Audio system with parental maximum volume control

An audio system, comprising:

• means for adjusting a volume level of an audio signal to a desired maximum volume level;
• means for generating an audio signal corresponding to the volume level during the adjustment of the volume level to the desired maximum volume level;
• and
• means for establishing:
• before the adjustment, a default maximum volume level as a set maximum volume level for audio programs played on at least a portion of the audio system, the default maximum volume level being less than a highest volume level that the audio system is capable of;
• and
• after the adjustment, the desired maximum volume level as a set maximum volume level for audio programs played on at least said portion of the audio system.

A method of operating an operating system, the method comprising:

• establishing a default maximum volume level as a set maximum volume level for audio programs played on at least a portion of the audio system, the default maximum volume level being in a midrange of capabilities of the audio system;
• adjusting, after the establishing step, a volume level of an audio signal to a desired maximum volume level;
• generating the audio signal corresponding to the volume level during the adjustment of the volume level to the desired maximum volume level;
• and
• setting, after the adjusting step, the desired maximum volume level as a set maximum volume level for audio programs played on at least said portion of the audio system.