A tuning system is described that is capable of receiving a number of different broadcast types such as analog or digital satellite, cable, Internet, and terrestrial airwave broadcasts. The tuning system stores service records, each service recording containing information required to tune to a particular channel. These service records are categorized within service spaces by tuner type, content, or in any other desired manner. A viewer selects (actively or by default) the service space in which the viewer desires to channel surf. The viewer then selects the desired channel within that service space. In response to this selection, the tuning system uses the information within the selected service record to identify the correct tuner, and to cause that tuner to tune to the selected channel.