Method of transmitting digital video and audio signals between bit rate reduction encoded signal recording and reproducing systems

A method of transmitting digital signals between a first apparatus having a function of recording a bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and a digital audio signal on a recording medium and a second apparatus having a function of reproducing from a recording medium a recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal, a recorded digital audio signal and a recorded additional information signal containing information concerning the recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and information concerning the recorded digital audio signal, said method comprising the steps of:

• reproducing a recorded bit rate reduction coded video signal, a recorded digital audio signal and a recorded additional information signal from a recording medium at said second apparatus to obtain a reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signal, a reproduced digital audio signal and a reproduced additional information signal, respectively;
• time-division multiplexing the reproduced digital audio signal with the reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signal and with the reproduced additional information signal at said second apparatus to obtain a multiplexed transmission signal;
• transmitting said transmission signal from said second apparatus;
• receiving at said first apparatus said transmission signal transmitted from said second apparatus;
• separating the received transmission signal at said first apparatus into said reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signal, said reproduced digital audio signal and said reproduced additional information signal;
• and
• recording at said first apparatus said reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signal, said reproduced digital audio signal and said reproduced additional information signal which have been separated by the separating step on another recording medium;
• wherein said method further comprises, between the reproducing step and the transmitting step, the steps of detecting errors contained in said reproduced bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said reproduced digital audio signal to obtain detected errors, correcting correctable errors among said detected errors, and concealing uncorrectable errors among said detected errors;
• wherein a time difference between said reproduced bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said reproduced digital audio signal at the time-division multiplexing step is the same as a time difference between an original video signal from which said recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal was produced and an original audio signal from which said recorded digital audio signal was produced;
• wherein a time difference between said reproduced bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said reproduced digital audio signal in said transmission signal in the transmitting step is the same as a time difference between an original video signal from which said recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal was produced and an original audio signal from which said recorded digital audio signal was produced;
• wherein the time-division multiplexing step includes multiplexing said reproduced bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal, said reproduced digital audio signal and said additional information signal so that said additional information signal is included as is in said transmission signal;
• wherein said additional information signal includes an editing number code indicating a number of editings previously made, wherein said method further comprises the steps of decoding said reproduced bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal reproduced from said recording medium to obtain a decoded video signal, editing said decoded video signal to obtain an edited video signal and incrementing said editing number code by one to obtain a new editing number code, and bit rate reduction encoding said edited video signal to obtain a bit rate reduction encoded edited digital video signal, said bit rate reduction encoded edited digital video signal being time-division multiplexed with said additional information including said new editing number code, and wherein said recording step at said first apparatus records said new editing number code as is on said another recording medium;
• wherein said recorded digital audio signal is a bit rate reduction encoded digital audio signal, wherein said method further comprises the steps of:
• decoding said reproduced digital audio signal reproduced from said recording medium to obtain a decoded audio signal;
• editing said decoded audio signal to obtain an edited audio signal and incrementing said editing number code by one to obtain a new editing number code;
• and
• bit rate reduction encoding said edited audio signal to obtain a bit rate reduction encoded edited digital audio signal, said bit rate reduction encoded edited digital audio signal being time-division multiplexed with said additional information signal including said new editing number code, and
• wherein said recording step at said first apparatus records said new editing number code as is on said another recording medium.

A method of transmitting digital signals between a first apparatus having a function of recording a bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and a digital audio signal on a recording medium and a second apparatus having a function of reproducing from a recording medium a recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal, a recorded digital audio signal and a recorded additional information signal containing information concerning the recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and information concerning the recorded digital audio signal, said method comprising the steps of:

