Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for time altering one or more discrete digital audio/video program segments, each program segment having distinct In time and Out time code points. Data from the digital program segments are received from a data source and decoded. The decoded data are modulated as a serial data stream. The modulated decoded data are provided to a time altering processor to remove or duplicate frame positions to time alter the frame sequence. The resulting time altered serial data stream is demodulated to provide buffered program segment data. The buffered and time altered program segments are encoded and provided in a desired file or streaming format. Audio synchronization with the video is maintained by duplication or removal of audio samples corresponding to the duplicated or removed video frames.

Abstract: The running real time length of combined video and audio signal programs is shortened or lengthened by deleting or repeating individual fields or frames and corresponding amounts of audio segments. The video and audio portions of the programming material are separated and subjected to processing through a pair of program time changing units. The video portion is processed by deleting individual fields or frames on a manual, periodic or automatic basis. Manual deletion is done by an operator observing the program material on a monitor. Periodic deletion is performed automatically after the operator specifies the total amount of time (or number of fields or frames) to be deleted, with every ith frame or field deleted regardless of content. Automatic deletion is done in a fashion similar to periodic deletion, but the fields or frames are examined and are deleted on the basis of the amount of between frame motion.