Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a variable bit rate audio signal is disclosed. An audio signal is encoded into a plurality of encoded audio signals at different bit rates. A variable bit rate audio signal is produced by selecting between the plurality of encoded audio frames of different bit rates in accordance with a selection criterion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing and, optionally, distributing an information stream by divided the information stream into a collection of segments and compressing the segments, rearranging the order of the segments and encrypting the segments.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing and, optionally, distributing an information stream by divided the information stream into a collection of segments and compressing the segments, rearranging the order of the segments and encrypting the segments.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing and, optionally, distributing an information stream by divided the information stream into a collection of segments and compressing the segments, rearranging the order of the segments and encrypting the segments.

Abstract: A method and concomitant apparatus for compressing, multiplexing and, in optional embodiments, encrypting, transporting, decrypting, decompressing and presenting high quality video information in a manner that substantially preserves the fidelity of the video information in a system utilizing standard quality circuits to implement high quality compression, transport and decompression.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preserving the dynamic range of a relatively high dynamic range information stream, illustratively a high resolution video signal, subjected to a relatively low dynamic range encoding and/or transport process(es). A relatively high dynamic range information stream is subjected to a segmentation and remapping process whereby each segment is remapped to the relatively low dynamic range appropriate to the encoding and/or transport process(es) utilized. An auxiliary information stream includes segment and associated remapping information such that the initial, relatively high dynamic range information stream may be recovered in a post-encoding (i.e. decoding) or post-transport (i.e., receiving) process.