Abstract: A hierarchical processing apparatus and method for video and audio data for producing, modifying or deleting a playlist formed from information of reproduction times, channels and so forth of programs in the form of video and audio data is disclosed. The hierarchical processing apparatus includes an image of a first hierarchy for displaying a plurality of playlists formed from a plurality of clips which are video and audio data and additional information corresponding to the clips in a list and selecting one of the playlists to determine a playlist of an object of modification or a playlist of an object of deletion, and an image of a second hierarchy for selecting one of the plurality of clips and adding, to the selected clip, corresponding additional information to produce or modify the playlist. The image of the first hierarchy and the image of the second hierarchy allow transition therebetween in a series of operations.

Abstract: A video-audio data processor for editing encoded video-audio data of plural programs to form a serial program and then outputting the same. The processor comprises an encoder for encoding the reproduced video-audio data of each program and recording such data temporarily in a recording means; a play-out section for recording the encoded data temporarily in another recording means and then outputting the encoded data; a recording means selector for calculating the quantity of the encoded data while calculating also the remaining recording capacities of the plural recording means, and selecting one recording means, where the encoded data are to be recorded, in accordance with the data quantity and the remaining recording capacities; and a display unit for displaying the remaining recording capacities of the recording means detected by the recording means selector.