Generation of an intermediate video bitstream from a compressed video bitstream to enhance playback performance

摘要

A video decoder system affords playback of video information corresponding to a compressed video bitstream which demands less processor performance than would be demanded for decoding the compressed video bitstream itself. One embodiment includes preprocessing and partially decoding the compressed video bitstream, and retaining the partially-decoded information for subsequent playback. In another embodiment the compressed video bitstream is preprocessed and information useful for increasing the processing speed is retained for subsequent playback. Either embodiment may be used alone, or both may be used together. The information useful for increasing the processing speed which is retained for subsequent playback may be retained by creating an intermediate video bitstream which may include partially decoded information from the compressed video bitstream as well as the information useful for increasing the processing speed of the video information. The intermediate video bitstream may be stored on a system hard disk where it may be read much faster than if stored on a CD-ROM and may be deleted when not needed.