Signal reproducing apparatus and method, signal recording apparatus and method, signal receiver, and information processing method

(Amended) A signal processing device for a code string of a predetermined format obtained by coding a signal, the device comprising:

• rewriting means for rewriting dummy data of a first code string made through replacing a part of the code string of the predetermined format with the dummy data, to a second code string for complementing the dummy data part;
• and
• switching means for switching and outputting the first code string and the code string from the rewriting means in accordance with a predetermined condition;
• wherein the code string of the predetermined format comprises a variable-length code string at least partly;
• and
• the dummy data comprises dummy data corresponding to at least a part of the variable-length code string.

(Amended) A signal processing method for a code string of a predetermined format obtained by coding a signal, the method comprising:

• a rewriting step of rewriting dummy data of a first code string made through replacing a part of the code string of the predetermined format with the dummy data, to a second code string for complementing the dummy data part;
• and
• a switching step of switching and outputting the first code string and the code string obtained by the rewriting of the rewriting step in accordance with a predetermined condition;
• wherein the code string of the predetermined format comprises normalization factor information of the signal;
• and
• the dummy data comprises dummy data corresponding to at least a part of the normalization factor information.

(Amended) A signal processing method for a code string of a predetermined format obtained by coding a signal, the method comprising:

• a rewriting step of rewriting dummy data of a first code string made through replacing a part of the code string of the predetermined format with the dummy data, to a second code string for complementing the dummy data part;
• and
• a switching step of switching and outputting the first code string and the code string obtained by the rewriting of the rewriting step in accordance with a predetermined condition;
• wherein the code string of the predetermined format comprises a variable-length code string at least partly;
• and
• the dummy data comprises dummy data corresponding to at least a part of the variable-length code string.