Just to add to this topic, usually Reed Solomon codes are interleaved with Turbo codes or LDPC.
The reason is this: Reed Solomon corrects entire symbols, but can only correct so many symbols per block. LDPC and Turbo correct single bit errors. If you have a lot of single bit errors, mixed with completely corrupt blocks, it's best to use both.
Interleaving usually mixes the bits around too, to spread long chains of errors out between symbols.
This setup is used in digital radio, 3G, CD and DVD, DSL, etc
Comments
Just to add to this topic, usually Reed Solomon codes are interleaved with Turbo codes or LDPC.
The reason is this: Reed Solomon corrects entire symbols, but can only correct so many symbols per block. LDPC and Turbo correct single bit errors. If you have a lot of single bit errors, mixed with completely corrupt blocks, it's best to use both.
Interleaving usually mixes the bits around too, to spread long chains of errors out between symbols.
This setup is used in digital radio, 3G, CD and DVD, DSL, etc