Abstract: Apparatus and a method of displaying a predictively coded compressed video signal in a reverse time sequence is provided. The method includes retrieving key frames of a first group of pictures (GOP) upon initiation of a reverse play command. The retrieved key frames include any intra coded frame (I-frame) and predictively encoded frame (P-frame) in the first GOP. These key frames are decoded and stored in a memory. Subsequent bidirectionally predictively encoded frames (B frames) of the first GOP are then decoded and displayed as they are encountered in the reverse time sequence. Simultaneously, the I and P frames of a second GOP are decoded and stored in the memory. The second GOP is the next preceding GOP in the reverse time sequence so that, when the reverse play traverses the first GOP boundary, the decoding of key frames of the second GOP boundary has been completed.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method of displaying a predictively coded compressed video signal in a reverse time sequence is provided. The method includes retrieving key frames of a first group of pictures (GOP) upon initiation of a reverse play command. The retrieved key frames include any intra coded frame (I-frame) and predictively encoded frame (P-frame) in the first GOP. These key frames are decoded and stored in a memory. Subsequent bidirectionally predictively encoded frames (B frames) of the first GOP are then decoded and displayed as they are encountered in the reverse time sequence. Simultaneously, the I and P frames of a second GOP are decoded and stored in the memory. The second GOP is the next preceding GOP in the reverse time sequence so that, when the reverse play traverses the first GOP boundary, the decoding of key frames of the second GOP boundary has been completed.