Abstract: An error correcting encoding and decoding system for transmission and reception of digital data is arranged for high error-correcting ability of both burst errors and random errors. In encoding apparatus a digital signal is processed as a plurality of word sequences. The words are interleaved into a different arranging order and are subjected to different relative amounts of delay. Then, first check words are generated to satisfy a parity detection matrix, such as a Reed-Solomon code matrix. After this, the resulting data words and first check words are again interleaved and are provided with respective different amounts of delay. Then, second check words are generated to satisfy a similar matrix. Finally, the first and second check words and the data words are interleaved prior to transmission.

Abstract: A method and appratus are provided for communicating a sequence of digital information words. The information words are separated into a sequence of odd information words and a sequence of even information words. The separated odd and even information words are time-displaced from each other by a predetermined amount. The odd information words are encoded in an error-correcting code, and the even information words are separately encoded in a similar error-correcting code. The encoded time-displaced odd and even information words are combined into a transmission block, and this transmission block is transmitted or recorded. In one embodiment, the information words are encoded by generating an error-correcting word in response to the odd information words and by generating an error-correcting word in response to the even information words. The respective error-correcting words are interleaved with the odd and even information words.