Patent Publication Number: US-2012030708-A1

Title: Portable Media Device and Method for Presenting Viewing Content During Travel

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation application of co-pending application Ser. No. 12/349,382, filed on Jan. 6, 2009, which is a divisional application of application Ser. No. 11/154,749, filed on Jun. 15, 2005, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/580,099, filed on Jun. 15, 2004. Priority to each of the prior applications is expressly claimed, and the disclosures of the applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to portable entertainment systems and more particularly, but not exclusively, to passenger entertainment systems for use in vehicles. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Vehicles, such as automobiles and aircraft, often provide entertainment systems to satisfy passenger demand for entertainment during travel. 
     Conventional passenger entertainment systems include overhead cabin viewing systems and/or seatback viewing systems with individual controls for selecting viewing content. The viewing content typically includes entertainment content, such as audio and/or video materials, and can be derived from a variety of content sources. For instance, prerecorded viewing content, such as motion pictures and music, can be provided by internal content sources, such as audio and video systems, that are installed within the vehicle. External content sources likewise can transmit viewing content, including satellite television programming or satellite radio programming, to the vehicle via wireless communication systems. 
     Conventional passenger entertainment systems, however, suffer from numerous disadvantages. Some passengers therefore find the passenger entertainment systems to be complicated to operate and the viewing content difficult to enjoy. Selection of the viewing content, for example, can prove difficult due to the awkward placement and operation of the user controls. Similarly, the viewing systems are distally located, such as overhead and/or on an opposing seatback, and typically are not adjacent to the user controls. Also, some or all of the passengers will be inhibited from enjoying the viewing content if one or more viewing systems fails. Such system shortcomings are a frequent source of passenger complaints. 
     Passenger demand for entertainment likewise is continually evolving. Not only do passengers want to access the most current viewing content, such live television programming and the latest games, but they also require a more extensive selection of entertainment products and services, such as Internet access and in-transit shopping, to be available. Conventional passenger entertainment systems, however, are limited by their fixed hardware technology and cannot easily be adapted to accommodate changing passenger entertainment needs during travel. 
     In view of the foregoing, a need exists for an improved passenger entertainment system that overcomes the aforementioned obstacles and deficiencies of currently-available passenger entertainment systems. 
     SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The various embodiments disclosed herein are directed toward portable media devices for presenting viewing content during travel. 
     The portable media device is configured to communicate with one or more content sources for providing viewing content. Each of the content sources may be proximate to, and/or remote from, the portable media device. Preferably being configured to wirelessly communicate with the content sources, the portable media device can select viewing content from any available content source and can download and present the selected viewing content in any conventional manner. The selected viewing content can be streamed to the portable media device for contemporaneous presentation and/or stored by the portable media device for viewing at any time. As desired, the portable media device can be configured to support two-way communications with one or more of the content sources. The portable media device thereby can provide enhanced functionality, such as support for viewing content uploads and other passenger transactions, during travel. 
     Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent from consideration of the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an exemplary top-level block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a portable media device for presenting viewing content. 
         FIG. 2A  is an exemplary top-level block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the portable media device of  FIG. 1 , in which the portable media device presents selected viewing content from a content source. 
         FIG. 2B  is an exemplary top-level block diagram illustrating an alternative embodiment of the portable media device of  FIG. 2B , in which the selected viewing content is selectable at the content source. 
         FIG. 3A  is an exemplary block diagram illustrating an alternative embodiment of the portable media device of  FIG. 1 , in which the portable media device includes a communication interface for facilitating communication between the portable media device and the content source and an input system for selecting the viewing content and for controlling the presentation of the selected viewing content. 
         FIG. 3B  is an exemplary block diagram illustrating an alternative embodiment of the portable media device of  FIG. 3A , in which the portable media device likewise includes a memory system for storing the selected viewing content and/or at least one peripheral system for supplementing the functionality of the portable media device. 
         FIG. 4A  is a detail drawing illustrating a front view of one embodiment of the portable media device of  FIGS. 3A-B , in which the portable entertainment device is in an open position. 
         FIG. 4B  is a detail drawing illustrating a back view of the portable media device of  FIG. 4A . 
         FIG. 4C  is a detail drawing illustrating an alternative embodiment of the portable media device of  FIGS. 4A-B , in which the portable entertainment device includes a viewing support. 
         FIG. 4D  is a detail drawing illustrating another alternative embodiment of the portable media device of  FIGS. 4A-B , in which the portable entertainment device includes a protective cover. 
         FIG. 5A  is a detail drawing illustrating a front view of another embodiment of the portable media device of  FIGS. 3A-B . 
         FIG. 5B  is a detail drawing illustrating an alternative embodiment of the portable media device of  FIGS. 5A , in which the portable entertainment device includes a viewing support. 
         FIG. 5C  is a detail drawing illustrating a back view of the portable media device of  FIG. 5B . 
         FIG. 6A  is an exemplary top-level block diagram illustrating another alternative embodiment of the portable media device of  FIG. 1 , in which the portable media device can present selected viewing content from a plurality of content sources. 
         FIG. 6B  is an exemplary top-level block diagram illustrating another alternative embodiment of the portable media device of  FIG. 1 , in which a plurality of the portable media devices is configured to communicate with a selected content source. 
         FIG. 7  is an exemplary block diagram illustrating another alternative embodiment of the portable media device of  FIG. 1 , in which a plurality of the portable media devices is configured to communicate with a plurality of content sources via a content distribution system. 
         FIG. 8A  is a detail drawing illustrating an alternative embodiment of the plurality of portable media devices of  FIG. 7 , in which the plurality of portable media devices and the plurality of content sources form a vehicle information system that is associated with an automobile. 
         FIG. 8B  is a detail drawing illustrating an alternative embodiment of the vehicle information system of  FIG. 8B , in which the vehicle information system is associated with an aircraft. 
         FIG. 9A  is a detail drawing illustrating an alternative embodiment of the vehicle information system of  FIGS. 8A-B , in which the vehicle information system provides access points adjacent to the passenger seats. 
         FIG. 9B  is a detail drawing illustrating another alternative embodiment of the vehicle information system of  FIGS. 8A-B , in which the access points are distributed throughout a passenger cabin of the vehicle. 
         FIGS. 10A-J  are detail drawings illustrating alternative embodiments of a mounting system for mounting the portable media device of  FIG. 1  on a headrest of a passenger seat. 
         FIG. 11A-F  are detail drawings illustrating alternative embodiments of a mounting system for mounting the portable media device of  FIG. 1  on a seatback of a passenger seat. 
         FIG. 12  is an exemplary block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a device management system for the portable media device of  FIG. 1 , in which the portable media device includes a device identification system for providing device identification data. 
         FIG. 13A  is an exemplary block diagram illustrating an alternative embodiment of the device management system of  FIG. 12 , in which the device management system can maintain a historical record for the portable media device and can provide configuration instruction for configuring the portable media device for future use. 
         FIG. 13B  is an exemplary flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a method by which the device management system of  FIG. 13A  can maintain the historical record for the portable media device and can provide configuration instruction for configuring the portable media device for future use. 
         FIG. 14  is an exemplary block diagram illustrating an alternative embodiment of the device management system of  FIGS. 13A-B , in which the device management system simultaneously process a plurality of portable media devices, maintaining historical records for each portable media device and providing instruction for configuring each portable media device for future use. 
         FIG. 15A  is a detail drawing illustrating an embodiment of a docking station for the device management system of  FIG. 14 , in which the docking station is configured to interface with the plurality of portable media devices. 
         FIG. 15B  is a detail drawing illustrating an embodiment of a battery charging system for the device management system of  FIG. 14 , in which the battery charging system is configured to simultaneously charge a plurality of battery systems. 
         FIG. 16A  is a detail drawing illustrating another alternative embodiment of the device management system of  FIG. 14 , in which the device management system is installed at an airport terminal. 
         FIG. 16B  is a detail drawing illustrating an alternative embodiment of the device management system of  FIG. 16A , in which the portable media devices can be packaged in sealed containers for delivery to aircraft at the airport terminal. 
     
    
    
     It should be noted that the figures are not drawn to scale and that elements of similar structures or functions are generally represented by like reference numerals for illustrative purposes throughout the figures. It also should be noted that the figures are only intended to facilitate the description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention. The figures do not describe every aspect of the present invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Since currently-available passenger entertainment systems are difficult to operate and have limited content presentation capabilities, a portable media device with an intuitive user interface for presenting selected viewing content from one or more available content sources during travel can prove desirable and provide a basis for a wide range of applications, such as passenger entertainment systems for use on aircraft and other types of vehicles. This result can be achieved, according to one embodiment disclosed herein, by employing a portable media device  100  as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 1 , the portable media device  100  is provided as a portable, handheld media presentation system for receiving viewing content  200  and for presenting the received viewing content  200 . By providing the portable media device  100  as a portable, handheld media presentation system, the weight, complexity, and power consumption of the portable media device  100  each can be reduced while increasing overall device reliability. The portable media device  100  can be provided in any conventional manner, such as via one or more hardware components and/or software components and includes an intuitive user interface  110 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the exemplary portable media device  100  comprises a video system  120  for visually presenting a video portion of the viewing content  200  (or video content  220 ) and/or an audio system  130  for audibly presenting an audio portion of the viewing content  200  (or audio content  230 ). The video system  120  and the audio system  130  are shown as being operable under the control of a control system  140 . The portable media device  100  thereby can control the manner in which the viewing content  200  is received and/or presented. 
     The viewing content  200  can be provided by one or more content sources  300  as shown in  FIGS. 2A-B . The content source  300  can be provided in any conventional manner, such as via one or more hardware components and/or software components, and can be disposed proximately to, and/or remotely from, the portable media device  100 . For example, the content source  300  can be provided in the manner set forth in the co-pending U.S. patent applications, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DOWNLOADING FILES,” Ser. No. 10/772,565, filed on Feb. 4, 2004, and “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING CONTENT ON MOBILE PLATFORMS,” Ser. No. 11/123,327, filed on May 6, 2005, which are assigned to the assignee of the present application and the respective disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. The portable media device  100  and the content source  300  likewise can communicate in any conventional manner, including via wired and/or wireless communications. Thereby, when in communication with the content source  300 , the portable media device  100  can receive and present viewing content  200  from the content source  300 . 
     The viewing content  200  can comprise any suitable type of viewing content  200  in the manner set forth in the above-mentioned co-pending U.S. patent application, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DOWNLOADING FILES,” Ser. No. 10/772,565, filed on Feb. 4, 2004. Preferably being provided in any conventional compressed digital format to facilitate transmission, the viewing content  200  may be provided in any appropriate analog format and/or digital format that may be compressed and/or uncompressed, as desired. To help ensure smooth presentation, the viewing content  200  preferably is buffered when transmitted from the content source  300  to the portable media device  100 . The buffering can be provided in any conventional manner, including via, for example, the portable media device  100  and/or the content source  300 . When configured to communicate by way of a content distribution system  400  (shown in  FIG. 7 ), the buffering likewise can be associated with the content distribution system  400 , as desired. 
     The viewing content  200 , for example, can have entertainment content, including audio content, such as music or audio books, and/or video content, such as motion pictures, television programming, or any other type of audiovisual work. As desired, the viewing content  200  can comprise stored (or time-delayed) viewing content  200  and/or live (or real-time) viewing content  200 , such as broadcast transmissions of live events or pre-recorded events. The content source  300  preferably provides the viewing content  200  substantially in real-time. Illustrative formats for the video content can include Audio Video Interleave (AVI) format, Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) format, and Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) format; whereas, Waveform (WAV) format and MPEG Audio Layer 3 (MP3) format comprise exemplary formats for the audio content. 
     Streaming video content preferably is provided in MPEG-4 FGS (Fine Granularity Scalable) format to help ensure transmission efficiency; however, the video content can be streamed by the content source  300  in any suitable standard format. When configured to receive the streaming video content in MPEG-4 FGS format, the portable media device  100  can advantageously maintain compatibility with one or more other video formats, such as other Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) formats, including MPEG-1 format and MPEG-2 format. Audio content likewise can be streamed by the content source  300 . The streamed audio content can be provided separately, such as with music, and/or in association with other viewing content  200 , such as with a soundtrack to a motion picture. Preferably being provided in MPEG-4 BSAC (Bit Slice Arithmetic Coding) format and/or Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) format, the streamed audio content can be streamed by the content source  300  in any suitable standard format. 
     As desired, other types of viewing content  200 , including application software, such as media player programs or games, and/or textual materials, such as forms, reference materials, or other documents, can be provided by the content source  300 . Application software typically is provided in an executable (EXE) format, and exemplary formats for the textual viewing content  200  include document text file (DOC) format, Portable Document Format (PDF), and text file (TXT) format. Although selected formats have been discussed above with reference to the audio viewing content  200  and video viewing content  200  for purposes of illustration, the selected formats are merely exemplary and not exhaustive. It is understood that he viewing content  200  thereby can be provided in any suitable conventional format. 
     The viewing content  200  can be presented by the portable media device  100  in any conventional manner, preferably substantially in real-time. For example, the portable media device  100  can download the viewing content  200  in the manner disclosed in the aforementioned co-pending U.S. patent application, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DOWNLOADING FILES,” Ser. No. 10/772,565, filed on Feb. 4, 2004. As desired, the portable media device  100  likewise can store the downloaded viewing content  200 . The portable media device  100  thereby can present the viewing content  200  at any time regardless of whether communication with the content source  300  is maintained. 
     The viewing content  200  likewise can be streamed to the portable media device  100  from the content source  300 . Stated somewhat differently, the viewing content  200  can be momentarily stored (or cached) by the portable media device  100 . The viewing content  200  likewise can be streamed in any conventional manner. Content sources  300  for streaming the viewing content  200  can include terrestrial content sources  300  and/or satellite content sources  300 . For example, live television programming can be streamed by one or more terrestrial content source  300 , such as a broadcast television system (not shown), and/or by one or more satellite content source  300 , such as a Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) system (not shown). If the portable media device  100  disposed in a vehicle  500  (shown in  FIGS. 8A-B ) in the discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 8A-B , the viewing content  200  can be streamed to the portable media device  100  from a content source  300 , such as a media server system  520  (shown in  FIGS. 8A-B ), installed aboard the vehicle  500 . 
     By streaming the viewing content  200  to the portable media device  100 , loss, such as by theft, of the portable media device  100  therefore does not also result in loss of the viewing content  200 . To help further ensure the security of the viewing content  200 , the viewing content  200  preferably is streamed to the portable media device  100  in an encrypted format and/or can be provided with one or more other digital rights management (DRM) controls. Thereby, the viewing content  200  can be protected against any unauthorized use, copying, and/or dissemination, and/or, even if intercepted or otherwise stolen, the encrypted viewing content  200  will not be readily usable. The viewing content  200  can be encrypted in any conventional manner, including the use of proprietary encryption techniques. By streaming the viewing content  200  from the content source  300 , the quantity and complexity of the components comprising the portable media device  100  can be reduced. Thereby, the portable media device  100  can be provided as the portable, handheld media presentation system as discussed above. The weight, complexity, and power consumption of the portable media device  100  likewise can be reduced; whereas, the overall device reliability of the portable media device  100  can be increased. 
     The viewing content  200 , such as stored (or time-delayed) viewing content  200 , therefore can advantageously be provided from, or stored in, a central location. Thereby, management of the viewing content  200 , including updating the viewing content  200 , is facilitated, and the portable media device  100  can present viewing content  200  selected from extensive resources of the content source  300 . Further, if the viewing content  200  comprises real-time viewing content  200 , including, for example, live satellite television programming, live satellite radio programming, and/or real-time Internet access, the portable media device  100  can present the live viewing content  200  substantially in real-time. The portable media device  100  therefore is not limited to presenting viewing content  200  that can be stored within its resources, which can be limited in comparison with the extensive resources of the content source  300 . As a result, the portable media device  100  can be configured to provide a wide variety of viewing content  200  choices, which can be selected and presented on demand. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 2A-B , the portable media device  100  preferably can select viewing content  200  provided by the content source  300  and can present the selected viewing content  200  in the manner discussed above with reference to  FIG. 1 . If the content source  300  is configured to provide a catalog of available viewing content  200 , the portable media device  100  can select relevant viewing content  200  (or selected viewing content  200 ″), as desired, from the catalog in any conventional manner. For example, the content source  300  can simultaneously transmit a plurality of viewing content  200  (or aggregate viewing content  200 ′) from the catalog as shown in  FIG. 2A . The viewing content  200  can be transmitted on a predetermined communication channel and/or can include (or be encoded with) a unique identifier (or address). 