• reproducing a recorded bit rate reduction coded video signal, a recorded digital audio signal and a recorded additional information signal from a recording medium at said second apparatus to obtain a reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signal,.a reproduced digital audio signal and a reproduced additional information signal, respectively;
• time-division multiplexing the reproduced digital audio signal with the reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signal and with the reproduced additional information signal at said second .apparatus to obtain a multiplexed transmission signal;
• transmitting said transmission signal from said second apparatus;
• receiving at said first apparatus said transmission signal transmitted from said second apparatus;
• separating the received transmission signal at said first apparatus into said reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signal, said reproduced digital audio signal and said reproduced additional information signal;
• and
• recording at said first apparatus said reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signal, said reproduced digital audio signal and said reproduced additional information signal which have been separated by the separating step on another recording medium;
• wherein said method further comprises, between the reproducing step and the transmitting step, the steps of detecting errors contained in said reproduced bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said reproduced digital audio signal to obtain detected errors, correcting correctable errors among said detected errors, and concealing uncorrectable errors among said detected errors;
• wherein a time difference between said reproduced bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said reproduced digital audio signal at the time-division multiplexing step is the same as a time difference between an original video signal from which said recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal was produced and an original audio signal from which said recorded digital audio signal was produced;
• wherein a time difference between said reproduced bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said reproduced digital audio signal in said transmission signal in the transmitting step is the same as a time difference between an original video signal from which said recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal was produced and an original audio signal from which said recorded digital audio signal was produced;
• wherein the time-division multiplexing step includes multiplexing said reproduced bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal, said reproduced digital audio signal and said additional information signal so that said additional information signal is included as is in said transmission signal;
• wherein said reproducing step reproduces a plurality of recorded bit rate reduction coded video signals and a plurality of recorded digital audio signals from a plurality of recording mediums to obtain a plurality of reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signals, a plurality of reproduced digital audio signals and a plurality of additional information signals, wherein each of said plurality of additional information signals includes a copy number code indicating a number of copies previously made and an editing number code indicating a number of editings previously made, wherein said method further comprises the steps of:
• decoding each of said plurality of reproduced bit rate reduction encoded digital video signals to obtain a plurality of decoded video signals;
• editing said plurality of decoded video signals to obtain an edited video signal, including the steps of selecting a maximum copy number code among copy number codes in said plurality of additional information signals, selecting a maximum editing number code among editing number codes in said plurality of additional information signals, and incrementing said maximum editing number code by one to obtain a new editing number code;
• bit rate reduction encoding said edited video signal to obtain a bit rate reduction encoded edited digital video signal, said bit rate reduction encoded edited digital video signal being time-division multiplexed with an additional information signal including said maximum copy number code and said new editing number code;
• and
• incrementing said maximum copy number code by one at said first apparatus to obtain a new copy number code, and
• wherein said recording step at said first apparatus records each of said new copy number code and said new editing number code as is on said another recording medium.

A method of transmitting digital signals between a first apparatus having a function of recording a bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and a digital audio signal on a recording medium and a second apparatus having a function of reproducing from a recording medium a recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal, a recorded digital audio signal and a recorded additional information signal containing information concerning the recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and information concerning the recorded digital audio signal, said method comprising the steps of:

• reproducing a recorded bit rate reduction coded video signal, a recorded digital audio signal and a recorded additional information signal from a recording medium at said second apparatus to obtain a reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signal, a reproduced digital audio signal and a reproduced additional information signal, respectively;
• time-division multiplexing the reproduced digital audio signal with the reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signal and with the reproduced additional information signal at said second apparatus to obtain a multiplexed transmission signal;
• transmitting said transmission signal from said second apparatus;
• receiving at said first apparatus said transmission signal transmitted from said second apparatus;
• separating the received transmission signal at said first apparatus into said reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signal, said reproduced digital audio signal and said reproduced additional information signal;
• and
• recording at said first apparatus said reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signal, said reproduced digital audio signal and said reproduced additional information signal which have been separated by the separating step on another recording medium;
• wherein said method further comprises, between the reproducing step and the transmitting step, the steps of detecting errors contained in said reproduced bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said reproduced digital audio signal to obtain detected errors, correcting correctable errors among said detected errors, and concealing uncorrectable errors among said detected errors;
• wherein a time difference between said reproduced bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said reproduced digital audio signal at the time-division multiplexing step is the same as a time difference between an original video signal from which said recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal was produced and an original audio signal from which said recorded digital audio signal was produced;
• wherein a time difference between said reproduced bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said reproduced digital audio signal in said transmission signal in the transmitting step is the same as a time difference between an original video signal from which said recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal was produced and an original audio signal from which said recorded digital audio signal was produced;
• wherein the time-division multiplexing step includes multiplexing said reproduced bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal, said reproduced digital audio signal and said additional information signal so that said additional information signal is included as is in said transmission signal;
• and
• wherein said reproducing step reproduces a plurality of recorded video signals including a bit rate reduction coded video signal and a non-encoded analog or digital video signal which has not been bit rate reduction encoded from a plurality of recorded mediums to obtain a plurality of reproduced video signals including a reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signal and a reproduced non-encoded analog or digital video signal, wherein said additional information signal includes a copy number code indicating a number of copies previously made and an editing number code indicating a number of editings previously made, and wherein said method further comprises a step of setting 0 to said copy number code and said editing number code of an additional information signal for said reproduced non-encoded analog or digital video signal.

