Retaining channel synchronization through use of alternate control characters

A method of receiving image data across a communication channel in a printer with improved channel synchronization, comprising:

• providing the printer having a photoconductor and an exposure system for imagewise modulating charge on the photoconductor;
• receiving across the communication channel a start-of-line control character or an alternate start-of-line control character, followed by a line of image data, followed by an end-of line control character or an alternate end-of-line control character, followed by an exposure-start control character or an alternate exposure-start control character, wherein the start-of-line control character is followed by the image data a first specified number of clocks later, the alternate start-of-line control character is followed by the image data a second specified number of clocks later, the second specified number is different from the first specified number;
• identifying the line of image data using the received start-of-line control character or the received alternate start-of-line control character using the corresponding specified number of clocks;
• and
• in response to either the exposure-start control character or alternate exposure-start control character being received uncorrupted, exposing the line of image data onto the photoconductor using the exposure system.