     The portable media device  100  of  FIG. 2A  includes a content selection system  150  for receiving the aggregate viewing content  200 ′ and a content selection signal  250  from the control system  140 . Based upon the content selection signal  250 , the content selection system  150  thereby can identify the selected viewing content  200 ″ from the aggregate viewing content  200 ′, for example, by selecting the predetermined communication channel and/or the unique identifier associated with the selected viewing content  200 ″. Upon selecting the select the selected viewing content  200 ″ and, as necessary, providing payment and/or authorization information, the content selection system  150  can provide the selected video content  220  to the video system  120  and/or the selected audio content  230  to the audio system  130  for presentation as discussed above. Although shown and described as being separate from the control system  140  for purposes of illustration, the content selection system  150  can be at least partially integrated with the control system  140 , as desired. 
     Alternatively, or in addition, the content source  300  can transmit the selected viewing content  200 ″ to the portable media device  100  as shown in  FIG. 2B . The portable media device  100  of  FIG. 2B  is illustrated as being configured to transmit (or upload) upload content  260 , including viewing content  200  and/or communication signals, such as the content selection signal  250 , to the content source  300 . In other words, the portable media device  100  and the content source  300  can engage in two-way communications. Upon receiving the content selection signal  250 , the content source  300  can identify the selected viewing content  200 ″ associated with the content selection signal  250  and transmit the selected viewing content  200 ″ to the portable media device  100 . In the manner discussed above with reference to  FIG. 2A , the content source  300  preferably transmits the elected viewing content  200 ″ on a predetermined communication channel and/or can include (or be encoded with) a unique identifier (or address) associated with the portable media device  100 . The portable media device  100  can receive the selected viewing content  200 ″ and provide the selected video content  220  to the video system  120  and/or the selected audio content  230  to the audio system  130  for presentation as discussed above. 
       FIG. 3A  is an exemplary block diagram illustrating one embodiment of the portable media device  100 . As shown in  FIG. 3A , the portable media device  100  includes a communication interface  160  for facilitating communication between the portable media device  100  and the content source  300  (shown in  FIGS. 2A-B ) and an intuitive user interface system  110  for permitting a user (or passenger) (not shown) to readily interact with the portable media device  100  and, therefore, the content source  300 . The portable media device  100  and the content source  300  can be configured to communicate in any conventional manner. Preferably, the communication interface  160  is configured to support high-speed data communications between the portable media device  100  and the content source  300 . 
     Illustrative high-speed data communication protocols can include any type of Fast Ethernet (such as 100Base-X and/or 100Base-T) protocol and/or Gigabit (such as 1000Base-X and/or 1000Base-T) Ethernet communication protocol, with a typical data transfer rate of at least approximately one hundred megabits per second (100 Mbps). In a wired environment, the high-speed data communications between the portable media device  100  and the content source  300  can be provided via one or more conventional copper communication connections and/or fiber optic communication connections. The fiber optic communication connections can be trunked, as desired. To achieve high data transfer rates in a wireless communications environment, free-space optics (or laser) technology, millimeter wave (or microwave) technology, and/or Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology can be utilized to provide the high-speed data communications between the portable media device  100  and the content source  300 . The portable media device  100  and the content source  300  likewise can communicate directly and/or indirectly via one or more intermediate systems, such as a content distribution system  400  (shown in  FIG. 7 ). Illustrative embodiments of the content distribution system  400  are discussed in more detail below with reference to  FIG. 7 . 
     Being disposed substantially between the portable media device  100  and the content source  300 , the communication interface  160  is configured to support any conventional type of communication, including wired communications and/or wireless communications. The communication interface  160 , for example, can comprise a Ethernet adapter for wired communications via a computer network and/or a modem for wired communications via a telecommunications network. As shown in  FIG. 3A , the communication interface  160  is illustrated as including a communication port  162  for communicating with the content source  300  and a compatible transceiver system  164  for receiving the viewing content  200 . As desired, the communication interface  160  can be disposed substantially within, or separate from, the portable media device  100 . 
     Comprising a conventional communication port, the communication port  162  can include a wired communication port for supporting wired communications and/or a wireless communication port for supporting wireless communications over one or more communication frequencies. Conventional wired communication port include a connector system (not shown) such as an Ethernet connector system, such as Registered Jack 45 (RJ-45) connector system, and/or a telecommunication connector system, such as Registered Jack 11 (RJ-11) connector systems and Registered Jack 12 (RJ-12) connector systems. The wireless communication port can comprise an antenna system (not shown) for receive viewing content  200  within a predetermined range of communication frequencies. Exemplary wireless communication ports can include radio-frequency (RF) communication ports and/or infrared (IR) communication ports. 
     The transceiver system  164  is coupled with, and configured to communicate with, the communication port  162 . Upon receiving viewing content  200  from the content source  300 , the communication port  162  can provide the received viewing content  200  to the transceiver system  164 . The transceiver system  164  can be configured to process the viewing content  200  in any conventional manner. Illustrative conventional processes can include decoding, demodulating, and/or analog-to-digital converting the viewing content  200 . Upon processing the viewing content  200 , the transceiver system  164  can provide the processed viewing content  200  to the control system  140 . 
     Since the portable media device  100  preferably is provided in the form of a laptop computer, a palmtop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), cellular telephone, and/or a MPEG Audio Layer 3 (MP3) device, the control system  140  typically includes at least one processing system  120  for processing the viewing content  200 . Stated somewhat differently, the portable media device  100  can include the functionality underlying each of the above-mentioned devices, individually and/or in combination. The processing system  120  is illustrated in  FIG. 3A  as coupling, and facilitating communication among, the communication interface  160 , the video system  120 , and/or the audio system  130 . The processing system  120  can comprise any appropriate number and type of conventional processing systems, such as one or more microprocessors (μPs), central processing units (CPUs), digital signal processors (DSPs), and/or coder/decoders (CODECs), and can process the viewing content  200  in accordance with user instructions (or commands), such as a content selection signal  250  and/or a presentation control signal  270 . 
     If the viewing content  200  is provided to the portable media device  100  in an encrypted format as discussed in more detail with reference to  FIGS. 2A-B , the processing system  142  can decrypt the encrypted viewing content  200  to restore the viewing content  200 . The processing system  142  likewise can be configured to process the viewing content  200  in a suitable manner provide the video portion of the viewing content  200  (or video content  220 ) and/or the audio portion of the viewing content  200  (or audio content  230 ). Thereby, the processing system  120  can provide the selected video content  220  to the video system  120  for visual presentation and/or the selected audio content  230  to the audio system  130  for audible presentation. 
     In the manner discussed above, the video system  120  can be configured to visually present the selected video content  220 . The video system  120  can be provided in any conventional manner and, as shown in  FIG. 3A , includes a display system  122  and/or a video port  124  for coupling the video system  120  with one or more peripheral video presentation systems (not shown). Illustrative peripheral video presentation systems can include external video display systems with enhanced viewing features, such as larger viewable areas and/or higher image resolutions. As desired, the video port  124  likewise can be configured to communicate with peripheral video input devices, such as a still and/or motion picture camera system. The video system  120  preferably is suitable for presenting any conventional type of viewing content  200 , including any viewing content  200  available via the portable media device  100 , user instructions for accessing the content source  300 , and/or a catalogue of the viewing content  200  available via the content source  300 . For example, the display system  122  preferably has an appropriately-sized viewable area with sufficient resolution for visually presenting the viewing content  200 . 
     Illustrative video resolutions for presenting viewing content  200 , such as the movies and/or television programming, can include any color graphics adapter (CGA) resolution, enhanced graphics adapter (EGA) resolution, video graphics array (VGA) resolution, extended graphics array (XGA) resolution, super extended graphics array (SXGA) resolution, ultra extended graphics array (UXGA) resolution, and/or wide graphics array (WXGA) resolution. The video system  120  likewise can provide a graphical user interface (GUI) to facilitate interaction with the portable media device  100  and/or an interactive menu of the available viewing content  200 , including viewing content  200  available via the content source  300  and/or viewing content  200 , such as stored content  240  (shown in  FIG. 3B ), previously received by the portable media device  100 . The user interface  110  thereby can provide an intuitive user interface for assisting the user in selecting viewing content  200  for presentation, for controlling the transmission of the selected viewing content  200 , and/or for controlling the manner in which the selected viewing content  200  is presented by the portable media device  100 . 
     The audio system  130  likewise can be provided in any conventional manner and is configured to audibly present the selected video content  220 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3A , includes one or more speaker systems  132  and/or audio ports  134  for coupling the audio system  130  with one or more peripheral audio presentation devices (not shown). Exemplary peripheral audio presentation devices can include headphones, speakers, and/or amplifiers. As desired, the audio port  134  likewise can be configured to communicate with peripheral audio input devices, such as a microphone and/or a compact disk player. The audio system  130  preferably is suitable for presenting any conventional type of viewing content  200 , including any viewing content  200  available via the portable media device  100 . For example, the audio system  130  preferably has an appropriate audio processing capabilities, such as filtering functionality and/or equalizing functionality, for audibly presenting the viewing content  200 . 
     The portable media device  100  preferably has a plurality of audio ports  134  to permit the selected viewing content  200  to be audibly presented to more than one user. Multiple users thereby can simultaneously enjoy the audio portion of the selected viewing content  200  on individual sets of headphones. Further, each user can view the video portion of the selected viewing content  200  by sharing the display system  122 . The audio ports  134  can be provided in any conventional manner, such as via one or more audio jacks for coupling external devices with the portable media device  100  in a wired manner. At least one of the audio ports  134  preferably is provided as a wireless communication port that is configured to support, for example, wireless audio peripheral presentation device, such as Bluetooth-capable wireless headphones in accordance with Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Standard 802.15.1. 
     The audio system  130  likewise can process the audio portion of the selected viewing content  200  in any conventional manner. Illustrative processes by which the audio system  130  can process the selected viewing content  200  to enhance the sound quality can include three-dimensional audio processing to simulate surround sound. Thereby, the selected viewing content  200  can be audibly presented in surround sound via an ordinary speaker system and/or a set of ordinary headphones. The audio system  130  likewise can provide noise cancellation processing of the audio portion to cancel any ambient noise from the audible presentation of the viewing content  200 . The manner by which the audio system  130  processes the audio portion of the selected viewing content  200  preferably can be controlled by the user. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3A , the user interface  110  can include an input system  170  for permitting the user (or passenger) to communicate with the portable media device  100 . For example, the input system  170  can permit the user to enter one or more passenger instructions for controlling the operation of the portable media device  100 . Illustrative instructions can include instructions for initiating communication with the content source  300 , instructions for selecting viewing content  200  for presentation, and/or instructions for controlling the presentation of the selected viewing content  200 . The input system  170  can convert each user entry into one or more communication signals, such as the content selection signal  250  and/or the presentation control signal  270 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3A . If a fee is required for accessing the viewing content  200 , payment information likewise can be entered via the input system  170 . 
     The input system  170  can be provided in any conventional manner and typically includes one or more switches (or pushbuttons)  172 , such as a keyboard or a keypad, and/or a pointing device  174 , such as a mouse, trackball, or stylus. As desired, the input system  170  can be at least partially integrated with, and/or separable from, the portable media device  100 . The input system  170  likewise can include one or more input ports (not shown) for coupling a peripheral input device (not shown), such as a full-size computer keyboard, an external mouse, and/or a game pad, with the portable media device  100 . As desired, the input system  170  can be at least partially combined with the video system  120  and/or the audio system  130 . 
     For example, the switches  172  of the input system  170  and the display system  122  of the video system  120  can be at least partially combined in the form of a touch screen display system. Similarly, the display system  122  can be configured to provide visual feedback with reference to user instructions (or commands) entered via the input system  170 . If selected audio properties, such as a volume level, a tone level, and/or a balance, of the audio system  130  can be controlled via the input system  170 , for example, the display system  122  can visually present the current audio properties of the audio system  130 . Conventional manners of presenting the audio properties of the audio system  130  include providing a separate “audio properties” window (or screen) and/or providing a series of bars in which the number of bars are presented in proportion with the current audio properties. The display system  122  can provide visual feedback for other types of user instructions (or commands), including user instructions for selected video properties, such as a brightness level and/or a contrast level, of the display system  122  and/or user instructions for controlling the transmission of the selected viewing content  200  from the content source  300 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 3B , the portable media device  100  is shown as including a memory system  144  for providing at least temporary storage of the viewing content  200  as stored content  240 . The selected viewing content  200  from the content source  300  thereby can advantageously be buffered when the viewing content  200  is streamed to the portable media device  100  and/or can be stored as the stored content  240  for subsequent presentation, as discussed above, regardless of whether communication with the content source  300  is maintained. To help ensure the security of the viewing content  200 , the viewing content  200  preferably is stored on the memory system  144  in an encrypted format in the manner discussed in more detail above with reference to  FIGS. 2A-B . Thereby, even if the portable media device  100  and/or the memory system  144  is lost or stolen, the viewing content  200  will not be readily usable. 
     Being coupled with the processing system  130 , the memory system  144  preferably includes at least one integrated memory device  146  for storing and providing other conventional types of information, including instruction code, such as software or firmware, intermediate calculation results, and other information associated with the processing system  120 . For example, if the viewing content  200  includes application software, such as a game, the application software can be stored in the memory device  146  and provided to the processing system  120  for execution. Preferably comprising a non-volatile memory system, the memory system  144  can comprise any conventional type of memory system, such as any suitable electronic, magnetic, and/or optical storage media, without limitation. Exemplary storage media can include one or more static random access memories (SRAMs), dynamic random access memories (DRAMs), electrically-erasable programmable read-only memories (EEPROMs), FLASH memories, hard drives (HDDs), compact disks (CDs), and/or digital video disks (DVDs) of any kind. Since the portable media device  100  preferably is provided as a portable, handheld media presentation system, the memory system  144  preferably comprises electronic memory media to help ensure that the physical dimensions and weight of the handheld system remain manageable. The portable media device  100  preferably is configured to permit viewing content  200  to be added to, modified, and/or deleted from the memory system  144  as desired. 
     As desired, the portable media device  100  can include one or more memory ports  148 , such as a Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) port, a secure digital data (SD) port, a secure multi media card (MMC) port and/or a CompactFlash (CF) port, for receiving a conventional removable memory system  144 , such as a removable hard drive (HDD) system. The removable memory system  144  preferably comprises a personal memory device (PMD) for providing secure storage of the user&#39;s personal data and/or other predetermined information, including preselected viewing content. Exemplary personal memory devices can include a memory stick, a secure digital data (SD) device, a secure multi media card (MMC) device and/or a CompactFlash (CF) device. 
     Upon receiving the personal memory device (PMD), the portable media device  100  can readily access the personal data and/or other predetermined information. The portable media device  100  likewise can select viewing content  200  from among the preselected viewing content stored on the personal memory device (PMD) and can present the selected viewing content  200  in the manner discussed above. Advantageously, the personal memory device (PMD) can be removed from the memory port  148  after use of the portable media device  100  is complete. Media security can be further enhanced by enabling the use of existing, proven, and Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) approved media distribution processes, including uploading processes and/or downloading processes, in combination with secure key methodologies. 
