a hand - held passenger control unit for use by a passenger on an aircraft or any other type of vehicle is provided . the control unit may include a controller , a memory , and a display panel . the control unit may have a first and a second mode of operation . in the first mode of operation , the control unit controls its own display panel . in the second mode of operation , the control unit controls a remote video display unit that is disposed proximate to the passenger . the control unit may also have an integrated audio player , thereby permitting passengers to bring their own audio content aboard the aircraft without having to bring their own audio players .