Abstract: A method for recording still picture group management information (VOBGI) for managing one or more still pictures (VOB) as a still picture group (VOBG) onto a storage medium. The method includes recording still picture management information (VOBI) in the still picture group management information (VOBGI) in the same order of recording corresponding still pictures (VOB). The still picture management information (VOBI) is classified into types of still picture management information including a first type of still picture management information (V_I), a second type of still picture management information (V_OA_I), a third type of still picture management information (V_AA_I), and a fourth type of still picture management information (V_OA_AA_I). The still picture management information (VOBI) also has a data size designated by the type.

Abstract: A recording apparatus for recording one or more still pictures (VOB) and still picture group management information (VOBGI) for managing the one or more still pictures (VOB) as a still picture group (VOBG) onto a storage medium and a storage medium therefor. A memory is provided which stores the still picture group management information (VOBGI). Apparatus is provided which records the still picture group management information (VOBGI) stored in the memory to the storage. When the still picture (VOB) is recorded, apparatus is provided which selects first still picture management information (V_I) or selects second still picture management information (V_OA_I) in accordance with audio, and apparatus which records the first or second still picture management information in the still picture group management information (VOBGI) in the same order of recording corresponding still pictures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recording still picture data (VOB) and still picture group management information (VOBGI) for managing N still picture data (VOB) as a still picture group (VOBG) onto a storage medium, N being an integer number equal to or larger than one. The still picture group management information (VOBGI) includes a first recording time (F_RECTM) at which the still picture data (VOB) in the still picture group (VOBG) was recorded first and a last recording time (L_RECTM) at which the still picture data (VOB) in the still picture group (VOBG) was recorded last. A recording time (RECTM) of the still picture data (VOB) is compared with the first recording time (F_RECTM). If the recording time (RECTM) is earlier (RECTM<F_RECTM) than the first recording time (F_RECTM), the content of the first recording time (F_RECTM) is replaced by the recording time (RECTM) and recorded.

Abstract: In a digital data transmission system of the present invention, the total transmission rate which changes with the passage of time in a plurality of video/audio signals multiplexed with a plurality of digital data on a transmission path is monitored without allocation of individual transmission rates to the plurality of video/audio signals so that encoders are controlled only when the total transmission rate exceeds the maximum transmission rate. Further, the plurality of digital data are transmitted within a range of the residual transmission rate obtained by subtracting the total transmission rate of the plurality of video/audio signals from the maximum transmission rate in the transmission path, whereby real-time transmission of video/audio signals and transmission of digital data can be made consistent with each other on one transmission path without reduction in video/audio quality of the transmitted video/audio signals.