Abstract: A method and apparatus for synchronizing a clock to broadcast time-based signals, said time-based signals including encoded timing information, the method comprising the steps ofreceiving said time-based signals,decoding said time-based signals to derive a plurality of digits from said timing information representing actual clock time, andseparately verifying the correctness of each of said digits, said correctness verifying step including the steps of separately comparing each said derived digit with at least one corresponding previously decoded derived digit and verifying said derived digit when it meets a predefined verification test based on the consistency of said derived digit with said at least once corresponding previously decoded derived digit, repeating said comparison and verifying steps as said time-based signals are decoded until each said derived digit has been separately verified, and generating a lockon signal when all of said derived digits have been verified.