     The functionality of the portable media device  100  likewise can be enhanced by providing the portable media device  100  with one or more peripheral systems  180 . As shown in  FIG. 3B , the peripheral system  180  can include at least one conventional peripheral port  182  for removably coupling peripheral devices (not shown) with the portable media device  100 . Illustrative conventional peripheral ports  182  can include Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) ports, secure digital (SD) ports, and/or CompactFlash (CF) ports, for receiving the peripheral devices; whereas, a credit card reader system, a radio frequency identification (RFID) system, and/or a conventional camera system, including a moving picture camera system and/or a still picture camera system, are examples of conventional peripheral devices. Preselected peripheral devices  184 , such as the credit card reader system and/or the camera system, likewise can be incorporated into the portable media device  100 , as desired. If the peripheral system  180  comprises at output (or presentation) peripheral system, the portable media device  100  can provide the viewing content  200  or other relevant information to the peripheral system  180  for presentation in the manner set forth in more detail above with reference to the peripheral video presentation systems and/or the peripheral audio presentation systems. Similarly, the portable media device  100  can receive viewing content  200  or other relevant information from input peripheral systems  180 , such as the peripheral video input devices and/or the peripheral audio input devices discussed above. 
     The portable media device  100  of  FIG. 3B  is shown as being configured to support two-way communications with the content source (shown in  FIGS. 2A-B ). The portable media device  100  thereby can transmit (or upload) upload content  260  as illustrated in  FIG. 3B . Being provided in the manner discussed above with reference  FIG. 2B , the upload content  260  can comprise viewing content  200 , including selected viewing content  200  previously received from the content source  300 , selected stored content  240  stored in the memory system  144 , and/or selected new content, such as new content provided by the portable media device  100  and/or an associated peripheral system  180 . The upload content  260  likewise can include one or more communication signals provided by the portable media device  100  and/or an associated peripheral system  180 . Exemplary communication signals can include system communication signals (not shown), such as a system status signal, for the portable media device  100  and/or the associated peripheral system  180 , and/or user communication signals, such as the content selection signal  250 , as initiated by the user via the input system  170 . 
     The transceiver system  164  can receive the upload content  260 , such as the selected viewing content  200 , the selected stored content  240 , and/or the content selection signal  250  as shown in  FIG. 3B , via the control system  140 . In the manner discussed in more detail with reference to  FIG. 3A , the transceiver system  164  can process the upload content  260  and can provide the processed upload content  260  to the communication port  162  for transmission. When the portable media device  100  and the content source  300  are in communication, the transceiver system  164  can transmit (or upload) the upload content  260  to the content source  300 . The portable media device thereby can provide enhanced functionality, such as support for viewing content uploads and other passenger transactions, during travel. 
     One embodiment of the portable media device  100  is illustrated in  FIGS. 4A-B . Being shown as a light-weight and thin entertainment portal the portable media device  100  includes a communication interface  160  and an ergonomic user interface  110  each being provided in the matter set forth in more detail above with reference to  FIGS. 2A-B  and  3 A-B. Turning to  FIGS. 4A-B , the user interface  110  permits a user (or passenger) (not shown) to intuitively interact with the portable media device  100  and, therefore, at least one content source  300  (shown in  FIGS. 2A-B ) and includes a video system  120 , an audio system  130 , and an input system  170  as discussed above. Being configured for selecting viewing content  200  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) for presentation, for controlling the transmission of the selected viewing content  200 , and/or for controlling the manner in which the selected viewing content  200  is presented, the input system  170  is illustrated as having a plurality of switches (or pushbuttons)  172  and a pointing device  174 . 
     The switches (or pushbuttons)  172  are shown as including a main power switch  172 A and at least one volume control switch  172 B. For stored (or time-delayed) viewing content  200 , a plurality of playback control switches  172 C can be provided to intuitively control the presentation of the time-delayed viewing content  200 . The illustrated playback control switches  172 C can be used to provide rewind, play, stop (or pause), skip, and fast forward control functionality for the viewing content  200 , as desired. Playback control switches  172 D likewise are provided to control the presentation of live (or real-time) viewing content  200 . If the real-time viewing content  200  comprises live satellite television programming and/or live satellite radio programming, for example, the playback control switches  172 D can be configured to select the appropriate television channel and/or radio station. The switches  172 A-D likewise can be configured to provide other preselected functions, including, for example, enhanced content presentation control functions, such as mixing, equalization, and/or muting functions, and/or content management functions, such as content transferring, editing, and/or deleting functions. As desired, the input system  410  can provide file and/or content editing functionality. The quantity, physical size, and arrangement of the switches  172 A-D preferably are provided in an intuitive manner to facilitate use of the portable media device  100 . 
     As discussed in more detail above, the pointing device  174  likewise can be provided in any conventional manner and preferably is provided in a manner that facilitates use of the portable media device  100 . Being disposed on the portable media device  100 , the pointing device  174  can be fixedly provided on the portable media device  100  as illustrated in  FIG. 3A  and/or can be removably coupled with the portable media device  100 . The pointing device  174  is shown as comprising a plurality of control switches, including at least one directional switch  174 A and at least one selection switch  174 B. In the conventional manner, a cursor  174 C and at least one selectable identifier  174 D, such as a selectable icon, each can be presented via the video system  134 B, and the directional switch  174 A can be configured to move the cursor  174 C in a selected direction on the video display  122  and toward the selectable identifier  174 D of interest. When the cursor  174 C is adjacent to the relevant selectable identifier  174 D, the selection switch  174 B can be activated to initiate the functionality associated with the relevant selectable identifier  174 D. The user interface  110  thereby can be provided as a graphical user interface (GUI). 
     Although shown and described as comprising substantially separate switches  172  for purposes of illustration, the functions associated with the switches  172 A-D can be reallocated, such as via further combining and/or separating, as desired. For example, the portable media device  100  can be configured to power up upon activation of at least one of the switches  172 A-D and to automatically power down based upon any suitable predetermined criteria, such as a selected amount of time of non-use. The main power switch  172 A thereby can be omitted from the portable media device  100  of  FIG. 4A . The functions associated with the pointing device  174  likewise can be reallocated, such as via further combining and/or separating of the pointing device switches  174 A-B, as desired. Stated somewhat differently, the functions associated with the input system  170  can be distributed among the switches  172  and/or the pointing devices  174  in any suitable manner. 
     As desired, additional control switches (not shown), such as a keyboard and/or a game pad, can be provided for use with the portable media device  100 . The additional control switches can be disposed on the portable media device  100  in the manner set forth above with reference to the switches  172 A-D among the plurality of switches (or pushbuttons)  172  and/or the directional switch  174 A and the selection switch  174 B of the pointing device  174 . Similarly, the additional control switches can be configured to communicate with the portable media device  100  via one or more of the input ports and/or the peripheral ports  182  (shown in  FIG. 3B ) of the portable media device  100  in any conventional manner as discussed above. The additional control switches advantageously enable the portable media device  100  to be more flexibly configurable for use with a wide range of viewing content  200 . 
     As discussed above, the portable media device  100  is shown in  FIGS. 4A-B  as including a video system  120  and an audio system  130 . The video system  120  has a video display system  122 , such as a high-resolution video display system, that is suitable for presenting the video portion of the selected viewing content  200 . For example, the display system  122  can be a widescreen, active matrix liquid crystal display (LCD) system with at least video graphics array (VGA) resolution. The viewable area of the display system  122  typically has a minimum width that is between approximately seven inches and nine inches. Preferably, the display system  122  is a flat screen video display system to further enhance the presentation of the selected viewing content  200 . As desired, the display system  122  can include a protective translucent cover (not shown). The protective translucent cover is configured to protect the viewing area of the display system  122  from damage and can be customized, for example, by tinting the cover, in whole and/or in part. 
     Being suitable for presenting the audible portion of the selected viewing content  200 , the audio system  130  of the portable media device  100  can audibly present the audio portion (or selected audio content  230  as shown in  FIGS. 3A-B ) of the selected viewing content  200  in any conventional manner. The portable media device  100  can include one or more speaker systems  132  (shown in  FIGS. 3A-B ) and/or one or more audio ports  134  in the manner discussed in more detail above with reference to  FIGS. 3A-B . As shown in  FIG. 4B , the portable media device  100  preferably has a plurality of audio ports  134  to permit the selected viewing content  200  to be audibly presented to more than one user. Multiple users thereby can simultaneously enjoy the audio portion of the selected viewing content  200  on individual sets of headphones. Further, each user can view the video portion of the selected viewing content  200  (or selected video content  220  as shown in  FIGS. 3A-B ) by sharing the display system  122 . Although shown in  FIG. 4B  as comprising audio jacks for coupling peripheral audio presentation devices with the portable media device  100  in a wired manner, the audio ports  134  can comprise any conventional type of audio port as discussed above. At least one of the audio ports  134  preferably is provided as a wireless audio port that is configured to support, for example, wireless peripheral audio presentation device, such as Bluetooth-capable wireless headphones in accordance with Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Standard 802.15.1. 
     To help ensure a compact profile, the portable media device  100  preferably comprises a small number of components to present selected viewing content  200  streamed from the content source  300  (shown in  FIGS. 2A-B ). For example, the portable media device  100  can include a digital signal processing system (not shown) for facilitating presentation of the streamed viewing content  200 . The digital signal processing system can be provided via the control system  140  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) and/or the processing system  120  (shown in  FIGS. 2A-B ) and can include one or more microprocessors (μPs), central processing units (CPUs), digital signal processors (DSPs), and/or coder/decoders (CODECs). 
     The portable media device  100  likewise can include a memory system  144 . Being provided in the manner set forth in more detail above with reference to  FIG. 3B , the memory system  144  preferably has a program memory system, such as a FLASH memory system, for storing resident software applications as well as other types of application software, such as games, and data. The memory system  144  can include an optional hard drive (HDD) system. The portable media device  100  thereby can provide enhanced programming flexibility and redundant programming, such as protection against failure. As desired, viewing content  200  can be stored on the hard drive (HDD) system as stored content  240  (shown in  FIG. 3B ) such that the portable media device  100  is less reliant on the content source  300  for viewing content  200 . 
     The portable media device  100  can be configured to operate from power provided via a battery system  190  and/or can include a power port  192  for coupling with, and receiving power from, an external power source (not shown). Although the battery system  190  can be provided in any conventional manner, including one or more separate batteries and/or battery packs, the battery system  190  can comprise a rechargeable battery system. Preferably having a short recharge time and a high charge cycle lifetime, the battery system  190  preferably is capable of providing sufficient power to operate the portable media device  100  for a long period of time. An exemplary rechargeable battery system  190  can include at least one lithium ion polymer battery that can provide a long, lasting charge of approximately eight hours or longer, that has a rapid recharge time of four hours or less, and that can be recharged over one thousand times. The life of the battery system  190  is extended by controlling the manner by which the battery system  190  is recharged and/or by providing the portable media device  100  with a small number of components as discussed above. 
     The battery system  190 , if rechargeable, can be recharged externally from the portable media device  100  and/or while installed via the external power source regardless of whether the portable media device  100  is being used. As desired, the portable media device  100  can include a plurality of rechargeable battery systems  150 , such that at least one of the battery systems  150  can be externally recharged while the portable media device  100  is in use. The external power source can be provided in any conventional manner, such as a power adapter, and is configured to provide alternating current (AC) power and/or direct current (D/C) power that is compatible for use with the portable media device  100 . When the portable media device  100  is operating from power provided by the external power source, the rechargeable battery systems  150  likewise can provide backup power if the external power source fails. To determine whether the battery system  190  requires recharging, the portable media device  100  can include a battery power meter (not shown). The battery power meter can be provided in any conventional manner such that the status of the battery system  190  can be readily determined. For example, the battery power meter can be integrated with the main power switch  172 A. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 4A-B , the portable media device  100  can include one or more other features for facilitating its use. For example, the portable media device  100  can be disposed in an attractive housing  102  with any suitable color and/or texture. A plurality of feet  104  can be provided on the housing  102  of the portable media device  100 . Being configured to help ensure the stability of the portable media device  100  when placed on a surface (not shown), the feet  104  can be disposed on the housing  102  in any suitable arrangement, number, and/or dimension. The feet  104  preferably are formed from a rubberized material and can grip the surface to enhance the stability the portable media device  100 . To facilitate transport, the portable media device  100  can include a carrying handle  106  and, when not in use, can be disposed in a protective carry pouch (not shown). A plurality of openings  108  likewise can be formed in the housing  102  of the portable media device  100 . The openings  108  can serve several purposes, including providing ventilation to help ensure a safe and reliable operating temperature and/or providing a convenient grip detail, for the portable media device  100 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 4C , the portable media device  100  is shown as including a viewing support  195 . The viewing support  195  is configured to support the portable media device  100  such that the portable media device  100  can present the selected viewing content  200  in a hands-free manner. Preferably being adjustable, the viewing support  195  can support the portable media device  100  at any preselected viewing angle to accommodate users of various sizes and diverse viewing environments. The viewing support  195  is illustrated in  FIG. 4C  as including an extended member  196  that is adjustably coupled with the housing  102  of the portable media device  100 . For example, the proximal end region of the viewing support  195  can be rotatably coupled with the housing  102  via a hinge assembly  197 . The distal end region of the viewing support  195  can include one or more feet  198  to help ensure the stability of the portable media device  100  when the viewing support  195  is deployed. The feet  198  can be provided in any suitable manner, including the manner set forth in more detail above with reference to the feet  104  (shown in  FIGS. 4A-B ). 
     The portable media device  100  likewise can include a protective cover  199  as illustrated in  FIG. 4D . Being configured to provide protection for the portable media device  100  when not in use, the protective cover  199  can cover the user interface  110  (shown in  FIG. 4A ), in whole or in part. As shown in  FIG. 4D , for example, the protective cover  199  can be configured to removably cover the display system  122  (shown in  FIG. 4A ) of the input system  170  (shown in  FIG. 4A ) and the switches (or pushbuttons)  172  (shown in  FIG. 4A ) and the pointing device  174  (shown in  FIG. 4A ) of the input system  170  (shown in  FIG. 4A ). As shown in  FIG. 4D , the protective cover  199  and the viewing support  195  preferably incorporated. The viewing support  195  thereby can support the portable media device  100  when deployed in the manner set forth above and can protect the portable media device  100  when the portable media device  100  is not in use. 
       FIG. 5A  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the portable media device  100  with an ergonomic user interface  110  provided in the matter set forth in more detail above with reference to  FIGS. 2A-B  and  3 A-B. A user (or passenger) (not shown) thereby can intuitively interact with the portable media device  100  and, therefore, at least one content source  300  (shown in  FIGS. 2A-B ). As shown in  FIG. 5A , the portable media device  100  can include a video system  120 , an audio system  130 , and an input system  170  each being provided in the manner discussed in more detail above. Being configured for selecting viewing content  200  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) for presentation, for controlling the transmission of the selected viewing content  200 , and/or for controlling the manner in which the selected viewing content  200  is presented, the input system  170  is illustrated as having a plurality of switches (or pushbuttons)  172  and a pointing device  174 . 
     The user interface  110  preferably is provided as a graphical user interface (GUI) as illustrated in  FIG. 5A . As set forth above, the video system  120  can include a video display system  122 , such as a high-resolution video display system, that is suitable for presenting the video portion of the selected viewing content  200 . The video display system  122  likewise can present an interactive hierarchical menu structure  174 X for identifying and selecting viewing content  200  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) that is available for visual and/or audio presentation by the portable media device  100 . The viewing content  200  can include viewing content  200  previously received from the content source  300 , stored content  240  (shown in  FIG. 3B ) stored in the memory system  144  (shown in  FIG. 3B ), and/or selected new content, such as new content provided by the portable media device  100  and/or an associated peripheral system  180  (shown in  FIG. 3B ). The user interface  110  thereby can facilitate the selection of viewing content  200  to be presented via the portable media device  100 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 5A , viewing content  200  can be selected for presentation by making an appropriate menu selection  174 Y via the switches (or pushbuttons)  172  and/or the pointing device  174 . Being provided in the intuitive manner discussed above with reference to  FIGS. 4A-D , the switches  172  and/or the pointing device  174  preferably are provided in an appropriate quantity, physical size, and arrangement to facilitate use of the portable media device  100 . As shown in  FIG. 5A , the switches  172  can include the switches (or pushbuttons)  172 X,  172 Y for making the appropriate menu selection  174 Y for identifying the selected viewing content. The pointing device  174  likewise can be employed to identify the selected viewing content. The audio system  130  is illustrated as including a speaker system  132  and switches (or pushbuttons)  172 Y,  172 Z for providing volume control. 
