Abstract: A decoding apparatus using tables T1, T2, and T4 has a buffer memory (1), a code word separation circuit (2), a comparator (31), and an addition circuit (4). In the table T1, decoded data items corresponding to each code word are stored based on each code length as index. In the table T2, addresses in the table T1 corresponding to the minimum value in code words having each code length is stored based on the code length as index. In the table T4, the number of code words having each code length is stored based on the code length as index. The buffer memory (1) stores the real data part in a bit stream transferred from outside. The code word separation circuit (31) separates each bit data item from the buffer memory (1). The comparator (31) analyses the content of the data item transferred from the code word separation circuit (2). The addition circuit (4) adds the output from the comparator (31) to the output from the table T2.

Abstract: A bit stream area RG0 stored in a hard disk unit 10 is divided into two bit stream subareas RG1 and RG2. Pictures in the neighborhood of the front positions of the bit stream sub areas RG1 and RG2 after the division are multiplexed and displayed on the monitor 28. A user confirms the display on the monitor 28 and selects one bit stream subarea which contains a moving picture frame which he or she tries to watch. Thus, the search for the moving picture frame which the user tries to watch can be facilitated.