Abstract: An apparatus provides an emergency alert function for mobile units such as motor vehicles, airplanes, portable devices and/or any other type of mobile structures. According to an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a memory operative to store data including (i) location data that correlates first location information to second location information, and (ii) at least one user selected event type. A processor is coupled to the memory and is operative to determine a current location using the location data and to process a signal indicating an emergency event. The processor enables an alert output if the emergency event corresponds to the current location and the at least one user selected event type.

Abstract: A media center operates in two modes where each mode is used for rendering a media object. When a first mode is enabled, a media object is rendered in conformance with parameters within a time duration defined for the operation of the first mode. A second mode is later enabled for rendering a media object, the rendering of the media object is in conformance with parameters within time duration defined for the second mode.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the operation of a media center in two different modes of operation, each mode is used for rendering a media object. A first mode is enabled, where a media object is rendered in conformance with parameters within a time duration defined for the operation of the first mode. A second mode is later enabled for rendering a media object, where the rendering of the media object is in conformance with parameters within time duration defined for the second mode.