Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes: a data processing unit which performs copy processing for recording recorded data of a first medium in a second medium, wherein the data processing unit receives playlist sequence information which represents the use sequence of a playlist applied to reproduction processing of copy data recorded in the second medium, from a management server and performs processing for generating an attribute file which stores the playlist sequence information and recording the generated attribute file in the second medium.

Abstract: A method of creating a variable-shaped block in a target image includes generating an initial pattern of target blocks, identifying allowable combinations of target blocks, calculating a combination value for each allowable combination, using the combination value to select one of the allowable combinations, and performing the selected allowable combination to create a variable-shaped block.

Abstract: Switch sample metadata defining switch sample sets associated with multimedia data is created. Each switch sample set includes samples that have identical decoding values. Further, a file associated with the multimedia data is formed. This file includes the switch sample metadata, as well as other information pertaining to the multimedia data.