Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide faster user-selected scene switching during playback of a video production. In one embodiment, several channels of video (e.g., several video streams each depicting a different camera angle) are read from interleaved data on a DVD disc. Each channel's data is maintained in a channel buffer that is input to a video decoder via a selector. When a signal from a user input device indicates that a user has selected a new channel, the selector can immediately provide the selected channel's data from the channel buffer to the video decoder, thus providing an increase in switching speed.

Abstract: A video playback device automatically generates transition indications when a user selects a new video stream while a current video stream is playing. Transitions can be any visual and/or audio indication including a wipe, fade, title overlay, graphics overlay, etc. Predetermined default transitions are associated with different transition types or a user can create and associate transitions to be used. Different types of transitions include a scene change, angle change, exit to a control menu, etc.

Abstract: A “hold” feature on a user operated remote control allows a currently displayed track or view to be maintained while a video presentation is being played. As a user is watching a presentation that uses multiple camera views shown one-at-a-time as in a standard edited cut (i.e., “director's cut”) of a movie, the user can press a button when the user sees a camera view or scene of particular interest. Thereafter, the track associated with the camera view or scene that was showing when the hold button was pressed will continue to be played in place of the presentation. To return to the edited cut the user depresses the hold button again. The held track will continue to play until the user decides to resume presentation of the edited program or until the held track ends. Upon ending, the program track is resumed. While holding a track the user is free to select other available tracks in addition to jumping back to the program track at any time.