A method of transmitting digital signals between a first apparatus having a function of recording a bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and a digital audio signal on a recording medium and a second apparatus having a function of reproducing from a recording medium a recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal, a recorded digital audio signal and a recorded additional information signal containing information concerning the recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and information concerning the recorded digital audio signal, said method comprising the steps of:

• reproducing a recorded bit rate reduction coded video signal, a recorded digital audio signal and a recorded additional information signal from a recording medium at said second apparatus to obtain a reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signal, a reproduced digital audio signal and a reproduction additional information signal, respectively;
• time-division multiplexing the reproduced digital audio signal with the reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signal and with the reproduced additional information signal at said second apparatus to obtain a multiplexed transmission signal;
• transmitting said transmission signal from said second apparatus;
• receiving at said first apparatus said transmission signal transmitted from said second apparatus;
• separating the received transmission signal at said first apparatus into said reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signal, said reproduced digital audio signal and said reproduced additional information signal;
• and
• recording at said first apparatus said reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signal, said reproduced digital audio signal and said reproduced additional information signal which have been separated by the separating step on another recording medium;
• wherein said method further comprises, between the reproducing step and the transmitting step, the steps of detecting errors contained in said reproduced bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said reproduced digital audio signal to obtain detected errors, correcting correctable errors among said detected errors, and concealing uncorrectable errors among said detected errors;
• wherein a time difference between said reproduced bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said reproduced digital audio signal at the time-division multiplexing step is the same as a time difference between an original video signal from which said recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal was produced and an original audio signal from which said recorded digital audio signal was produced;
• wherein said recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said recorded digital audio signal include an additional information signal concerning said recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said recorded digital audio signal, and wherein the time-division multiplexing step includes multiplexing said reproduced bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said reproduced digital audio signal which include said additional information signal so that said additional information signal is included as is in said transmission signal;
• wherein said additional information signal includes a copy number code indicating a number of copies previously made and an editing number code indicating a number of editings previously made, wherein said method further comprises the steps of extracting at said first apparatus said copy number code and said editing number code from the received transmission signal, and incrementing the extracted copy number code by one to obtain a new copy number code, and wherein said recording step records the extracted editing number code as is and said new copy number code on said another recording medium;
• and
• wherein each of said copy number code and said editing number code is separated into a code for video signal channel and a code for audio signal channel, and wherein each of said code for video signal channel and said code for audio signal channel is processed independently of the other.

A method of transmitting digital signals between a first apparatus having a function of recording a bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and a digital audio signal on a recording medium and a second apparatus having a function of reproducing from a recording medium a recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal, a recorded digital audio signal and a recorded additional information signal containing information concerning the recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and information concerning the recorded digital audio signal, said method comprising the steps of:

