1. A method of computing a plurality of branch metrics for use in identifying information in a signal, comprising: selecting a first set of branches associated with signal values closest to the signal; computing a first set of branch metrics for the first set of branches using a first process; and computing a second set of branch metrics for a second set of branches using a second process, wherein the first set of branches and the second set of branches are distinct, and wherein the second process is implemented using fewer resources for each branch metric calculation than the first process.