     In the manner discussed above with reference to  FIGS. 4A-B , the switches (or pushbuttons)  172  can be provided to intuitively control the presentation of the selected viewing content  200 . One or more of the switches (or pushbuttons)  172  can be used to provide rewind, play, stop (or pause), and fast forward control functionality for the selected viewing content  200 , as desired. If the viewing content  200  comprises satellite television programming and/or satellite radio programming, for example, the switches  172  can be configured to select the appropriate television channel and/or radio station. Although shown and described as comprising substantially separate switches  172  for purposes of illustration, the functions associated with the switches  172 X-Z can be reallocated, such as via further combining and/or separating, as desired. In other words, the functions associated with the input system  170  can be distributed among the switches  172  and/or the pointing devices  174  in any suitable manner. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 5B-C , the portable media device  100  is shown as including a viewing support  195 . The viewing support  195  is configured to support the portable media device  100  such that the portable media device  100  can present the selected viewing content  200  in a hands-free manner in the manner discussed in more detail above with reference to  FIG. 4C . Preferably being adjustable, the viewing support  195  can support the portable media device  100  at any preselected viewing angle to accommodate users of various sizes and diverse viewing environments. The viewing support  195  is illustrated in  FIG. 5C  as including an extended member  196  that is adjustably coupled with the housing  102  of the portable media device  100 . For example, the proximal end region of the viewing support  195  can be rotatably coupled with the housing  102  via at least one hinge assembly  197 . The distal end region of the viewing support  195  can include one or more feet (not shown) to help ensure the stability of the portable media device  100  when the viewing support  195  is deployed. The feet can be provided in any suitable manner, including the manner set forth in more detail above with reference to the feet  198  (shown in  FIG. 4C ). 
     Turning to  FIG. 6A , a portable media device  100  can be configured to present selected viewing content  200  provided by a plurality of content sources  300 . The content sources  300 A-N are shown as providing viewing content  200 A-N, respectively, and can be proximate to and/or remote from, the portable media device  100 . In the manner set forth in more detail above with reference to  FIGS. 2A-B , the portable media device  100  can select the desired viewing content  200  from among the viewing content  200 A-N for presentation and can present the selected viewing content  200 . As desired, the portable media device  100  likewise can transmit upload content  260  (shown in  FIG. 3B ), such as viewing content  200  and/or system communication signals (not shown), to one or more of the content sources  300 A-N as set forth above with reference to  FIG. 3B . The portable media device  100  can communicate with any suitable number of content sources  300  and thereby can offer enhanced functionality by providing viewing content  200  from the plurality of content sources  300 . 
     Analogously, a plurality of portable media device  100  each can be configured to present viewing content  200  provided by a selected content source  300 . As shown in  FIG. 6B , the selected content source  3001  can provide viewing content  200 IA to the portable media device  100 A; whereas, the portable media devices  100 B-M can receive respectively receive the viewing content  200 IB-M. Being proximate to and/or remote from, the selected content source  3001 , each of the portable media devices  100 A-M can respectively select the desired viewing content  200 IA-M from the selected content source  3001  for presentation and can present the selected viewing content  200 IA-M. One or more of the portable media devices  100 A-M can transmit upload content  260  (shown in  FIG. 3B ), such as viewing content  200  and/or system communication signals (not shown), to the selected content source  3001  as set forth above with reference to  FIG. 3B . 
     The viewing content  200 IA-M can be substantially uniform, and/or different, among the portable media devices  100 A-M. For example, the viewing content  200 IA available to the portable media device  100 A can be based upon one or more appropriate predetermined criteria, such as a service subscription level. Based upon the service subscription level, one portion of the viewing content  200 IA, such as standard viewing content  200 , may be free of charge (or included with the service subscription level); whereas, other portions of the viewing content  2001 A, such as premium viewing content  200 , may be available only for an additional fee. If access to the premium viewing content  200  is desired, transaction information, including payment information, such as a credit card number, and/or authorization information, such as a personal identification number (PIN) or a password, can be provided by the portable media device  100 . Preferably, the portable media device  100  includes a peripheral system  180  (shown in  FIG. 3B ), such as a credit card reader system, to facilitate the transaction and/or the payment in the manner discussed in more detail above with reference to  FIG. 3B . 
     Further details and features relating to the structure, operation, and functionality of the portable media device  100  are disclosed in the co-pending U.S. patent application, entitled “IN-FLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT PASSENGER CONTROL UNIT,” Ser. No. 09/952,629, filed on Sep. 11, 2001, which is assigned to the assignee of the present application and the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     The portable media device  100  and the content source  300  can be configured to communication in any conventional manner, including directly and/or indirectly via one or more wired and/or wireless communication networks (or systems). Turning to  FIG. 7 , for example, a plurality of portable media devices  100  are shown as communicating with a plurality of content sources  300  via a content distribution system  400 . The content distribution system  400  includes a plurality of conventional access points  410  for providing wired and/or wireless access to the content distribution system  400  and/or the content sources  300 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the content sources  300 A-N can access the content distribution system  400  via access points  410 A-N; whereas, access points  410 A 1 -M,  410 B 1 -P are configured to provide the portable media devices  100 A 1 -N,  100 B  1 -P with access to the content distribution system  400 . The content distribution system  400  thereby can receive viewing content  200  from a preselected content source  300  and can provide the viewing content  200 , in whole and/or in part, to one or more predetermined portable media devices  100 , as desired. The content distribution system  400  likewise can be configured to receive upload content  260 , such as viewing content  200  and/or system communication signals (not shown), provided by a preselected portable media devices  100  in the manner set forth with reference to  FIG. 3B  and to provide the upload content  260 , in whole and/or in part, to one or more predetermined content sources  300 . 
     One or more of the content sources  300 A-N can respectively transmit viewing content  200 A-N to one or more of the portable media devices  100 A 1 -M,  100 B 1 -M as viewing content  200 A 1 -M,  200 B 1 -M, respectively, via the content distribution system  400 . For example, viewing content  200 A from the content source  300 A can be provided to the content distribution system  400  and respectively distributed among the portable media devices  100 A 1 -M as the viewing content  200 A 1 -M in the manner set forth in more detail above with reference to  FIG. 6B . The viewing content  200 A 1 -M each can comprise the viewing content  200 A, in whole and/or in part, and can be substantially uniform, and/or different, among the portable media devices  100 A 1 -M. Each of the portable media devices  100 A 1 -M can select the desired viewing content  200  from among the relevant viewing content  200 A 1 -M, respectively, in the manner set forth in more detail above with reference to  FIGS. 2A-B . Upon selecting the viewing content  200 A 1 -M, the portable media devices  100 A 1 -M can present the selected viewing content  200 A 1 -M as desired. 
     Similarly, one or more of the portable media devices  100 A 1 -M,  100 B 1 -M can transmit upload content  260 A 1 -M,  260 B 1 -M to one or more of the content sources  300 A-N as upload content  260 A-N, respectively, via the content distribution system  400 . The upload content  260 A 2 ,  260 B 1 , and  260 BM, for example, can be provided by the portable media devices  100 A 2 ,  100 B 1 , and  100 BM to the content distribution system  400  for distribution between the content sources  300 B,  300 C as the upload content  260 B,  260 C in the manner set forth in more detail above with reference to  FIG. 6A . As discussed above, the upload content  260 B,  260 C can comprise a combination of one or more of the upload content  260 A 1 -M,  260 B 1 -M, in whole and/or in part, and can be substantially uniform, and/or different, between the content sources  300 B,  300 C. Each of the portable media devices  100 A 1 -M,  100 B 1 -M therefore can communicate with each of the content sources  300 A-N, as desired, via the content distribution system  400 . 
     The content distribution system  400  can be provided as a conventional wired and/or wireless communication network, including a telephone network, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a campus area network (CAN), personal area network (PAN) and/or a wireless local area network (WLAN), of any kind. Exemplary wireless local area networks include wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) networks in accordance with Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Standard 802.11, Bluetooth networks in accordance with Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Standard 802.15.1, and/or wireless metropolitan-area networks (MANs), which also are known as WiMax Wireless Broadband, in accordance with IEEE Standard 802.16. 
     Preferably being configured to support high-speed data communications among the portable media devices  100 A 1 -M,  100 B 1 -M and the content sources  300 A-N, the content distribution system  400  preferably comprises a high-speed Ethernet network, such as any type of Fast Ethernet (such as 100Base-X and/or 100Base-T) communication network and/or Gigabit (such as 1000Base-X and/or 1000Base-T) Ethernet communication network, with a typical data transfer rate of at least approximately one hundred megabits per second (100 Mbps). To achieve high data transfer rates in a wireless communications environment, free-space optics (or laser) technology, millimeter wave (or microwave) technology, and/or Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology can be utilized to communicate with selected portable media devices  100  and/or selected content sources  300 , as desired. 
     The content distribution system  400  likewise can be provided with any appropriate topology, protocol, and/or architecture. Comprising a geometric arrangement of portable media devices  100  and the content sources  300 , common network topologies include mesh, star, bus, and ring network topologies. The topology of the content distribution system  400  likewise can comprise a hybrid of the common network topologies, such as a network tree topology. Network protocols define a common set of rules and signals by which the portable media devices  100  and the content sources  300  can communicate via the content distribution system  400 . Illustrative types of network protocols include Ethernet and Token-Ring network protocols; whereas, peer-to-peer and client/server network architectures are examples of typical network architectures. It will be appreciated that the network system types, topologies, protocols, and architectures identified above are merely exemplary and not exhaustive. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the portable media devices  100  can be separated into two or more device groups  105  based upon any appropriate predetermined criteria. The portable media devices  100  of  FIG. 7  are shown as being separated into two device groups  105 : first device group  105 A; and second device group  105 B. If the portable media devices  100  are associated with a vehicle  500  (shown in  FIGS. 8A-B ), for example, the portable media devices  100  in the first device group  105 A can be associated with a first class section of the vehicle  500 ; whereas, the portable media devices  100  in the second device group  105 B can be associated with a coach class section of the vehicle  500 . Similarly, the device groups  105 A,  105 B may be respectively associated with the operator and passengers of the vehicle  500 . The functionality of the portable media devices  100  in the first device group  105 A can differ from the functionality of the portable media devices  100  in the second device group  105 B. For example, the portable media devices  100  in the first device group  105 A may be permitted to access premium content that is not available to the portable media devices  100  in the second device group  105 B. The portable media devices  100  in the second device group  105 B likewise might be required to make payment of a fee prior to permitting access to the content source  200 ; whereas, the portable media devices  100  in the first device group  105 A may not require payment of the fee to access the content source  200 . 
     The portable media devices  100  preferably are configured to communicate. For example, the portable media devices  100  can communicate via the content distribution system  400  such that viewing content  200  can be exchanged among two or more portable media devices  100  during travel. The portable media devices  100  can be configured to communicate with other portable media devices  100  within the same device group  105 , and/or portable media devices  100  in different device groups  105  can communicate. Thereby, the upload content  260 B 2  transmitted by the portable media device  100 B 2  thereby can be provided as the viewing content  200 A 1  provided to the portable media device  100 A 1  and/or as the viewing content  200 BP provided to the portable media device  100 BP. 
     As desired, the portable media devices  100  can be initialized in any conventional manner. For example, the portable media devices  100  can be initialized by precharging the battery system  190  (shown in  FIG. 4B ) of each portable media device  100  to a full charge. The portable media devices  100  likewise can be initially provided with uniform viewing content  200 . The uniform viewing content  200  can be provided to the portable media devices  100  in any conventional manner and preferably is stored by the memory systems  144  (shown in  FIG. 3B ) as stored content  240  (shown in  FIG. 3B ) in the manner discussed above with reference to  FIG. 3B . Each of the portable media devices  100  can receive the same uniform viewing content  200  and/or the uniform viewing content  200  can vary among the device groups  105 . The portable media devices  100  within each device group  105  thereby can receive uniform viewing content  200  associated with the relevant device group  105 . 
     Turning to  FIGS. 8A-B , the portable media device  100  and the content source  300  can be associated with a vehicle  500  and can form a vehicle information system  510 . In the manner set forth in more detail in the co-pending U.S. patent applications, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING CONTENT ON MOBILE PLATFORMS,” Ser. No. 11/123,327, filed on May 6, 2005, and “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRESENTING HIGH-QUALITY VIDEO TO PASSENGERS ON A MOBILE PLATFORM,” Ser. No. 60/673,171, filed on Apr. 19, 2005, the respective disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties, the vehicle information system  510  can comprise a conventional information system and can be configured to be installed in any suitable type of vehicle  500 . Exemplary types of vehicles can include an automobile  500 A (shown in  FIG. 8A ), an aircraft  500 B (shown in  FIG. 8B ), a bus, a recreational vehicle, and/or a boat, without limitation. If installed on an aircraft  500 B as illustrated in  FIG. 8B , for example, the vehicle information system  510  can comprise a conventional aircraft passenger in-flight entertainment system, such as the Series 2000, 3000, eFX, and/or eX2 in-flight entertainment system as manufactured by Panasonic Avionics Corporation (formerly known as Matsushita Avionics Systems Corporation) of Lake Forest, Calif. 
     The vehicle information system  510  of  FIG. 8A  is illustrated as being installed in an automobile  500 A and as including a conventional media server system  520 . In the manner set forth in more detail above with reference to  FIG. 7 , the media server system  520  is configured to communicate with one or more portable media devices  100  via a distribution system  400 . The media server system  520  thereby can provide viewing content  200  to one or more of the portable media devices  100  as previously discussed with reference to the content source  300 . Stated somewhat differently, the media server system  520  of the vehicle information system  510  can function as a content source  300 . As desired, the media server system  520  likewise can receive upload content  260  from one or more of the portable media devices  100  as discussed above. By using the portable media devices  100 , passengers traveling aboard the automobile  500 A therefore can enjoy the viewing content  200  during travel. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8A , the portable media devices  100  can be associated with passenger seats  600  in the automobile  500 A. For example, a driver seat  600 A is provided with a selected portable media device  100  that is associated with a first device group  105 A; whereas, the remaining passenger seats  600 B are provided with selected portable media devices  100  that are associated with a second device group  105 B. In the manner discussed with regard to  FIG. 7 , the functionality and/or viewing content associated with the portable media device  100  in the first device group  105 A can be substantially the same as, and/or differ from, the functionality and/or viewing content associated with the portable media devices  100  in the second device group  105 B. Since the driver needs to pay attention to the road, for instance, the portable media device  100  in the first device group  105 A likely does not include a video system  120  (shown in  FIG. 3A-B ); whereas, the portable media devices  100  in the second device group  105 B can include video systems  120 . Similarly, the input system  170  (shown in  FIGS. 3A-B ) for the portable media device  100  in the first device group  105 A can be configured to mute the audio systems  130  (shown in  FIGS. 3A-B ) for each of the portable media devices  100  in the automobile  500 A. Advantageously, the portable media devices  100  can present the selected viewing content  200  and/or to provide the upload content  260  without any additional equipment being installed at the passenger seats  600 . 
       FIG. 8B  illustrates the vehicle information system  510  as being installed in an aircraft  500 B. As shown in  FIG. 8B , the vehicle information system  510  includes a media server system  520  and a plurality of portable media devices  100  each being provided in the manner set forth in more detail above. Being disposed within the aircraft  500 B, the media server system  520  is configured to function as a content source  300 , such as content source  300 A, and can communicate with one or more of the portable media devices  100  via a distribution system  400  as discussed above. In the manner set forth with reference to the media server  520  (shown in  FIG. 8A ), the media server system  520  of  FIG. 8B  can provide viewing content  200 A to one or more of the portable media devices  100  as previously discussed with reference to the content source  300  and can receive upload content  260 A from one or more of the portable media devices  100 . Passengers traveling aboard the aircraft  500 B thereby can enjoy the viewing content  200 A provided by the media server system  520  during travel. 