• reproducing a recorded bit rate reduction coded video signal, a recorded digital audio signal and a recorded additional information signal from a recording medium at said second apparatus to obtain a reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signal, a reproduced digital audio signal and a reproduced additional information signal, respectively;
• time-division multiplexing the reproduced digital audio signal with the reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signal and with the reproduced additional information signal at said second apparatus to obtain a multiplexed transmission signal;
• transmitting Said transmission signal from said second apparatus;
• receiving at said first apparatus said transmission signal transmitted from said second apparatus;
• separating the received transmission signal at said first apparatus into said reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signal, said reproduced digital audio signal and said reproduced additional information signal;
• and
• recording at said first apparatus said reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signal, said reproduced digital audio signal and said reproduced additional information signal which have been separated by the separating step on another recording medium;
• wherein said method further comprises, between the reproducing step and the transmitting step, the steps of detecting errors contained in said reproduced bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said reproduced digital audio signal to obtain detected errors, correcting correctable errors among said detected errors, and concealing uncorrectable errors among said detected errors;
• wherein a time difference between said reproduced bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said reproduced digital audio signal at the time-division multiplexing step is the same as a time difference between an original video signal from which said recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal was produced and an original audio signal from which said recorded digital audio signal was produced:
• wherein said recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said recorded digital audio signal include an additional information signal concerning said recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said recorded digital audio signal, and wherein the time-division multiplexing step includes multiplexing said reproduced bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said reproduced digital audio signal which include said additional information signal so that said additional information signal is included as is in said transmission signal;
• wherein said additional information signal includes a copy number code indicating a number of copies previously made and an editing number code indicating a number of editings previously made, wherein said method further comprises the steps of extracting at said first apparatus said copy number code and said editing number code from the received transmission signal, and incrementing the extracted copy number code by one to obtain a new copy number code, and wherein said recording step records the extracted editing number code as is and said new copy number code on said another recording medium;
• wherein said reproducing step reproduces a plurality of recorded bit rate reduction coded video signals and a plurality of recorded digital audio signals from a plurality of recording mediums to obtain a plurality of reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signals, a plurality of reproduced digital audio signals and a plurality of additional information signals, wherein each of said plurality of additional information signals includes a copy number code indicating a number of copies previously made and an editing number code indicating a number of editings previously made, wherein said method further comprises the steps of:
• decoding each of said plurality of reproduced bit rate reduction encoded digital video signals to obtain a plurality of decoded video signals;
• editing said plurality of decoded video signals to obtain an edited video signal, including the steps of selecting a maximum copy number code among copy number codes in said plurality of additional information signals, selecting a maximum editing number code among editing number codes in said plurality of additional information signals, and incrementing said maximum editing number code by one to obtain a new editing number code;
• bit rate reduction encoding said edited video signal to obtain a bit rate reduction encoded edited digital video signal, said bit rate reduction encoded edited digital video signal being time-division multiplexed with an additional information signal including said maximum copy number code and said new editing number code;
• and
• incrementing said maximum copy number code by one at said first apparatus to obtain a new copy number code, and
• wherein said recording step at said first apparatus records each of said new copy number code and said new editing number code as is on said another recording medium.

A method of transmitting digital signals between a first apparatus having a function of recording a bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and a digital audio signal on a recording medium and a second apparatus having a function of reproducing from a recording medium a recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal, a recorded digital audio signal and a recorded additional information signal containing information concerning the recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and information concerning the recorded digital audio signal, said method comprising the steps of:

