Abstract: The invention which is the subject of the application relates to a television system apparatus and method wherein the broadcast data receiver includes at least two tuners. Each tuner is controllable to tune to a frequency of a known RF carrier for data relating to one or a plurality of selectable television channels. In order to avoid or reduce the delay which can appear on screen when the user selects to change channels a method and apparatus is provided whereby, based upon previous user channel selection patterns, the apparatus predicts the channel which is next to be selected and if one of the tuners is free, that tuner is controlled to tune to the RF carrier frequency for the predicted channel such that the data for that channel is available, should the channel subsequently be selected by the user.

Abstract: The invention relates to the provision of a broadcast data receiver for use in receiving digital data providing any or any combination of video, audio or auxiliary data. The broadcast data receiver receives the data via satellite, cable and/or terrestrial transmission systems via a number of RF carriers. The broadcast data receiver includes at least two tuners which can be controlled to receive data on specific data carriers at specified frequencies in response to user selections when operating a broadcast data receiver. In some instances, at least one of the tuners may not be required to receive data at a specific frequency and, in these instances, in accordance with the invention, the tuner is utilized to scan the available frequency bandwidth for service information and to store said service information for subsequent use. The invention therefore allows the utilization of a tuner when not in primary use for a useful service.