Abstract: A method of operating an audio system having first and second sources includes outputting a first audio signal from the first source on first and second speakers. In response to a listener input, the first audio signal and a second audio signal from the second source are output simultaneously on the first and second speakers. The first signal is output from each of the first and second speakers such that the first signal is perceived by a listener to originate from a first direction toward the listener. The second signal is output from each of the first and second speakers such that the second signal is perceived by the listener to originate from a second direction toward the listener. The second direction is offset at least ninety degrees from the first direction.

Abstract: A method of operating an audio system in an automobile includes identifying a user of the audio system. An audio recording playing on the audio system is identified. An audio setting entered into the audio system by the identified user while the audio recording is being played by the audio system is sensed. The sensed audio setting is stored in memory in association with the identified user and the identified audio recording. The audio recording is retrieved from memory with the sensed audio setting being embedded in the retrieved audio recording as a watermark signal. The retrieved audio recording is played on the audio system with the embedded sensed audio setting being automatically implemented by the audio system during the playing.

Abstract: A method of performing alternate frequency switching in a radio includes tuning the radio to a primary frequency. A candidate alternate frequency is identified. It is determined whether the candidate alternate frequency is a third order inter-modulation artifact. Tuning is switched from the primary frequency to the candidate alternate frequency only if it is determined in the determining step that the candidate alternate frequency is not a third order inter-modulation artifact.

Abstract: A method of operating a single-tuner radio includes tuning into a first frequency. A pause in a first signal associated with the first frequency is detected. Tuning is switched from the first frequency to a second frequency during the pause. Fieldstrength, multipath, adjacent channel energy, frequency offset and FM modulation for the second frequency are measured. Tuning is switched from the second frequency to the first frequency. Tuning is switched from the first frequency to the second frequency dependent upon the measuring step.

Abstract: A method of configuring a tuner includes scanning at least one range of radio frequencies, measuring a signal quality metric for each of a plurality of the frequencies, and selecting a set of operational frequencies for the tuner. The selecting step is dependent upon the measuring step.

Abstract: A method of configuring a tuner includes sampling a radio frequency and measuring at least one signal quality metric for the sampled frequency. It is determined whether there is co-channel interference on the sampled frequency based on the measurement of the at least one signal quality metric. The sampled frequency is selected as an operational frequency for the tuner if it was determined in the determining step that there is an absence of co-channel interference on the sampled frequency.

Abstract: A method of operating a radio having a plurality of station preset pushbuttons includes assigning to the preset pushbuttons a first group of radio frequencies associated with a first country. A spectrum of radio frequencies is scanned. A signal quality metric is measured for each of the scanned frequencies. A country of origin is determined for each of the scanned frequencies. A country in which the radio is disposed is ascertained dependent upon the measuring step and the determining step. If the country in which the radio is disposed is different from the first country, then either the preset pushbuttons are automatically re-assigned to a second group of radio frequencies associated with the country in which the radio is disposed, or a user is provided with an option to re-assign the preset pushbuttons to the second group of radio frequencies.

Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle includes receiving a radio frequency signal and determining that the radio frequency signal has at least one characteristic indicative of the vehicle entering a tunnel. A setting of a vehicle system is automatically modified in response to the determining step.

Abstract: A method of operating an audio system having first and second sources includes outputting a first audio signal from the first source on first and second speakers. In response to a listener input, the first audio signal and a second audio signal from the second source are output simultaneously on the first and second speakers. The first signal is output from each of the first and second speakers such that the first signal is perceived by a listener to originate from a first direction toward the listener. The second signal is output from each of the first and second speakers such that the second signal is perceived by the listener to originate from a second direction toward the listener. The second direction is offset at least ninety degrees from the first direction.

Abstract: A method of configuring a tuner includes sampling a radio frequency and measuring at least one signal quality metric for the sampled frequency. It is determined whether there is co-channel interference on the sampled frequency based on the measurement of the at least one signal quality metric. The sampled frequency is selected as an operational frequency for the tuner if it was determined in the determining step that there is an absence of co-channel interference on the sampled frequency.

Abstract: A method of operating a single-tuner radio includes tuning into a first frequency. A pause in a first signal associated with the first frequency is detected. Tuning is switched from the first frequency to a second frequency. A signal quality metric for the second frequency is measured. Tuning is switched from the second frequency to the first frequency.

Abstract: A method of configuring a tuner includes scanning at least one range of radio frequencies, measuring a signal quality metric for each of a plurality of the frequencies, and selecting a set of operational frequencies for the tuner. The selecting step is dependent upon the measuring step.