• reproducing a recorded bit rate reduction coded video signal, a recorded digital audio signal and a recorded additional information signal from a recording medium at said second apparatus to obtain a reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signal, a reproduced digital audio signal and a reproduced additional information signal, respectively;
• time-division multiplexing the reproduced digital audio signal with the reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signal and with the reproduced additional information signal at said second apparatus to obtain a multiplexed transmission signal;
• transmitting said transmission signal from said second apparatus;
• receiving at said first apparatus said transmission signal transmitted from said second apparatus;
• separating the received transmission signal at said first apparatus into said reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signal, said reproduced digital audio signal and said reproduced additional information signal;
• and
• recording at said first apparatus said reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signal, said reproduced digital audio signal and said reproduced additional information signal which have been separated by the separating step on another recording medium;
• wherein said method further comprises, between the reproducing step and the transmitting step, the steps of detecting errors contained in said reproduced bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said reproduced digital audio signal to obtain detected errors, correcting correctable errors among said detected errors, and concealing uncorrectable errors among said detected errors;
• wherein a time difference between said reproduced bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said reproduced digital audio signal at the time-division multiplexing step is the same as a time difference between an original video sign.al from which said recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video Signal was produced and an original audio signal from which said recorded digital audio signal was produced;
• wherein said recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said recorded digital audio signal include an additional information signal concerning said recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said recorded digital audio signal, and wherein the time-division multiplexing Step includes multiplexing said reproduced bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said reproduced digital audio signal which include said additional information signal so that said additional information signal is included as is in said transmission signal;
• wherein said additional information signal includes a copy number code indicating a number of copies previously made and an editing number code indicating a number of editings previously made, wherein said method further comprises the steps of extracting at said first apparatus said copy number code and said editing number code from the received transmission signal, and incrementing the extracted copy number code by one to obtain a new copy number code, and wherein said recording step records the extracted editing number code as is and said new copy number code on said another recording medium;
• and
• wherein said reproducing step reproduces a plurality of recorded video signals including a bit rate reduction coded video signal and a non-encoded analog or digital video signal which has not been bit rate reduction encoded from a plurality of recorded mediums to obtain a plurality of reproduced video signals including a reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signal and a reproduced non-encoded analog or digital video signal, wherein said additional information signal includes a copy number code indicating a number of copies previously made and an editing number code indicating a number of editings previously made, and wherein said method further comprises a step of setting 0 to said copy number code and said editing number code of an additional information signal for said reproduced non-encoded analog or digital video signal.

A method of transmitting digital signals between a first apparatus having a function of recording a bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and a digital audio signal on a recording medium and a second apparatus having a function of reproducing from a recording medium a recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and a recorded digital audio signal, said method comprising the steps of:

• reproducing a recorded bit rate reduction coded video signal and a recorded digital audio signal from a recording medium at said second apparatus to obtain a reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signal and a reproduced digital audio signal, respectively;
• time-division multiplexing the reproduced digital audio signal with the reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signal at said second apparatus to obtain a multiplexed transmission signal;
• transmitting said transmission signal from said second apparatus;
• receiving at said first apparatus said transmission signal transmitted from said second apparatus;
• separating the received transmission signal at said first apparatus into said reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signal and said reproduced digital audio signal;
• and
• recording at said first apparatus said reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signal and said reproduced digital audio signal which have been separated by the separating step on another recording medium;
• wherein said method further comprises, between the reproducing step and the transmitting step, the steps of detecting errors contained in said reproduced bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said reproduced digital audio signal to obtain detected errors, correcting correctable errors among said detected errors, and concealing uncorrectable errors among said detected errors;
• wherein a time difference between said reproduced bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said reproduced digital audio signal at the time-division multiplexing step is the same as a time difference between an original video signal from which said recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal was produced and an original audio signal from which said recorded digital audio signal was produced;
• wherein a time difference between said reproduced bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said reproduced digital audio signal in said transmission signal in the transmitting step is the same as a time difference between an original video signal from which said recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal was produced and an original audio signal from which said recorded digital audio signal was produced;
• wherein said recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said recorded digital audio signal include an additional information signal concerning said recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said recorded digital audio signal, and wherein the time-division multiplexing step includes multiplexing said reproduced bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said reproduced digital audio signal which include said additional information signal so that said additional information signal is included as is in said transmission signal;
• wherein said additional information signal includes a copy number code indicating a number of copies previously made and an editing number code indicating a number of editings previously made, and wherein said method further comprises the steps of extracting at said first apparatus said copy number code and said editing number code from the received transmission signal, and incrementing the extracted copy number code by one to obtain a new copy number code, and wherein said recording step records the extracted editing number code as is and said new copy number code on said another recording medium;
• and,
• wherein each of said copy number code and said editing number code is separated into a code for video signal channel and a code for audio signal channel, and wherein each of said code for video signal channel and said code for audio signal channel is processed independently of the other.

