Abstract: The present technology relates to an encoding device and encoding method, and a decoding device and a decoding method whereby the data amount of encoded data of images of multiple viewpoints can be reduced. A low-resolution reference image generating unit performs, in the event of encoding a color image of a viewpoint B having lower resolution than the resolution of a color image of a viewpoint A, different from the viewpoint A, resolution reduction processing to reduce resolution on the image of the viewpoint A so that the resolution of the color image of the viewpoint A agrees with the resolution of the color image of the viewpoint B. An inter prediction unit generates a prediction image of the color image of the viewpoint B with reference to the color image of the viewpoint A after resolution reduction processing. A computing unit and so forth encode the color image of the viewpoint B using the prediction image. The present technology may be applied to a 3D-image encoding device, for example.

Abstract: Disclosed is a content reproduction apparatus that is capable of reducing the processing time required between when the viewer's intention to start reproduction is indicated and when a reproduction image is actually displayed, and obliterates the reproduction start time difference between pieces of content.

Abstract: The present invention provides an easy-handling and highly-convenient communication system having sufficient adaptability even when a user does not want to transmit a live picture. In a user database for a service provider system, the user establishes beforehand information on designating image data to be transmitted to a communicated party according to each communication condition such as time, the communicated party or the like, and registers the image data to be used in an image database. When connections are established between a plurality of users via an access provider system, a server apparatus receives the live pictures from each user, determines data to be transmitted to each user by referring to the user database, reads out contents of the image database as required, and transmits to each user selectively the live picture or the read-out image data.

Abstract: A polarity switching signal generator able to stably generate a suitable polarity switching signal for inverting the polarity of a tracking error signal, wherein a reference value stored in a reference value storage circuit is updated by a rotational angle indicated by a rotational angle signal at a switching position of a land and groove captured by a capture circuit when an address decode signal is normal and wherein, further, a comparator compares the reference value stored in the reference value storage circuit with the rotational angle indicated by the rotational angle signal and generates a polarity switching signal instructing the switching of the polarity when they match.