Delivery device, reproduction device, and delivery system

An encoding method, comprising:

• encoding content into first, second and third data, the first data having a segment with a first start time, the second data having a segment with a second start time and the third data having a segment with a start time different from the second start time;
• transmitting the first data;
• determining which of a start time of a next segment of the second and third data is closer to and end time of a segment of the first data being transmitted;
• and
• switching transmitting of first data to second or third data, whichever is closer in time.

An encoding apparatus, comprising:

• a first encoder to encode content to produce first data having a first segment length;
• a second encoder to encode the content to produce second data having a second segment length;
• a third encoder to encode the content to produce third data having a third segment length shorter than the first segment length;
• and
• a data transmitter configured to:
• transmit the encoded content using the first to third data, and determine which of a start time of a next segment of the second and third data is closer to and end time of a segment of the first data being transmitted;
• and
• switch transmitting of first data to second or third data, whichever is closer in time.