     The vehicle information system  510  likewise can be configured to communicate with one or more content sources  300 , such as a terrestrial content source  300 B, that are external to, and/or remote from, the aircraft  500 B. The vehicle information system  510  and the terrestrial content source  300 B can communicate in any conventional wireless manner, including directly and/or indirectly via an intermediate communication system  560 , such as a satellite communication system  560 ′. As desired, the terrestrial content source  300 B can be configured to communicate with, and exchange with viewing content  200  and/or upload content  260  with, other terrestrial content sources (not shown). The terrestrial content source  300 B is shown in  FIG. 8B  as providing access to the Internet  565 . Although shown and described as comprising the satellite communication system  560 ′ for purposes of illustration, it is understood that the communication system  560  can comprise any conventional type of wireless communication system, such as a cellular communication system (not shown) and/or an Aircraft Ground Information System (AGIS) communication system (not shown). 
     As shown in  FIG. 8B , the vehicle information system  510  can include a conventional antenna system  530  and transceiver system  540  for communicating with the terrestrial content source  300 B. In the manner discussed in more detail above with reference to the communication interface  160  (shown in  FIGS. 3A-B ), the antenna system  530  can receive viewing content  200 B from the terrestrial content source  300 B and provide the received viewing content  200 B, as processed by the transceiver system  540 , to a computer system  550  of the vehicle information system  510 . Being in communication with the content distribution system  400 , the computer system  550  can provide the received viewing content  200 B to the media server system  520  and/or to one or more of the portable media devices  100 , as desired. Although shown and described as being separate systems for purposes of illustration, the computer system  550  and the media server system  520  can be at least partially integrated. 
     The vehicle information system  510  is shown in  FIG. 8B  as being configured to transmit upload content  260 B to the terrestrial content source  300 B. In the manner set forth in more detail above with reference to the communication interface  160  (shown in  FIG. 3B ), one or more of the portable media devices  100  and/or the media server system  520  can provide upload content  260 B to the computer system  550  and provide the upload content  260 B, as processed by the transceiver system  540 , to the antenna system  530 . The antenna system  530  is illustrated as transmitting the upload content  260 B to the satellite communication system  560 ′, which relays the upload content  260 B to the terrestrial content source  300 B as discussed above. The portable media devices  100  thereby can modify, append, and/or delete content from the terrestrial content source  300 B, as desired. 
     In the manner set forth above with reference to the portable media devices  100  (shown in  FIG. 8A ), the portable media devices  100  can be associated with passenger seats  600  in the aircraft  500 B. Passenger seats  600 A are shown as comprising seats reserved for the flight crew; whereas, passenger seats  600 B,  600 C comprise seats for other passengers, such as travelers. As shown in  FIG. 8B , the portable media devices  100  can be separated into three device groups  105 A,  105 B, and  105 C. For example, the passenger seats  600 A reserved for the flight crew can be provided with at least one selected portable media device  100  that is associated with a first device group  105 A. The remaining passenger seats  600 B,  600 C are separated into first class passenger seats  600 B and coach class passenger seats  600 C. The selected portable media devices  100  that are associated with the first class passenger seats  600 B are associated with the second device group  105 B; whereas, the selected portable media devices  100  that are associated with the coach class passenger seats  600 C are associated with the third device group  105 C in the manner set forth above. 
     The functionality and/or the viewing content  200  associated with the portable media devices  100  can be substantially uniform, and/or differ, among the device groups  105 A,  105 B, and  105 C. In the manner set forth above with reference to  FIG. 8A , the input system  170  (shown in  FIGS. 3A-B ) for the portable media devices  100  in the first device group  510 A can be configured to mute the audio systems  130  (shown in  FIGS. 3A-B ) for each of the portable media devices  100  in the aircraft  500 B. The functionality and/or the viewing content  200  associated with the portable media devices  100  in the second device group  105 B likewise can be substantially uniform with, and/or differ from, the functionality and/or viewing content associated with the portable media devices  100  in the third device group  105 C. In the manner discussed above, the portable media devices  100  in the second device group  105 B can, for example, access premium content that is not available to the portable media devices  100  in the third device group  105 C. The portable media devices  100  in the third device group  105 C likewise can require a fee to be paid prior to permitting access to some, or substantially all, of the viewing content  200  available on one or more predetermined content sources  300 ; whereas, the portable media devices  100  in the second device group  105 B may be able to access substantially all of the available viewing content  200  available on the content sources  300  without requiring payment of the fee. 
     As desired, the portable media devices  100  in one or more selected device groups  105 A,  105 B, and  105 C may be configured to select and present viewing content  200  associated with geography, such as a destination of the vehicle  500  and/or other points of interest, that may, or may not, be related to the travel route of the vehicle  500 . For example, passengers can select and view viewing content  200  relating to hotel accommodations and/or a map of the destination city. If the destination is an airport terminal, information, such as arrival and departure times and gate information, for other flights may be provided to assist the passenger with making his connecting flight or with meeting others who are arriving at the airport terminal on different flights. 
       FIGS. 9A-B  provide a view of a passenger cabin  570  of a vehicle  500 , such as the automobile  500 A (shown in  FIG. 8A ) and/or the aircraft  500 B (shown in  FIG. 8B ). The passenger cabin  570  is illustrated as including a plurality of passenger seats  600  and at least one access point  410  for access to one or more content sources  300  (shown in  FIGS. 8A-B ) via the content distribution system  400 . Thereby, the portable media devices  100  of  FIGS. 9A-B  can present selected viewing content  200  from, and/or transmit upload content  260  to, the content sources  300  in the manner discussed in more detail above with reference to  FIG. 7 . The portable media devices  100  can function to supplement a video presentation system  572 , such as an overhead cabin video system  572 A and/or seatback viewing systems  572 B, and an audio presentation system  574 , such as an overhead speaker system  574 A, of the vehicle information system  510  as shown in  FIG. 9A  and/or can be configured to replace the video presentation system  572  and/or an audio presentation system  574  as illustrated in  FIG. 9B . 
     Being provided in the manner discussed in more detail above with reference to  FIGS. 3A-B ,  4 A-D, and  5 A-C, the portable media devices  100  are illustrated as including a video system  120 , an audio system  130 , and an input system  170 . Each of the portable media devices  100  likewise includes a communication interface  160  for facilitating communication with at least one of the content sources  300  via a relevant access point  410 . The access points  410  of the content distribution system  400  can be distributed throughout the passenger cabin  570  in any suitable manner such that each passenger seat  600  is within a coverage area of at least one access point  410 . The entire passenger cabin  570  preferably is within a coverage area of one or more access points  410 . Thereby, if the access points  410  comprise wireless access points, the portable media devices  100  can maintain communication with the content sources  300  when the portable media devices  100  are carried about the passenger cabin  570 . Stated somewhat differently, the passenger cable  570  can comprise a wireless hot spot, such as wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) hot spot and/or a Bluetooth hot spot. 
     Turning to  FIG. 9A , for example, each passenger seat  600  is shown as including an individual access point  410 . In particular, passenger seat  600 W is associated with access point  410 W; whereas, passenger seat  600 X therefore is associated with access point  410 X. The access points  410 W,  410 X is illustrated as being provided on arm rests  610  of the respective passenger seats  600 W,  600 X. The access point  410 W is a wireless access point that is configured to communicate with a portable media device  100 , such as portable media device  100 W, that includes a wireless communication interface  160 . The portable media device  100 X is shown as having a wireless communication interface  160  that is coupled with, and configured to communicate with, the wired access point  410 X via a communication cable  580 . Although shown and described as being uniformly provided on the arm rests  610  of the passenger seats  600 W,  600 X for purposes of illustration, the access points  410  can be associated with the passenger seats  600  in any conventional manner, including in a manner that is uniform and/or different among the passenger seats  600 . 
     Access points  410 Y,  410 Z of  FIG. 9B  each have coverage areas that include a plurality of passenger seats  600 , including passenger seats  600 Y,  600 Z, respectively. Stated somewhat differently, the passenger cabin  570  and/or the passenger seats  600  can be divided into a plurality of seat zones (not shown) based upon any suitable predetermined criteria. If the seat zones are related to seat class, for example, the passenger seats  600 , such as passenger seat  600 Y, in a first seat group  605 Y can be associated with a first class seat zone (or section) of the vehicle  500 ; whereas, the passenger seats  600 , such as passenger seat  600 Z, in a second seat group  605 Z can be associated with a coach class seat zone (or section) of the vehicle  500 . Therefore, the vehicle information system  510  can provide access to the content sources  300  (shown in  FIG. 7 ) via the access point  410 Y to the portable media devices  100 , such as portable media device  100 Y, that are used in the passenger seats  600 , such as passenger seat  600 Y, in the first seat group  605 Y. Similarly, the portable media devices  100 , such as portable media device  100 Z, that are used in the passenger seats  600 , such as passenger seat  600 Z, in the second seat group  605 Z receive access via the access point  410 Z. The portable media devices  100  thereby can receive viewing content  200  in accordance with the associated seat group  605  in the manner discussed in more detail above with reference to the device groups  105  (shown in  FIG. 7 ). 
     The passenger seats  600  likewise can provide in-seat power for the portable media devices  100 . As shown in  FIG. 9B , each passenger seat  500  can include a power port  595  for providing power, having a predetermined voltage level and/or a predetermined current level, that is suitable for the portable media device  100 . Preferably being primarily powered by a battery system  190  (shown in  FIG. 4B ), the portable media devices  100  can receive in-seat power via a power cable  590  that couples the power port  595  with a power port  192  of the portable media device  100 . Although shown and described as being provided on the arm rest  610  of the passenger seat  600 Z for purposes of illustration, the power port  595  can be associated with the passenger seats  600  in any conventional manner, including in a manner that is uniform and/or different among the passenger seats  600 . 
     The battery system  190  can be periodically replaced and/or recharged as necessary. For example, one or more selected cabin compartments (not shown) in the passenger cabin  570  can be designated for use with the portable media device  100 . The cabin compartment can include a battery charging system (not shown) for recharging the battery system  190  of the portable media device  100  during periods of non-use. The battery charging system can be provided in any conventional manner, including the manner set forth above with reference to the battery charging system  834  (shown in  FIGS. 13A ,  14 , and  15 A-B). The passenger entertainment system  500  likewise can include two sets of portable media devices  100 . The battery systems  190  of one set of portable media devices  100  can be recharged while the other set of portable media devices  100  is in use. In the manner discussed in more detail above with reference to  FIGS. 4C-D , the portable media device  100  likewise can include a protective cover  199  (shown in  FIG. 4D ) that can flip back and serve as a viewing support  195  (shown in  FIGS. 4C-D ). The portable media device  100  thereby can function as a setback tray. 
     When no longer in use, the portable media device  100  can be stored at the passenger seat  600  and/or at an adjacent passenger seat  600 . For example, the portable media device  100  can be placed in a storage pocket  620 , such as storage pocket  620 Z, formed in the passenger seat  600  as shown in  FIG. 9B . The storage pocket  620  likewise can be provided on a seatback  630  and/or a headrest  640  of the adjacent passenger seat  600 . The storage pocket  620 Y is illustrated as being formed on the seatback  630  of the passenger seat  600 Y. 
     As desired, the portable media device  100  likewise can be disposed on a mounting surface, such as the seatback  630  and/or the headrest  640 , of the adjacent passenger seat  600  during use. When disposed on the mounting surface, the portable media device  100  preferably is supported by a mounting system  700 ,  750  (shown in  FIGS. 10A-J  and  11 A-F). The mounting system  700 ,  750  can be provided in any conventional manner and preferably includes a main body member, a seat interface system for coupling the main body member with the mounting surface; and a device interface system for removably coupling the main body member with housing  102  of the portable media device  100 . The mounting system  700 ,  750  preferably is configured to adjust a predetermined viewing angle formed between the portable media device  100  and the mounting surface of the passenger seat  600 . The portable media device  100  thereby can be advantageously configured for hands-free operation. 
       FIG. 10A , for example, shows an exemplary mounting system  700  for mounting a portable media device  100  on a headrest  640  (and/or a seatback  630 ) of a passenger seat  600 . The mounting system  700  of  FIG. 10A  comprises a foam pad  700 A with a first preformed channel  710 A for receiving and engaging the headrest  640  and a second preformed channel  720 A for receiving and engaging the portable media device  100 . The mounting system  700  likewise can be provided as a foam wedge  700 A′ that can include a clip assembly  730 A for engaging the headrest  640  and an inclined surface  720  for engaging the portable media device  100 . Advantageously, the foam pad  700 A and the foam wedge  700 A′ can be sufficiently buoyant for use as a floatation device in case of a water landing. 
     Turning to  FIG. 10B , the mounting system  700  can be provided as a metal platform  700 B. The metal platform  700 B includes a main body member  710 B for supporting the portable media device  100 . The main body member  710 B is coupled with a clip assembly  720 B for engaging the headrest  640  of the passenger seat  600  and a support member  730 B upon which the portable media device  100  can rest. The main body member  710 B can support the portable media device  100  at an adjustable predetermined viewing angle relative to the seatback  630  of the passenger seat  600 . The clip assembly  720 B and the support member  730 B are shown as being rotatably coupled with the main body member  710 B such that the main body member  710 B can be retracted when not in use. 
     The mounting system  700 C of  FIG. 10C  has a main body member  710 C that is coupled with a clip assembly  720 C for engaging the headrest  640  and a rotating support member (or panel)  730 C for receiving and engaging the portable media device  100 . The rotating support member (or panel)  730 C can rotate relative to the main body member  710 C such that the portable media device  100  can be supported at an adjustable predetermined viewing angle relative to the seatback  630 .  FIG. 10D  illustrates a mounting system  700 D with a main body member  710 D that is coupled with a clip assembly  720 D for engaging the headrest  640 . The main body member  710 D forms a groove  730 D for receiving and adjustably engaging the portable media device  100 . The mounting system  700 D thereby can support the portable media device  100  at an adjustable predetermined viewing angle relative to the seatback  630  as discussed above. 
     Turning to  FIG. 10E , a mounting system  700 E is shown that includes a first mounting member  710 E for coupling with the seatback  630  and/or the headrest  640  of the passenger seat  600 . A second mounting member  720 E is configured to cooperate with, and engage, the first mounting member  710 E and can couple with the portable media device  100 . As shown in  FIG. 10E , the second mounting member  720 E can couple with the portable media device  100  via an intermediate member  730 E, such as a soft hook device. The mounting system  700 F of  FIG. 10F  has a main body member  710 F that is pliable and can engage the seatback  630  and/or the headrest  640  of the passenger seat  600 . The main body member  710 F can include a plurality of magnetic structures  720 F,  730 F, and a plurality of corresponding magnetic structures  720 F′,  730 F′ can be disposed on the housing  102  of the portable media device  100 . The magnetic structures  720 F,  720 F′ are illustrated as being attracting magnetic structures with opposite polarities for supporting the portable media device  100 ; whereas, the magnetic structures  730 F,  730 F′ are shown as being repelling magnetic structures with same polarities for providing the predetermined viewing angle formed between the portable media device  100  and the seatback  630 . 