A method of transmitting digital signals between a first apparatus having a function of recording a bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and a digital audio signal on a recording medium and a second apparatus having a function of reproducing from a recording medium a recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and a recorded digital audio signal, said method comprising the steps of:

• reproducing a recorded bit rate reduction coded video signal and a recorded digital audio signal from a recording medium at said second apparatus to obtain a reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signal and a reproduced digital audio signal, respectively;
• time-division multiplexing the reproduced digital audio signal with the reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signal at said second apparatus to obtain a multiplexed transmission signal;
• transmitting said transmission signal from said second apparatus;
• receiving at said first apparatus said transmission signal transmitted from said second apparatus;
• separating the received transmission signal at said first apparatus into said reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signal and said reproduced digital audio signal;
• and
• recording at said first apparatus said reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signal and said reproduced digital audio signal which have been separated by the separating step on another recording medium;
• wherein said method further comprises, between the reproducing step and the transmitting step, the steps of detecting errors contained in said reproduced bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said reproduced digital audio signal to obtain detected errors, correcting correctable errors among said detected errors, and concealing uncorrectable errors among said detected errors;
• wherein a time difference between said reproduced bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said reproduced digital audio signal at the time-division multiplexing step is the same as a time difference between an original video signal from which said recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal was produced and an original audio signal from which said recorded digital audio signal was produced;
• wherein a time difference between said reproduced bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said reproduced digital audio signal in said transmission signal in the transmitting step is the same as a time difference between an original video signal from which said recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal was produced and an original audio signal from which said recorded digital audio signal was produced;
• wherein said recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said recorded digital audio signal include an additional information signal concerning said recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said recorded digital audio signal, and wherein the time-division multiplexing step includes multiplexing said reproduced bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said reproduced digital audio signal which include said additional information signal so that said additional information signal is included as is in said transmission signal;
• wherein said additional information signal includes an editing number code indicating a number of editings previously made, wherein said method further comprises the steps of decoding said reproduced bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal reproduced from said recording medium to obtain a decoded video signal, editing said decoded video signal to obtain an edited video signal and incrementing said editing number code by one to obtain a new editing number code, and bit rate reduction encoding said edited video signal to obtain a bit rate reduction encoded edited digital video signal, said bit rate reduction encoded edited digital video signal being time-division multiplexed with said additional information including said new editing number code, and wherein said recording step at said first apparatus records said new editing number code as is on said another recording medium;
• wherein said recorded digital audio signal is a bit rate reduction encoded digital audio signal, wherein said method further comprises the steps of decoding said reproduced digital audio signal reproduced from said recording medium to obtain a decoded audio signal, editing said decoded audio signal to obtain an edited audio signal and incrementing said editing number code by one to obtain a new editing number code, and bit rate reduction encoding said edited audio signal to obtain a bit rate reduction encoded edited digital audio signal, said bit rate reduction encoded edited digital audio signal being time-division multiplexed with said additional information signal including said new editing number code, and wherein said recording step at said first apparatus records said new editing number code as is on said another recording medium.

A method of transmitting digital signals between a first apparatus having a function of recording a bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and a digital audio signal on a recording medium and a second apparatus having a function of reproducing from a recording medium a recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and a recorded digital audio signal, said method comprising the steps of:

