Patent ID: 8098738

Claim:
A decoding control apparatus for controlling a process to decode encoded data obtained as a result of a predictive encoding process, said decoding control apparatus comprising: a decoding controller for controlling processes carried out by a plurality of decoders for decoding said encoded data in order to decode said encoded data in picture units on the basis of a decoding control list describing at least an edit point set in said encoded data and a start point representing a timing to start a process to decode fewest possible pictures, which are not to be displayed but must be decoded first before decoding a picture to be displayed after said edit point, as decoding control information for controlling said processes carried out by said decoders for decoding said encoded data in order to decode said encoded data; and a selector for selecting one of pictures, which are obtained as results of said processes carried out by said decoders, on the basis of said decoding control list and for outputting said selected picture.