       FIG. 10G  shows a mounting system  700 G with a main body member  710 G that can engage the headrest  640  of the passenger seat  600 . The mounting system  700 G likewise can form a gap  720 G between the main body member  710 G and the seatback  630  for receiving and adjustably engaging the portable media device  100  as illustrated in  FIG. 10G . The mounting system  700 G thereby can support the portable media device  100  at any adjustable predetermined viewing angle relative to the seatback  630  as discussed above. Turning to  FIG. 10H , a mounting system  700 H is shown that comprises a main body member  710 G for engaging the headrest  640 . The main body member  710 G can form a channel  720 H for receiving the portable media device  100 . When the portable media device  100  is installed in the channel  720 H, the user interface  110  of the portable media device  100  is accessible via an appropriately-sized opening formed in the main body member  710 G. In the manner set forth above, the main body member  710 G can be rotatable relative to the seatback  630  to provide any predetermined viewing angle. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 10I-J , the mounting systems  700 I,  700 J are shown as including respective main body members  7101 ,  710 J. The main body members  710 I,  710 J are pliable and can engage the seatback  630  and/or the headrest  640  of the passenger seat  600 . The main body member  710 I is configured to support the portable media device  100  by wrapping itself around at least a portion of the portable media device  100 ; whereas, the main body member  710 J is shown as being coupled with at least one support strap  720 J for receiving and supporting the portable media device  100 . As discussed above, the mounting systems  700 I,  700 J each can form a predetermined viewing angle formed between the portable media device  100  and the seatback  630  in any suitable manner. For example, the mounting system  700 J is illustrated as including an inflatable member  730 J, such as a balloon, for adjusting the predetermined viewing angle. 
     Similarly, exemplary mounting systems  750  for mounting a portable media device  100  on a seatback  630  (and/or a headrest  640 ) of a passenger seat  600  are illustrated in  FIGS. 11A-F . The mounting system  750  of  FIG. 11A  comprises a main body member  760 A for receiving and engaging the seatback  630  and/or the headrest  640  of the passenger seat  600 . A support member  770 A is formed by the main body member  760 A and can engage and support the portable media device  100 . Being formed from a pliable material, the support member  770 A can bend relative to the main body member  760 A to form an adjustable predetermined viewing angle formed between the portable media device  100  and the seatback  630 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 11B , a mounting system  750 B is shown that includes a main body member  760 B that is adjustably coupled with a plurality of opposing support members  760 B. The main body member  760 B can couple with the seatback  630  and/or the headrest  640  of the passenger seat  600 . The support members  760 B are configured to cooperatively engage the portable media device  100 . As shown in  FIG. 11B , the portable media device  100  can be disposed between pairs of the support members  760 B, which can adjustably couple with the portable media device  100  to provide the predetermined viewing angle formed between the portable media device  100  and the seatback  630 . The mounting system  750 C of  FIG. 11C  has a main body member  760 C for engaging the seatback  630  and/or the headrest  640  of the passenger seat  600 . The main body member  760 C is coupled with a support member  770 C that can be received within, and engaged by, a cooperating opening  780 C formed in the housing  102  of the portable media device  100 . The portable media device  100  thereby can be supported by the mounting system  750 C. By adjustably coupling the main body member  760 C and the support member  770 C, the predetermined viewing angle formed between the portable media device  100  and the seatback  630  can be adjustable. 
       FIG. 11D  shows a mounting system  750 D with an elongate body member  760 D that can engage the seatback  630  and/or the headrest  640  of the passenger seat  600 . An end region of the elongate body member  760 D includes a connector assembly  770 D for coupling with a cooperating connector assembly  780  provided on the housing  102  of the portable media device  100 . The mounting system  750 D thereby can adjustably support the portable media device  100  in the manner set forth above. Turning to  FIG. 11E , a mounting system  750 E is shown that comprises a main body member  760 E for engaging the seatback  630  and/or the headrest  640 . The main body member  760 E is coupled with a flexible body member  770 E having opposite end regions  780 E′,  780 E″ and a central region  790 E for coupling with the portable media device  100 . As shown in  FIG. 11E , one end region  780 E′ of the flexible body member  770 E is adjustably coupled with the main body member  760 E; whereas, the other end region  780 E″ is fixedly coupled with the main body member  760 E. By adjusting a distance between the end regions  780 E′,  780 E″ of the flexible body member  770 E, the predetermined viewing angle formed between the portable media device  100  and the seatback  630  can be adjusted. 
     Although exemplary embodiments have been shown and described with reference to  FIGS. 10A-J  and  11 A-E for purposes of illustration, the portable media device  100  can be disposed on the seatback  630  and/or the headrest  640  of the adjacent passenger seat  600  in any conventional manner. As desired, the mounting system  700 ,  750  can include indicia, such as textual indicia  755 , for providing advertising information. As shown in  FIG. 11F , the textual indicia  755  can promote and/or encourage use of the portable media device  100 . The indicia  755  can be provided on the mounting system  700 ,  750  in any suitable manner. 
     A device management system  800  for managing, and/or providing logistics support for, one or more of the portable media devices  100  is illustrated in  FIG. 12 . The device management system  800  can manage the portable media devices  100  in any conventional manner and can be provided in any conventional manner, such as via one or more hardware components and/or software components. As discussed above with reference to  FIG. 3B , the portable media device  100  can include one or more peripheral systems  180  (shown in  FIG. 3B ). Advantageously, the portable media device  100  can be provided with a device identification system  810  for exchanging device identification data  820  with a device management interface  830 , which, in turn, can exchange management data  840  with a device management database system  850 , as shown in  FIG. 12 . 
     Various device parameters, such as location, status, contents, performance data, and/or usage statistics, of the portable media device  100  thereby can be monitored via the device management system  800 . By monitoring the device parameters, the device management database system  850  can maintain a historical record for the portable media device  100  and can provide management data  840 , such as one or more device configuration instructions, for configuring the portable media device  100  for future use. Stated somewhat differently, the device management system  800  can be configured to initialize the portable media device  100  for use in the manner discussed in more detail above. 
     The device identification system  810  can be provided in any conventional manner and is illustrated in  FIG. 12  as including an identification communication port  812  for communicating with the device management interface  830 , a compatible identification transceiver system  814  for receiving and/or transmitting the identification data  820 , and an identification memory system  816  for storing the identification data  820 . In the manner discussed in more detail above regarding the communication port  162  (shown in  FIGS. 3A-B ), the identification communication port  812  can comprise a wired communication port for supporting wired communications and/or a wireless communication port for supporting wireless communications over one or more communication frequencies. The identification transceiver system  814  can be provided in the manner set forth above with reference to the transceiver system  164  (shown in  FIGS. 3A-B ); whereas, the identification memory system  816  can be provided in the manner discussed above with regard to the memory system  144  (shown in  FIGS. 3B ). The device identification system  810 , in whole and/or in part, can be provided as a peripheral system  180  and/or can be at least partially incorporated into the portable media device  100 . For example, the identification memory system  816  can be separate from, or at least partially incorporated with, the memory system  144 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, the device management system  800  can be provided as a conventional radio frequency identification (RFID) system, wherein the device identification system  810  can comprise a RFID tag system, and the device management interface  830  can be provided as a RFID reader/computer system. If the device identification system  810  is provided as a passive RFID tag system, for example, the identification transceiver system  814  can comprise a radio frequency ID transponder, which conforms to the principles of RFID technology, and the identification communication port  812  can be provided as a tag antenna system. The identification communication port  812  can be coupled with the identification transceiver system  814  and typically comprises a microchip antenna system using well-known coil-on-chip technology in the conventional manner as set forth in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,892,052, issued to Kotola et al., the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     The identification memory system  816  can include an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) system that can be configured to store device identification data  820  associated with the portable media device  100 . Illustrative device identification data  820  can include a serial number of the portable media device  100 , a serial number of the battery system  190  (shown in  FIG. 4B ), an identity of the owner of the portable media device  100 , and/or information regarding the media content  200  (shown in  FIG. 7 ) stored by the portable media device  100 . The device identification system  810  thereby can receive a download identification data  822 , such as an interrogation signal, from the device management interface  830  and can separate the radio-frequency (RF) energy from the received download identification data  822 . The energy captured by the identification communication port  812  can be processed by the identification transceiver system  814 , which can respond by transmitting an upload identification data  824  to the device management interface  830  to initiate one or more device management system operations. 
     The device identification data  820  can comprise a wide range of information about the portable media device  100  and/or one or more individual components of the portable media device  100 , such as the battery system  190 . In addition to identifying the portable media device  100 , the device identification data  820  can include status (and/or performance) information for the portable media device  100  and/or historical maintenance information, such as a date and/or a location where the portable media device  100  was last serviced. Similarly, status (and/or performance) information, such as a current battery charge level and/or a number of charging cycles, can be provided for the battery system  190 . The device identification data  820  likewise can include information about the viewing content  200  stored by the portable media device  100 . The device identification data  820  can include, for example, a date and/or a location where the current viewing content  200  was loaded onto the portable media device  100  and/or a date period and/or a catalogue (or content listing) of the current viewing content  200 . One or more active content sets for the viewing content  200  can be identified and/or selected by the device identification data  820 . As desired, the device identification data  820  likewise can include usage information, such as cycle usage and/or a date for any user data offloads, of the portable media device  100  and/or transactional information, such as any user billing information. 
     Being configured to facilitate communication between the portable media device  100  and the device management database system  850 , the device management interface  830  can include a portable (or handheld) system and/or a substantially fixed system. When the portable media device  100  is in communication with the device management interface  830 , the device management interface  830  can receive the upload identification data  824  transmitted by the portable media device  100 . The upload identification data  824  can include current device configuration information, such as identification data  820  currently stored in the identification memory system  816  and/or upload content  260 , such as status (or performance) information regarding the portable media device  100  and/or the viewing content  200  (or the stored content  240 ) (shown in  FIG. 3B ) currently stored in the memory system  144  (shown in  FIG. 3B ). The information about the viewing content  200  (or the stored content  240 ) currently stored in the memory system  144  can be provided as a current content catalogue (not shown) for the portable media device  100 . 
     The device management interface  830  can provide the upload identification data  824  to the device management database system  850  as the upload management data  844  as illustrated in  FIG. 12 . In the manner set forth in more detail above, the device management interface  830  and the device management database system  850  can communicate in can communicate in any conventional manner, including via wired and/or wireless communications. The device management database system  850  can maintain a historical record for each portable media device  100 . The historical records of the device management database system  850  can include information derived from the identification data  820  from the device identification system  810  and/or the content catalogue from the memory system  144  of each portable media device  100  in the device management database system  850 . Upon receiving the upload management data  844 , the device management database system  850  can process the upload management data  844  to update (and/or append) the historical records for the portable media device  100  in accordance with the information provided with the upload management data  844 . 
     For example, the device management database system  850  can process the upload management data  844  to determine whether the portable media device  100  is a new portable media device  100 . For new portable media devices  100 , the device management database system  850  can create new records; whereas, existing historical records associated with any portable media devices  100  that have been removed from the device management system  800  due, for example, to loss, theft, and/or obsolescence, can be maintained, archived, and/or deleted, as desired. The device management database system  850  likewise can update (and/or append) the historical records to include the current device configuration information, such as identification data  820  from the identification memory system  816  and/or the upload content  260 , such as status (or performance) information regarding the portable media device  100  and/or the viewing content  200  (or the stored content  240 ) currently stored in the memory system  144 . The device management database system  850  thereby can update (and/or append) the historical records to include the current device status and configuration of the portable media device  100 . 
     The device management database system  850  likewise can provide download management data  842  that can include instructions for configuring the portable media device  100  for future use. Illustrative download management data  842  can include one or more device configuration instructions, such as at least one instruction for updating the identification data  820  stored in the identification memory system  816  and/or at least one instruction for updating the viewing content  200  (or the stored content  240 ) stored in the memory system  144 . The device management database system  850  can transmit the download management data  842  to the device management interface  830 . Upon receiving the download management data  842 , the device management interface  830  can execute the device configuration instructions included with the received download management data  842 . The portable media device thereby can be configured for future use in accordance with the device configuration instructions. 
     If the download management data  842  includes one or more instructions for updating the identification data  820  stored in the identification memory system  816 , the device management interface  830  can provide the instructions for updating the identification memory system  816  to the portable media device  100  as the download identification data  822 . The device identification system  810  can receive the download identification data  822  and update the identification memory system  816  in accordance with the download identification data  822 . The download management data  842  likewise can include one or more instructions for updating the content catalogue stored in the memory system  144 . Upon receiving the download management data  842 , the device management interface  830  can process the download management data  842  and can transmit viewing content  200  to the portable media device  100  in accordance with the instructions for updating the content catalogue. The transmitted viewing content  200  can be stored via the memory system  144  in the manner discussed above. The portable media device  100  thereby can be configured for future use. 
     Turning to  FIG. 13A , the device management system  800  is illustrated as including a device management interface  830  with a device interface docking station  832  for receiving a selected portable media device  100 . Communications between the portable media device  100  and the device interface docking station  832  preferably are initiated automatically when the portable media device  100  is coupled with the device interface docking station  832 . The device interface docking station  832  can include a power communication port  832 A, a content communication port  832 B, and/or an identification communication port  832 C. Being provided in the manner discussed above with reference to the power port  595  (shown in  FIG. 9B ), the power communication port  832 A is configured to cooperate with the power port  192  of the portable media device  100  and is in communication with a battery charging system  834 . The battery charging system  834  can provide power  834 , having predetermined voltage and/or current characteristics that are suitable for charging the battery system  190  of the portable media device  100 . 
     The content communication port  832 B of the device interface docking station  832  is configured to communicate with the communication port  162  of the portable media device  100  and can be provided in the manner set forth in more detail above with reference to the communication port  162  (shown in  FIGS. 3A-B ). Thereby, the device interface docking station  832  can receive upload content  260  from the memory system  144  and/or provide viewing content  200  to the memory system  144 . The identification communication port  832 C is configured to receive upload identification data  824  from, and/or provide download identification data  822  to, the device identification system  810  of the portable media device  100 . Being provided in the manner discussed above with reference to the identification communication port  812  (shown in  FIG. 12 ), the identification communication port  832 C can communicate with the identification communication port  812  and, therefore, with the identification memory system  816  of the portable media device  100 . 
     The device management interface  830  likewise can include an interface content source  836  and/or an interface memory system  838  as illustrated in  FIG. 13A . The interface content source  836  can be provided in the manner set forth in more detail above with reference to the content source  300  (shown in  FIGS. 2A-B ); whereas, the interface memory system  838  can be provided in the manner discussed above with reference to the memory system  144  (shown in  FIG. 3B ). As desired, the interface memory system  838  can provide at least temporary storage for the download management data  842  and/or the download identification data  822 , for example, while the device management interface  830  is processing the download management data  842 . The interface memory system  838  likewise can provide at least temporary storage for the upload identification data  824  received from the device identification system  810  of the portable media device  100  pending transmission of the upload management data  844  to the device management database system  850 . Stated somewhat differently, the interface memory system  838  can function a buffer system for the download identification data  822 , the upload identification data  824 , the download management data  842 , and/or the upload management data  844 . 
     Similarly, the interface content source  836  can provide a buffer system for viewing content  200  and/or upload content  260  to be exchanged between the portable media device  100  and the device management system  800 . In the manner discussed above with reference to  FIG. 12 , the upload identification data  824  can include information about the content catalogue currently stored in the memory system  144  of the portable media device  100 . The information about the stored content  240 , including upload content  260 , can be at least temporarily stored by the interface content source  836 . The download management data  842  likewise can include one or more instructions for updating the content catalogue stored in the memory system  144 . If the current content catalogue is to be updated with new viewing content  200 , the interface content source  836  can provide at least temporary storage for the viewing content  200  prior to transmission of the viewing content to the memory system  144  in the manner set forth in more detail above. 
     If the download management data  842  includes instructions for updating the content catalogue of the memory system  144 , the instructions can comprise instructions for providing the selected viewing content from the interface content source  836 . Alternatively, and/or in addition, the instructions for updating the content catalogue can include the selected viewing content  200 . As shown in  FIG. 13A , for example, the device management database system  850  can be associated with a database content source  852  for providing the selected viewing content  200  for updating the content catalogue of the memory system  144 . The database content source  852  can be provided in the manner set forth in more detail above with reference to the content source  300  (shown in  FIGS. 2A-B ). Preferably, if viewing content  200  is to be downloaded to a plurality of portable media devices  100 , the database content source  852  can transfer a copy of the selected viewing content  200  to the interface content source  836  for downloading to each of the portable media devices  100 . In other words, the database content source  852  can comprise a global content source  300 ; whereas, the interface content source  836  can comprise a local content source  300 . Data transfer time thereby can be reduced. In the manner discussed above with reference to  FIG. 3B , the upload content  260  provided by the portable media device  100  can be stored, in whole and/or in part, in the database content source  852  and/or in the interface content source  836 . 
