A method and system are provided in which broadcast signals are received and
converted
into data streams for processing. A user is enabled to select preferred broadcast
stations for monitoring and signals from the selected stations are converted into
digital data streams which are input to first-in first-out (FIFO) memory units
to enable a local storage of a segment of predetermined duration of broadcast signals
on different FIFO tracks in a user receiving device. The FIFO is dynamically allocated
for the selected stations and as each FIFO memory for each selected station becomes
full, old information or content is moved out of memory as new information or content
is applied to the FIFO. The receiving device includes means for enabling a user
to move forward or backward within the stored segment. Partitions or markers are
provided to separate broadcast content items, such as sequentially played songs
within the stored segment, to enable incremental movement to selected positions
within the stored segment. Sections of stored segments which are selected for user
processing are copied to separate memory locations for access to avoid interference
with the continuing FIFO storage of received broadcast signals.