1. A method for reducing the time required to demodulate a convolutionally encoded channel, comprising: ascertaining the presence of a plurality of known bit values in the convolutionally encoded channel; resetting a first plurality of states in a Viterbi decoder with a favorable weight in accordance with the presence of the plurality of known bit values; resetting a second plurality of states in the Viterbi decoder with an unfavorable weight in accordance with the presence of the plurality of known bit values; and demodulating the convolutionally encoded channel.