Method and apparatus for efficiently allocating memory when switching between DVD audio and DVD video

The method of allocating memory space in a memory when switching between a DVD-video mode and a DVD-audio mode in a DVD-A/V player, comprising:

• storing a current video frame in a current display buffer portion of the memory during the DVD-video mode;
• pausing the DVD-A/V player in the DVD-video mode;
• setting the DVD-A/V player in the DVD-audio mode;
• determining if the current display buffer portion of the memory is a reserved display buffer portion of the memory;
• copying the current video frame to a reconstructed display buffer portion of the memory when the current display buffer portion is determined to be the reserved display buffer portion of the memory;
• designating at least the current display portion of the memory as an ASV buffer;
• and
• changing a frame buffer management scheme so as to preserve the ASV buffer.

An apparatus capable of allocating memory space in a memory when switching between a DVD-video mode and a DVD-audio mode in a DVD-A/V player, comprising:

• a means for storing a current video frame in a first portion of the memory during the DVD-video mode;
• a means for copying the current video frame to a predetermined second portion of the memory;
• means for designating the first portion of the memory as an ASV buffer;
• and
• a means for changing a frame buffer management scheme so as to preserve the ASV buffer.