differentiated outputs. The pair of balanced differentiated outputs of the core transmitter circuits are connected in parallel to a core receiver circuit, which recombine the pair of balanced differentiated signals to reproduce the original stereo signals at the input to the receiver. The bus may contain optional circuits to perform functions not performed elsewhere in the transmitter or receiver.