Method and apparatus for synchronously encoding audio signals with corresponding video frames

摘要

This invention enables coded audio data to be reliably decoded even if an audio signal coded in blocks not in synchronism with the frames or fields of a video signal is decoded on the basis of these frames of fields. By filling an integral number of coded audio blocks in the period of time corresponding to one frame or field of the video signal, this invention forms an array of coded audio blocks in synchronism with the frames or fields of the video signal before transmission. This avoids separating a coded block in transmitted data at a frame or field boundary, and enables the coded audio data to be reliably decoded so as to prevent the occurrence of a period of time in which decoded data is missing even if a switching operation is carried out on the basis of the frames or fields of the video signal.