     The operation of the device management system  800  is discussed with reference to the exemplary method  860  for managing a set of portable media devices  100  as shown in  FIG. 13B . Although shown and described as comprising as a selected sequence of operations  860 A-O for purposes of illustration, the device management system  800  can manage the set of portable media devices  100  in any suitable manner. The exemplary method  860  begins at  860 A. At  860 B, the device management system  800  is shown as receiving the set of portable media devices  100 . One of the portable media devices  100  is selected at  860 C, and, at  860 D, the selected portable media device  100  is disposed on the device interface docking station  832  in the manner discussed above. 
     When the selected portable media device  100  is disposed on the device interface docking station  832 , the power port  192  of the selected portable media device  100  can couple with the cooperating power communication port  832 A of the device interface docking station  832 . The battery charging system  834  thereby can begin to charge the battery system  190  of the selected portable media device  100 , at  860 E. Although the battery system  190  can be charged in any conventional manner, the battery charging system  834  preferably quick-charges the battery system  190 . The downtime of the selected portable media device  100  thereby can be reduced. 
     The communication port  162  and the identification communication port  812  of the selected portable media device  100  and the content communication port  832 B and the identification communication port  832 C of the device interface docking station  832  likewise can respectively communicate. Thereby, the selected portable media device  100  can provide one or more predetermined device parameters, including selected identification parameters, such as a device serial number, and/or selected device status (or performance) parameters, such as offload usage statistics, a current content catalogue, an active content catalogue, and/or a current charge level on the battery system  190 , to the device management interface  830  in the manner set forth in more detail above with reference to  FIG. 12 . As set forth above, the device management interface  830  can provide the predetermined device parameters from the selected portable media device  100  to the device management database system  850  as the download management data  842 , at  860 F. 
     Upon receiving the download management data  842 , the device management database system  850  can update the historical records for the selected portable media device  100  to include the information included in the download management data  842  as discussed above with regard to  FIG. 12 . The device management database system  850  likewise can provide download management data  842  that can include instructions for configuring the portable media device  100  for future use. At  860 G, the device management database system  850  can provide the download management data  842  to the device management interface  830 . The device management interface  830 , in turn, can configure the selected portable media device  100  in accordance with the instructions associated with the download management data  842 . In the manner discussed above, the download management data  842  likewise can include selected media content  200  for updating the content catalogue of the selected portable media device  100 , which selected media content  200  can be at least temporarily stored via the interface content source  836 . 
     The device management interface  830  therefore, at  860 H, can provide the selected media content  200  to the selected portable media device  100  in accordance with the instructions associated with the download management data  842 . In the manner discussed above, the device management interface  830  likewise can update the device identification system  810  by providing the download identification data  822 . Upon receiving the selected media content  200  and/or the download identification data  822 , the selected portable media device  100  can provide a confirmation of receipt to the device management database system  850 , at  8601 , in the manner set forth above. The confirmation of receipt can comprise a quality check to validate that the selected portable media device  100  has been loaded with the correct viewing content  200 . As discussed above with reference to the predetermined device parameters, the confirmation of receipt likewise can include one or more predetermined device parameters, including selected identification parameters, such as a device serial number, and/or selected device status (or performance) parameters, such as a current content catalogue, an active content catalogue, a current charge level on the battery system  190 , and/or a “device ready” status parameter. The device management database system  850  preferably updates the historical record for the portable media device to include at least a portion of the information included with the confirmation of receipt. 
     Since the confirmation of receipt preferably includes the current charge level on the battery system  190 , the device management database system  850 , at  860 J, can determine whether the battery system  190  of the selected portable media device  100  has received a full charge. If the battery system  190  is not fully charged, the device management database system  850  can permit the battery system  190  to continue to charge, at  860 K. The device management database system  850  thereafter can periodically request an updated current charge level on the battery system  190 , at  860 J, to determine whether the battery system  190  has received a full charge. Once the current charge level on the battery system  190  indicates that the battery system  190  is fully charged, the selected portable media device  100  is ready for future use and, at  860 L, can be removed from the device interface docking station  832 . At  860 M, each portable media device  100  in the set can be processed and prepared for future use in the manner set forth above. Once processing is complete, the set of portable media devices  100  can be provided for use, at  860 N, and the process ends at  860 O. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a device management system  800  for simultaneously processing a plurality of portable media devices  100  in the manner set forth above with reference to  FIGS. 13A-B . The device management system  800  is shown as including a plurality of device management interfaces  830  in communication with the device management database system  850 . Each device management interface  830  likewise can include a plurality of device interface docking stations  832  for receiving a plurality of portable media devices  100 . Thereby, the device management interface  830  can receive device identification data  820  from each relevant portable media device  100  and can transmit the device identification data  820 , in whole and/or in part, to the device management database system  850  as management data  840  in the manner discussed above. The device management database system  850  can maintain historical records for each of the portable media devices and can provide configuration instruction for configuring each of the portable media devices for future use in the manner set forth above. 
     Each the device interface docking station  832  can update the portable media devices  100  in the manner set forth in more detail above with reference to FIGS.  12  and  13 A-B. For example, a selected device interface docking station  832 , such as device interface docking station  832 A, can provide the updated viewing content  200  to the associated portable media devices  100  in a wired manner and/or in a wireless manner as set forth above with reference to  FIG. 3A , preferably via high-speed data communications. If the portable media devices  100  receive the updated viewing content  200  via wireless data communications, the updated viewing content  200  can be distributed to one or more of the associated portable media devices  100  in any conventional manner. The selected device interface docking station  832 , for instance, can sequentially update the associated portable media devices  100  and/or can update two or more of the associated portable media devices  100  in parallel. In other words, the selected device interface docking station  832  can provide the updated viewing content  200  to the associated portable media devices  100  on a one-by-one basis and/or can multicast the updated viewing content  200  to more than one, preferably all, of the associated portable media devices  100 . 
     Although the device interface docking stations  832  for a selected device management interface  830 , such as device management interface  830 A, can be configured to process the portable media devices  100  in uniform and/or different manners, the device interface docking stations  832  preferably uniformly process the portable media devices  100 . Stated somewhat differently, the portable media devices  100  associated with the selected device management interface  830  preferably are processed in a uniform manner, such that the portable media devices  100  are updated with uniform viewing content  200  and the device identification system  810  are uniformly updated with the device identification data  820 . The memory systems  144  (shown in  FIG. 13A ) of the relevant portable media devices  100  thereby can store the same viewing content  200  (or stored content  240 ) (shown in  FIG. 3B ). The portable media devices  100  thereby can be uniformly updated for future use in a more rapid manner. 
     In the manner discussed in more detail above with reference to  FIG. 7 , the portable media devices  100  can be separated into two or more device groups  105  (shown in  FIG. 7 ). The device management interfaces  830  therefore may be allocated in accordance with the device groups  105 . For example, the device management interface  830 A can be configured to process the portable media devices  100  associated with a first device group  105 A (shown in  FIG. 7 ); whereas, the portable media devices  100  associated with a second device group  105 B (shown in  FIG. 7 ) can be processed by the device management interface  830 N. Thereby, the portable media devices  100  in each device group  105  can be simultaneously prepared for future use in a parallel manner. 
     Advantageously, each device management interface  830 A-N is shown as respectively including a separate battery charging system  834 A-N, interface content source  836 A-N, and/or interface memory system  838 A-N. The download management data  842 A-N and/or the selected viewing content  200 A-N can be locally stored at each device management interface  830 A-N via interface content sources  836 A-N and/or interface memory systems  838 A-N. The device management database system  850  thereby is not required to repeatedly provide the selected viewing content  200 A-N to each device management interface  830 A-N. Instead, the selected viewing content  200 A-N can be locally stored on the relevant interface content source  836 A-N. Since the portable media devices  100  preferably are uniform, the power  834 A-N provided by the battery charging systems  834 A-N preferably is uniform. As desired, the device management database system  850  likewise can provide access to the Internet  565 . The device management database system  850  thereby can communicate with one or more other device management database systems  850  and/or a central (or master) device management database system (not shown) for coordinating the historical records maintained by each of the device management database systems. 
     An illustrative embodiment of a multi-bay docking station  870  for the device management system  800  is shown in  FIG. 15A . Receiving input power  872  from an external power source (not shown), the multi-bay docking station  870  includes a switching system  876  and a power supply  878  and is configured to communicate with a server system  874 . The server system  874  can comprise a conventional computer server system and, as desired, can at least partially incorporate the interface content source  836  (shown in  FIGS. 13A and 14 ) and/or the interface memory system  838  (shown in  FIGS. 13A and 14 ). The server system  874  preferably can be configured to communicate with a plurality of docking stations  870  in the manner discussed above with reference to  FIG. 14 . The power supply  878  converts the input power  872  into power, having a predetermined voltage level and/or a predetermined current level, that is suitable for the battery systems  190  (shown in  FIG. 4B ) of the portable media devices  100 . 
     The switching system  876  facilitates communications between the server system  874  and a plurality of device interface docking stations  832 , each provided in the manner set forth in more detail above with reference to  FIG. 13A . Preferably comprising a high speed switching system, the switching system  876  can be provided as any conventional type of switching (or routing) system in the manner set forth in the aforementioned co-pending U.S. patent application, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING CONTENT ON MOBILE PLATFORMS,” Ser. No. 11/123,327, filed on May 6, 2005. If configured to support communications in accordance with the Gigabit (such as 1000Base-X and/or 1000Base-T) Ethernet standard, for example, the switching system  876  can negotiate appropriate communication data rates, including ten, one hundred, or one thousand megabits per second (10/100/1000 Mbps), and/or a duplex mode, such as a half duplex mode and/or a full duplex mode. 
     Thereby, when the plurality of portable media devices  100  is disposed in the device interface docking stations  832 , the multi-bay docking station  870  can automatically begin to charge the battery systems  190  of the portable media devices  100 . The multi-bay docking station  870  likewise can automatically initiate the download of the device identification data  820  (shown in  FIG. 14 ), the update of the viewing content  200  (shown in  FIG. 14 ), and/or the update of the device identification data  820  in the manner discussed above. The download of the device identification data  820  and the update of the viewing content  200  and the device identification data  820  can be controlled via a software application executed by the server system  874 . In the manner discussed above, the server system  874  can provide the updated viewing content  200  to the portable media devices  100  on a one-by-one basis and/or can multicast the updated viewing content  200  to more than one, preferably all, of the associated portable media devices  100 . The server system  874  likewise can extract any transaction information, such as credit card information, from the portable media devices  100  and can securely process the transaction information. 
     The multi-bay docking station  870  preferably provides at least one external indicator system (not shown) for each device interface docking station  832 . The external indicator system can, for example, show the status of the relevant battery system  190 . In addition to indicating whether the device interface docking station  832  is empty, the external indicator system can indicate whether the relevant battery system  190  is being charge, is fully charged, and/or is bad and requires replacement. A similar indicator system may be provided to indicate the status of the viewing content update and/or the device identification data update for each device interface docking station  832 . 
     As desired, the download of the device identification data  820  and/or the update of the viewing content  200  and/or the device identification data  820  can be performed separately from the charging of the battery systems  190 .  FIG. 15B  illustrates a battery charging station  880  for charging battery systems  190  separately from the portable media devices  100  (shown in  FIG. 15A ). As desired, the battery charging station  880  likewise can be advantageously applied to charge spare battery systems  190  for the portable media devices  100 . The battery charging station  880  is shown as including a plurality power supply/charging circuit modules  884  each for receiving input power  882  and converting the input power  882  into power, having a predetermined voltage level and/or a predetermined current level, that is suitable for the battery systems  190  as discussed with reference to the power supply  878  (shown in  FIG. 15A ). Preferably, the battery charging station  880  can rapidly charge the battery systems  190 . If the battery systems  190  have a eight hour battery life, for example, the battery charging station  880  can fully charge the battery systems  190  in approximately four to five hours. The battery charging station  880  preferably provides at least one external indicator system (not shown) to indicate the status of each battery system  190  in the manner set forth above. 
     In a typical application, the device management system  800  can be associated with an airport terminal  900  as illustrated in  FIG. 16A . The airport terminal  900  includes a plurality of gates  910 , which are dividing into gate groups  910 A-N. Each gate group  910 A-N is associated with a ground support station (service station)  920 A-N, respectively, for servicing aircraft  500 B, including aircraft  500 B with vehicle information systems  510 . As illustrated in  FIG. 16A , each of the ground support stations  920 A-N includes at least one device interface docking station  832 A-N for uniformly processing portable media devices  100  in the manner set forth in more detail above with reference to  FIGS. 13A-B  and  14 . 
     The device management database system  850  is shown as being configured to communicate with the database content source  852  as set forth above and/or a airport terminal network  930  provided in the manner set forth in the aforementioned co-pending U.S. patent application, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING CONTENT ON MOBILE PLATFORMS,” Ser. No. 11/123,327, filed on May 6, 2005. The device management system  800  thereby can configure the portable media devices  100  to include viewing content  200  from the database content source  852  and/or travel information content  940  from the airport terminal network  930  via the device management interfaces  830 A-N in the manner discussed in more detail above. Exemplary travel information content  940  can include any conventional type of information regarding each flight, such as a flight number, an aircraft tail number, gate number, flight departure and arrival time data, and/or passenger data. 
     Having access to the travel information content  940  from the airport terminal network  930 , the device management interface  830 A at the ground support station  920 A can prepare a first set  100 ′ of portable media devices  100  for use, for example, on a selected future departing flight. In the manner discussed above, the portable media devices  100  can be configured to include uniform viewing content  200 A, and the device management database system  850  can update its records for each portable media device  100  in the first set  100 ′. The records of the device management database system  850  thereby associate each of the portable media devices  100  in the first set  100 ′ as identified, for example, by serial number, with the selected future departing flight as identified, for example, by flight number, gate number, and/or aircraft tail number. 
     Therefore, when the relevant aircraft  500 B, such as aircraft  500 B′ as shown in  FIG. 16A , lands at the airport terminal  900  and arrives at the appropriate gate  910  in the gate group  910 A, the ground crew (not shown) can provide the first set  100 ′ of portable media devices  100  to the aircraft  500 B′ and/or can retrieve a second set  100 ″ of portable media devices  100 , which were used during the incoming flight, from the aircraft  500 B′. A portable (or handheld) device management interface  830 A′ can be provided at the aircraft  500 B′ to scan each portable media device  100  in the first set  100 ′ loaded onto the aircraft  500 B′ and/or each portable media device  100  in the second set  100 ″ retrieved from the aircraft  500 B′. By scanning the portable media devices  100  at the aircraft  500 B′, the historical records maintained by the device management database system  850  thereby can be updated to reflect that each portable media device  100  in the first set  100 ′ has been loaded onto the aircraft  500 B′ and/or that each portable media device  100  in the second set  100 ″ has arrived at the airport terminal  900 . For quality assurance purposes, the ground crew and a representative from the aircraft  500 B each validate the number of portable media devices  100  and electronically sign for delivery and receipt. 
     The second set  100 ″ of portable media devices  100  can be processed by the device management interface  830 A as set forth above. The device management database system  850  thereby can update the historical records for the second set  100 ″ of portable media devices  100  to include information regarding the return of the portable media devices  100  to the ground support station  920 A and can provide configuration instructions for reconfiguring the portable media devices  100  in the second set  100 ″, in whole and/or in part, for use on one or more subsequent flight as discussed above. As necessary, the historical records maintained by the device management database system  850  likewise can be updated to reflect any portable media devices  100  in the second set  100 ″ that were identified as being on the aircraft  500 B but that were not scanned when the second set  100 ″ of the portable media devices  100  was retrieved from the retrieved from the aircraft  500 B′. The missing portable media devices  100  in the second set  100 ″ may not have been retrieved from the aircraft  500 B′ for a variety of reasons, including, for example, loss and/or theft. Electronic tracking therefore can facilitate the maintenance of a complete historical record for each portable media device  100 . Thereby, the device management system  800  can advantageously provide logicistics control and management of the portable media device  100  and/or can provide the associated data to the owner of the aircraft  500 B′. 
