Abstract: A method of recording N-channel video signals and M-channel audio signals (N, M being natural numbers) includes the steps of periodically extracting the video signal for one unit period, thereby thinning out the video signal, for each of the N-channel video signals, in turn combining the extracted video signals by a time division multiplexing operation. The method also includes the step of coding each of the M-channel audio signals to form M code trains, compressing in time each of the M code trains by a factor of 1/M or less and dividing each of the M code trains into a plurality of blocks, successively combining each block from the M code trains by a time division multiplexing operation. The video and audio signal obtained by the above multiplex operations are recorded on a single recording medium.

Abstract: A digital data error block detection and display device which prevents incorrect operations in a receiving section due to data errors, displays block numbers containing errors, and thereby allows the operator to easily identify error-containing blocks. It is first checked whetehr a device bebug mode has been selected, and data errors are detected in digital data while transmitting the same. Digital data transmission is terminated when a data error has been detected. Digital data blocks containing data error are identified. A decision is made whether digital data including the digital block in which data error has been detected is to be transmitted. Transmission is continued of the digital data including the digital data block in which data error was detected.

Abstract: A playback unit for still pictures with sound for transmission of composite data, composed of audio and digital data, to an external device. The composite data is stored and then separated into audio and digital data. The audio data is transmitted with priority over the digital data.