Abstract: A video splicer combines a first video stream, encoded in accordance with a block based coding algorithm, with a second video stream. A header processor detects a key position picture in each of a plurality of sequential GOPs of the first stream and determines a presentation time for each key position picture in each GOP in the first stream. A timing mapper identifies a respective image in the second stream having a presentation time corresponding to a key position picture of the first stream. An encoder encodes the second stream in accordance with the block based coding algorithm. A new GOP is started with the respective image in the second stream having a presentation time corresponding to the key position picture of the first stream. A switcher switches between outputting the first stream and the encoded second stream by a signal from the timing mapper.

Abstract: A video splicer combines a first video stream, encoded in accordance with a block based coding algorithm, with a second video stream. A header processor detects a key position picture in each of a plurality of sequential GOPs of the first stream and determines a presentation time for each key position picture in each GOP in the first stream. A timing mapper identifies a respective image in the second stream having a presentation time corresponding to a key position picture of the first stream. An encoder encodes the second stream in accordance with the block based coding algorithm. A new GOP is started with the respective image in the second stream having a presentation time corresponding to the key position picture of the first stream. A switcher switches between outputting the first stream and the encoded second stream by a signal from the timing mapper.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for splicing digital signals comprising packets of complete data and differential data at the transmission stage, especially MPEG-2 signals. The major reactions are those of erroneous reactions of the standardized decoder (T-STD) owing to the splicing. A splicing method is disclosed, comprising the following steps: receiving a first digital signal s1; receiving a second digital signal s2; receiving a splicing command Cc(T0); transmitting the first signal s1 before the splicing indicated by the splicing command Cc(T0), and transmitting the second signal s2 after the splicing indicated by the splicing command Cc(T0); wherein the transmission of the second signal s2 starts with the I or P packets of complete data closest to the instant To indicated by the splicing command Cc(T0) in such a way that the reproduction of the second signal s2 starts with the reproduction of the I or P packet of complete data.