     To simplify chain of custody and to help ensure robust tracking of the portable media devices  100 , the portable media devices  100  preferably are disposed within one or more device containers  950  in preparation for delivery to the aircraft  500 B′ as illustrated in  FIG. 16B . The device containers  950  can be provided in any suitable manner. Preferably, the device containers  950  comprise tamper-evident containers that are appropriately sized for use with a standard aircraft galley cart (not shown), such as a half-size galley cart and/or a full-size galley cart. In other words, the device containers  950  can be provided as sealable containers and/or containers that include at least one security seal to evidence that the device containers  950  have been opened. The device containers  950  preferably are constructed such that the device identification systems  810  of the portable media devices  100  can communicate with a device management interface  830  when the portable media devices  100  are disposed within the sealed device containers  950 . 
     Upon receiving the portable media devices  100  and being sealed, the device containers  950  can include indicia for readily identifying the contents sealed within. For example, a packing list  952  can be provided for identifying the contents of the device containers  950 . As desired, a separate packing list  952  can be provided for each device container  950 , and/or two or more device containers  950  can share a common packing list  952 . The packing list  952  can include content information such as a number of the portable media devices  100  stored within the associated device container  950 , a device serial number for each portable media device  100 , and/or quality assurance information for each portable media device  100 . Exemplary quality assurance information can include a information, such as a date, location, and inspector name, related to the inspection and sealing of the associated device container  950 . As desired, the packing list  952  likewise can include at least one section for comments, such as comments regarding the portable media devices  100 . The comments section, for instance, can be used to identify any portable media devices  100  that have problems and to describe the problems. Information from the packing list  952  preferably can be provided to the device management database system  850  (shown in  FIG. 16A ) such that the historical record for each portable media device  100  can be updated, as needed. 
     In a preferred embodiment, each of the device containers  950  can include a container identification system  954 . The container identification system  954  can be provided in the manner set for in more detail above with reference to the device identification system  810  (shown in  FIG. 12 ) and can communicate with the device management interface  830  (shown in  FIG. 12 ) and, therefore, the device management database system  850  in the manner discussed above. The container identification system  954  can provide content information, such as the content information discussed above with reference to the packing list  952 . Preferably, the content information provided by the container identification system  954  includes a number of the portable media devices  100  stored within the associated device container  950 , a device serial number for each portable media device  100 , a serial number of the security seal, and/or information regarding the aircraft  500 ′ to which the device container  950  is to be delivered. 
     As discussed above, the container identification system  954  can communicate with the device management interface  830  such that the content information can be provided to the device management database system  850 , which can update the historical record for each portable media device  100 . The container identification system  954  can be scanned by the device management interface  830  at each transfer to provide a chain of custody for the device containers  950  and, therefore, the portable media devices  100 . For example, the device management interface  830  can scan the container identification system  954  of outgoing device containers  950  when the device container  950  is inspected and sealed, when the device container  950  leaves the ground support station  920 A-N (shown in  FIG. 16A ), and when the device container  950  is provided to, and disposed aboard, the aircraft  500 B′. Similarly, the container identification system  954  of incoming device containers  950  can be scanned by the container identification system  954  when the device container  950  is retrieved from the aircraft  500 B′, when the device container  950  arrives at the ground support station  920 A-N, and when the device container  950  is opened and inspected. The device management system  800  thereby can monitor transfers of sealed device containers  950  rather than transfers of individual portable media devices  100 . 
     After the device container  950  has been opened, the portable media devices  100  can be inspected for any damage and, as necessary, repaired. The portable media devices  100  then can be coupled with device interface docking station  832  (shown in  FIG. 13A ). While the battery systems  190  (shown in  FIG. 4B ) of the portable media devices  100  are being recharged, the device identification data  820  can be downloaded from the device identification systems  810  and provided to the device management database system  850 . The device management database system  850  thereby can update the historical records of the portable media devices  100  and can provide configuration instruction for configuring the portable media devices  100  for future use in the manner set forth in more detail above. In accordance with the configuration instruction received from the device management database system  850 , the device management interface  830  can configure each portable media device  100 , updating the device identification data  820  stored by the device identification system  810  and/or updating the viewing content  200  stored by the memory system  144 , as discussed above. 
     The sealed device containers  950  of portable media devices  100  can be delivered to the aircraft  500 B in any conventional manner. As illustrated in  FIG. 16B , for example, the first sealed device containers  950 ′ is illustrated as including the first set  100 ′ of portable media devices  100  provided in the manner set forth in more detail above with reference to  FIG. 16A . The first sealed device containers  950 ′ can be included in one or more larger flight delivery containers  960 , such as first flight delivery containers  960 ′, with other containers, such as food storage containers  970  for storing meals  972 , beverages  974 , and/or snacks  976 . Similarly, the second set  100 ″ of portable media devices  100  can be provided as discussed above and can be provided in second sealed device containers  950 ″ for retrieval from the aircraft  500 B′. In the manner set forth above, the second sealed device containers  950 ″ can be included in one or more larger flight delivery containers  960 , such as second flight delivery containers  960 ″, with other containers, such as a refuse storage container  980 . Thereby, the aircraft  500 B′ can be prepared for flight by retrieving the second flight delivery container  960 ″ including items, such as the second set  100 ″ of portable media devices  100 , that were used during prior travel and by providing the first flight delivery container  960 ′ including items, such as the first set  100 ′ of portable media devices  100 , for use during subsequent travel to the aircraft  500 B′. Preferably, a fresh set of portable media devices  100  is provided for each flight of the aircraft  500 B′. 
     In the manner discussed above, the portable media device  100  can be configured to facilitate commercial transactions, including commercial transactions initiated by passengers traveling aboard a vehicle  500  (shown in  FIGS. 8A-B ). Since commercial transactions typically require payment information, such as a credit card number, and/or authorization information, such as a personal identification number (PIN) or a password, the portable media device  100  includes an input system  170  (shown in  FIGS. 3A-B ) for entering such transaction information (not shown). The input system  170  can be provided as discussed above with reference to  FIGS. 3A-B  and typically comprises a keyboard and/or a mouse. Preferably, the portable media device  100  likewise includes a credit card reader system for providing payment information in the manner set forth in more detail above with reference to  FIG. 3B . 
     Illustrative commercial transactions can include transactions for securing access to the portable media device  100  itself For example, transaction information may be required to rent (and/or activate) the portable media device  100 . The portable media device  100  likewise can require transaction information (or additional transaction information) to access selected functions of the portable media device  100 , such as to access the viewing content  200  (shown in  FIGS. 3A-B ) stored on the memory system  144  (shown in  FIG. 3B ). Access to premium viewing content  200  can require additional transaction information. As discussed in more detail above, the portable media device  100  can store the transaction information on the memory system  144  and/or can transmit the transaction information as the upload content  260  (shown in  FIGS. 3A-B ). If stored on the memory system  144 , the transaction information preferably is uploaded from the portable media device  100  and provided to the device management database system  850  for processing in the manner discussed in more detail above with reference to the device management system  800  (shown in FIGS.  12  and  13 A-B). 
     If disposed on a vehicle  500  (shown in  FIGS. 8A-B ), such as an aircraft  500 B (shown in  FIG. 8B ), for example, the portable media device  100  can be configured to communicate with a vehicle information system  510  (shown in  FIGS. 8A-B ) installed on the vehicle  500 . Upon receiving the transaction information from the portable media device  100 , the vehicle information system  510  can process the transaction information in any conventional manner, such as via a computer system  550  (shown in  FIG. 8B ) of the vehicle information system  510 . For example, the vehicle information system  510  can process the transaction information in real time by instantly downloading the transaction information to a terrestrial payment system (not shown) via a communication system  560  (shown in  FIG. 8B ), such as a satellite communication system  560 ′ (shown in  FIG. 8B ). The vehicle information system  510  likewise can process the transaction information in a time-delayed manner by storing the transaction information for downloading to the terrestrial payment system at a later time, such as arrival the destination of the vehicle  500 . To help ensure security, the transaction information preferably is stored and/or transmitted in an encrypted format. 
     The commercial transactions can comprise any conventional type of commercial transactions, including commercial transactions performed via the Internet  565  (shown in  FIG. 8B ). In a preferred embodiment, the commercial transactions can include commercial transactions involving merchandise (not shown), such as duty-free merchandise in the case of international travel, and/or services that are available via the vehicle  500 . Information regarding the merchandise and/or services can be visually and/or audibly presented via the portable media device  100  and can include textual information and/or graphical information describing the merchandise and/or services. The portable media device  100  likewise can one or more relevant Internet links and/or present various merchandise options, such as available sizes and/or colors, and/or service options. The desired merchandise and/or services can be selected for purchase via the portable media device  100  by entering the transaction information. If stored on the vehicle  500 , the merchandise can be made available upon receipt of the transaction information; otherwise, the merchandise can be provided upon arrival at the destination and/or shipped to a selected location. 
     The portable media device  100  likewise can be configured to present advertisement information for selected products and/or services. Uniform advertisement information can be presented by each portable media device  100 , and/or the advertisement information can be selectably presented by the portable media devices  100  based upon any suitable criteria. Preferably, the advertisement information comprises directed advertisement information based, for example, upon a passenger&#39;s usage of the portable media device  100 . The advertisement information can be visually and/or audibly presented via the portable media device  100  and can include textual information and/or graphical information describing the product and/or service. As desired, the portable media device  100  likewise can one or more relevant Internet links for viewing additional advertising information. The portable media device  100  can provide transaction information to purchase the advertised product and/or service in the manner discussed above. 
     The crew of the vehicle  500  likewise can be provided with one or more portable media devices  100  (or the crew media devices) for assisting passengers with their commercial transactions. Each crew media device can be provided in the manner set forth above with reference to the portable media device  100  (shown in  FIGS. 3A-B ) and preferably are configured to receive transaction information as discussed above. Preferably, the crew media device include a credit card reader system for providing payment information in the manner set forth in more detail above with reference to  FIG. 3B . The crew media device likewise can include additional functionality, such as a bar code scanner system, a still and/or motion picture camera system, voice recording functionality, and voice-to-text conversion functionality. 
     The crew media device can support any conventional type of commercial transactions, including the above-mentioned commercial transactions, such as rental of portable media devices  100  by passengers and/or merchandise (and/or services) purchases, that are supported by the portable media devices  100  for passenger usage. As desired, additional commercial transactions likewise may be supported. For example, the crew media device can be used to enter orders for food and/or beverages for delivery during travel. 
     To facilitate distribution of the purchased merchandise, the crew media device can be associated with one or more merchandise bins (not shown) for storing merchandise available on the vehicle  500 . The merchandise bins can be provided in any suitable manner, including as stationary merchandise bins and/or portable merchandise bins. For example, one or more selected cabin compartments (not shown) in the passenger cabin  570  (shown in  FIGS. 8A-B ) can be designated for merchandise storage. The crew media device likewise can include one or more drawers for merchandise storage and/or can be associated with a aircraft galley cart (not shown), such as a half-size galley cart and/or a full-size galley cart, with one or more drawers for merchandise storage. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the crew media device can provide an inventory control system for the merchandise available for purchase on the vehicle  500 . The crew media device preferably provides the inventory control system in cooperation with one or more computer systems (not shown), such as the vehicle information system  510 . As desired, the computer systems can be disposed onboard the vehicle  500  and/or external to, or remote from, the vehicle  500 . 
     As discussed in more detail above with regard to the portable media device  100 , the crew media device can store the transaction information on the memory system  144  and/or can transmit the transaction information as the upload content  260  (shown in  FIGS. 3A-B ). If stored on the memory system  144 , for example, the transaction information preferably is uploaded from the crew media device and provided to the device management database system  850  for processing in the manner discussed in more detail above with reference to the device management system  800  (shown in FIGS.  12  and  13 A-B). The crew media device likewise can be configured to communicate with the vehicle information system  510  as discussed above with reference to the portable media device  100 . Upon receiving the transaction information from the portable media device  100 , the vehicle information system  510  can process the transaction information in any conventional manner, including in real time and/or in a time-delayed manner, in the manner set forth in more detail above. To help ensure security, the transaction information preferably is stored and/or transmitted in an encrypted format. 
     In the manner discussed above with reference to the communication system  560  (shown in  FIG. 8B ), the vehicle information system  510  of the aircraft  500 B and the terrestrial content source  300 B (shown in  FIG. 8B ) can communicate in any conventional wireless manner. For example, an Aircraft-Ground Information Services-Cellular Modem (AGIS-CM) system for providing two-way data communications between an XMLRPC server system, such as the server system  520  (shown in  FIG. 8B ), installed on the aircraft  500 B and an Aircraft-Ground Information Services (AGIS) server at a ground station while the aircraft  500 B is on the ground. The server on board the aircraft  500 B includes a Cabin Memory Extension Unit (CMEU2 (AGIS-Air/AGIS-Link)) hard drive array with a communication port that is coupled with a General Packet Radio Service (GSM/GPRS) cellular transmitter/receiver via an RS-232 connection. After the aircraft  500 B lands, the server on board the aircraft  500 B is configured to dial a telephone number to contact the ground server. The server on board the aircraft  500 B and the ground server then can negotiate to form a communication channel using Internet connectivity in accordance with the XMLRPC protocol. Neither the dialing event nor the negotiation event will be triggered by opening a door to the aircraft  500 B. 
     The servers are configured to exchange data while the aircraft  500 B is on the ground, regarding of whether the aircraft  500 B is stationary or in motion. The data transferred from the server on board the aircraft  500 B comprises operational information regarding an in-flight entertainment (IFE) system that is installed on the aircraft  500 B. The operational information can include, for example, passenger usage information as well as information regarding any system failures. The ground server can transfer program content, such as movies or television programs, for display during subsequent flight. Prior to forming the communication channel, both servers can store pending data transfers, which are immediately exchanged once the communication channel has been established. Since the server on board the aircraft  500 B can store and transmit the pending data transfers, on-board applications, which generate the pending data transfers, are not individually required to provide a data transfer mechanism. 
     A communication system for providing two-way communications between a cellular telephone on an aircraft  500 B and the public telephone network while the aircraft  500 B is in flight. The communication system is mounted in an aircraft  500 B and is configured for use with standard cellular telephones used by passengers on the aircraft  500 B. Being in wireless communication with the cellular telephones, the communication system includes an internal antenna system for exchanging cellular communication signals with the cellular telephones. The internal antenna system can comprise a plurality of antennas distributed throughout the passenger compartment of the aircraft  500 B, such as an antenna disposed at each passenger seat, and is coupled with a central transceiver system. 
     The central transceiver system is configured to receive outgoing cellular communication signals from the internal antenna system and to convert the outgoing cellular communication signals into outgoing satellite communication signals, which are compatible with satellite communications. Coupled with an external antenna system, the central transceiver system is configured to transmit the outgoing satellite communication signals to a satellite system via the external antenna system. The satellite system, in turn, relays the outgoing satellite communication signals to a terrestrial receiving station that is in communication with the public telephone network. The terrestrial receiving station can convert the outgoing satellite communication signals into outgoing telephone signals, which are compatible with the public telephone network, and provides the outgoing telephone signals to the public telephone network. The central transceiver system likewise can receive incoming satellite communication signals the terrestrial receiving station and convert the incoming satellite communication signals into cellular communication signals via a reverse process. Thereby, passengers can make cellular telephone calls during flight. 
     The various embodiments disclosed herein are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, and specific examples thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the various embodiments disclosed herein are not to be limited to the particular forms or methods disclosed, but to the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the claims.