An error-concealment scheme in which data words or samples generated in sequence by the A/D converter are separated into defined subgroups such as odd- and even-numbered words within a longer sequence. Each subgroup is then recorded after its mate, shuffling originally adjacent words to positions somewhat far apart on tape. This is done to allow the reconstruction of continuous valid data in the event of large-scale drop-outs, burst errors, or other extended read error problems. Cross-interleaving further shuffles the interleaved data into yet smaller subgroups. The CIRC system, used in CD reproduction, combines several error-concealment algorithms, including cross-interleaving.