RAPID AND SMOOTH SELECTION OF COMPRESSED VIDEO PROGRAMS

摘要

A system and method for rapid selection and viewing of video programs in digital video broadcasting are disclosed. In one example of the invention, a parser (120) sorts the data stream from different video programs and the sorted data are then stored in a fast cache memory (130). There are at least two intra-coded frames per video program available for decoding in the cache memory, constituting at least one group of pictures. Upon selecting a video program, a decoder (170) decodes data starting from the oldest intra-coded frame in the cache memory. Full motion video and accompanying audio of the new video program are therefore available immediately resulting in a seamless and aesthetically pleasing transition between video programs. Multiple decoders are used in other aspects of the invention to provide thumbnail videos of a group of video programs for visual program selection.