1. A speech recognition unit, comprising: a memory device that includes an executable speech recognition routine; and a processor that receives and executes program instructions associated with said executable speech recognition routine, wherein in a first operating state said processor regularly receives a digitized audio signal and processes said digitized audio signal to determine, using first detection criteria, if a keyword is embedded as data within said digitized audio signal, and upon detection of said keyword said processor transitions to operate in a second operating state, in said second operating state said processor regularly receives and processes said digitized audio signal to determine, using a second detection criteria, if a first voice command is embedded as data within said digitized audio signal, wherein said first detection criteria provides a greater false rejection rate than said second detection criteria.