A system and method for detecting a correct transmission format upon encountering a decoding error in a variable-format transmission scheme, wherein the decoding error results from an unsuccessful decoding of a frame. The invention provides for prioritizing the permissible formats, resulting in a prioritized order. The frame data is then decoded according to one or more of the permissible formats in the prioritized order, and if the decoding is successful in accordance with one of the formats, that format is selected as the correct transmission format.