Methods and apparatus for improving channel browsing experience for users by control scroll rates in guide listings are described. A preferred embodiment of slug consists essentially of compacted and optionally sintered material and comprises up to 35% ferrotungsten in particulate form, up to 3% lubricant, and the balance iron in particulate form with inevitable impurities. A slit is provided in the fitting region of the SAW filter and extends in a direction which intersects the transmission direction of the frequency signal within the SAW filter. The parameters to be passed include current message state information and current message type information for the received message.