Patent ID: 8605780

Claim:
A coding device for encoding an input digital signal to generate a stream, comprising: an encoder operable to encode the input digital signal using code words contained in one of plural code word groups, the plural code word groups including variable length code words; and a multiplexer operable to generate the stream by generating a parameter describing specific information about the stream, encoding the parameter to define an encoded parameter, and adding the encoded parameter to data output from the encoder, wherein a length of the code words contained in any single code word group of the plural code word groups is the same, and when encoding a specific parameter which is required to be rewritten when two streams are connected to generate the stream and which is required to be set to a different value between adjacent pictures in the stream, the multiplexer selects one selected code word group containing at least three code words out of the plural code word groups, and codes the specific parameter using one code word selected from the code words contained in the one selected code word group.