1. A method for decoding an LDPC (low-density parity check) code word, comprising: receiving a plurality of LLR (log likelihood ratio) terms from a demodulation unit of a receiver; generating a scaling factor in accordance with at least one parameter descriptive of communication channel conditions for the receiver, wherein the scaling factor is generated in accordance with a power spread value of a plurality of FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) bins; applying the scaling factor to each of the plurality of LLR terms to compute a corresponding plurality of scaled LLR terms; and executing an iterative layered belief propagation algorithm by using the plurality of scaled LLR terms to generate decoded information.