Method and apparatus for predictive tuning in digital content receivers

A content receiver system comprising:

• primary receiver for receiving a primary content stream;
• primary decoder that decodes the primary content stream;
• prediction unit that generates a next channel prediction according to at least one of a channel pre-selection indication and a time-selected usage profile;
• alternate channel receiver that receives an alternate content stream according to the next channel prediction;
• alternate decoder that decodes the alternate content stream;
• and
• content stream selection unit that:
• selects the primary decoded content stream;
• receives a channel selection command or a partial channel selection;
• and
• selects the alternate decoded content stream when the channel selection command is equal to a next channel prediction.

A set top box comprising:

• primary receiver that selects a primary modulated carrier;
• primary signal path that generates a primary presentation stream according to the primary modulated carrier;
• alternate receiver that selects an alternate modulated carrier;
• alternate signal path that generates an alternate presentation stream according to the alternate modulated carrier;
• selection unit that selects a presentation stream for presentation;
• processor that is programmed to:
• command the primary receiver to receive a primary channel;
• predict a next selected channel according to at least one of a preselection indication and a time-selected usage profile;
• command the alternate receiver to receive an alternate channel;
• receive a channel selection command;
• command the selection unit to select the alternate presentation stream when the channel selection command is consistent with the predicted next selected channel.