Tuning scheme for error-corrected broadcast programs

A method of receiving program source signals in a manner that facilitates tuning of a receiver on a channel over which the signals are transmitted, comprising:

• receiving an error-corrected signal stream associated with a program source;
• receiving a tuning signal stream associated with the program source;
• and
• reproducing a signal stream corresponding to the tuning signal stream while operating a tuner for selecting the program source for reproduction.

A system for transmitting program source signals in a manner that facilitates tuning of a receiver on a channel over which the signals are transmitted, comprising:

• a first encoder stage configured to apply a first error correction code to a first source signal stream associated with a program source, and to produce a corresponding first error-corrected source signal stream with a first correction delay;
• and
• a transmitter stage;
• wherein the transmitter stage is constructed and arranged to transmit said first error-corrected source signal stream for reception by a receiver;
• and
• said transmitter stage is also constructed and arranged to transmit a tuning signal stream corresponding to a second source signal stream associated with the program source, for reception by the receiver at a determined timing relative to transmission of the first error-corrected signal stream.

A system for receiving program source signals in a manner that facilitates tuning of a receiver on a channel over which the signals are transmitted, comprising:

• a receiver stage;
• wherein said receiver stage is constructed and arranged to respond to an error-corrected signal stream associated with a program source, and
• said receiver stage is also constructed and arranged to respond to a tuning signal stream associated with the program source;
• a tuner coupled to the receiver stage;
• and
• a program source reproducing stage coupled to said tuner and to the receiver stage;
• wherein said reproducing stage is configured to reproduce a signal stream corresponding to the tuning signal stream when the tuner is initially operated by a user for selecting the program source for reproduction.