Abstract: A syntax parsing apparatus produces an effective bit length used in a video decoder which decodes encoded bitstream data. The syntax parsing apparatus includes an input port for receiving encoded bitstream data, and a control command output port for storing data of a plurality of control commands and sequentially selects and outputs the data of each of the plurality of the control commands. A variable-length code table unit selects and outputs either the bitstream data received via the input port or a variable-length code corresponding to the received bitstream data according to the control command data supplied from the control command output port, and outputs a variable-length code length corresponding to the received bitstream data. A data store stores the selected data output from the variable-length code table unit in response to the control command data.