In addition to global index chunks that indicate the order of program portions in a multimedia stream carrying multiple multiplexed programs, index blocks are provided in data chunks of the stream that point to times when particular program portions arrive. This information can be used at the physical or transport layer of a wireless battery-powered receiver by, e.g., a simple state machine to energize the analog receiving circuitry only for as long as necessary to receive information pertaining to a desired program, thereby conserving battery power.