• reproducing a recorded bit rate reduction coded video signal and a recorded digital audio signal from a recording medium at said second apparatus to obtain a reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signal and a reproduced digital audio signal, respectively;
• time-division multiplexing the reproduced digital audio signal with the reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signal at said second apparatus to obtain a multiplexed transmission signal;
• transmitting said transmission signal from said second apparatus;
• receiving at said first apparatus said transmission signal transmitted from said second apparatus;
• separating the received transmission signal at said first apparatus into said reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signal and said reproduced digital audio signal;
• and
• recording at said first apparatus said reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signal and said reproduced digital audio signal which have been separated by the separating step on another recording medium;
• wherein said method further comprises, between the reproducing step and the transmitting step, the steps of detecting errors contained in said reproduced bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said reproduced digital audio signal to obtain detected errors, correcting correctable errors among said detected errors, and concealing uncorrectable errors among said detected errors;
• wherein a time difference between said reproduced bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said reproduced digital audio signal at the time-division multiplexing step is the same as a time difference between an original video signal from which said recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal was produced and an original audio signal from which said recorded digital audio signal was produced;
• wherein a time difference between said reproduced bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said reproduced digital audio signal in said transmission signal in the transmitting step is the same as a time difference between an original video signal from which said recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal was produced and an original audio signal from which said recorded digital audio signal was produced;
• wherein said recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said recorded digital audio signal include an additional information signal concerning said recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said recorded digital audio signal, and wherein the time-division multiplexing step includes multiplexing said reproduced bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said reproduced digital audio signal which include said additional information signal so that said additional information signal is included as is in said transmission signal;
• wherein said reproducing step reproduces a plurality of recorded bit rate reduction coded video signals and a plurality of recorded digital audio signals from a plurality of recording mediums to obtain a plurality of reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signals, a plurality of reproduced digital audio signals and a plurality of additional information signals, wherein each of said plurality of additional information signals includes a copy number code indicating a number of copies previously made and an editing number code indicating a number of editings previously made, wherein said method further comprises the steps of:
• decoding each of said plurality of reproduced bit rate reduction encoded digital video signals to obtain a plurality of decoded video signals;
• editing said plurality of decoded video signals to obtain an edited video signal, including the steps of selecting a maximum copy number code among copy number codes in said plurality of additional information signals, selecting a maximum editing number code among editing number codes in said plurality of additional information signals, and incrementing said maximum editing number code by one to obtain a new editing number code;
• bit rate reduction encoding said edited video signal to obtain a bit rate reduction encoded edited digital video signal, said bit rate reduction encoded edited digital video signal being time-division multiplexed with an additional information signal including said maximum copy number code and said new editing number code;
• and
• incrementing said maximum copy number code by one at said first apparatus to obtain a new copy number code, and
• wherein said recording step at said first apparatus records each of said new copy number code and said new editing number code as is on said another recording medium.

A method of transmitting digital signals between a first apparatus having a function of recording a bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and a digital audio signal on a recording medium and a second apparatus having a function of reproducing from a recording medium a recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and a recorded digital audio signal, said method comprising the steps of:

• reproducing a recorded bit rate reduction coded video signal and a recorded digital audio signal from a recording medium at said second apparatus to obtain a reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signal and a reproduced digital audio signal, respectively;
• time-division multiplexing the reproduced digital audio signal with the reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signal at said second apparatus to obtain a multiplexed transmission signal;
• transmitting said transmission signal from said second apparatus;
• receiving at said first apparatus said transmission signal transmitted from said second apparatus;
• separating the received transmission signal at said first apparatus into said reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signal and said reproduced digital audio signal;
• and
• recording at said first apparatus said reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signal and said reproduced digital audio signal which have been separated by the separating step on another recording medium;
• wherein said method further comprises, between the reproducing step and the transmitting step, the steps of detecting errors contained in said reproduced bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said reproduced digital audio signal to obtain detected errors, correcting correctable errors among said detected errors, and concealing uncorrectable errors among said detected errors;
• wherein a time difference between said reproduced bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said reproduced digital audio signal at the time-division multiplexing step is the same as a time difference between an original video signal from which said recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal was produced and an original audio signal from which said recorded digital audio signal was produced;
• wherein a time difference between said reproduced bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said reproduced digital audio signal in said transmission signal in the transmitting step is the same as a time difference between an original video signal from which said recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal was produced and an original audio signal from which said recorded digital audio signal was produced;
• wherein said recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said recorded digital audio signal include an additional information signal concerning said recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said recorded digital audio signal, and wherein the time-division multiplexing step includes multiplexing said reproduced bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said reproduced digital audio signal which include said additional information signal so that said additional information signal is included as is in said transmission signal;
• wherein said reproducing step reproduces a plurality of recorded video signals including a bit rate reduction coded video signal and a non-encoded analog or digital video signal which has not been bit rate reduction encoded from a plurality of recorded mediums to obtain a plurality of reproduced video signals including a reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signal and a reproduced non-encoded analog or digital video signal, wherein said additional information signal includes a copy number code indicating a number of copies previously made and an editing number code indicating a number of editings previously made, and wherein said method further comprises a step of setting 0 to said copy number code and said editing number code of an additional information signal for said reproduced non-encoded analog or digital video signal.

A method of transmitting digital signals between a first apparatus having a function of recording a bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and a digital audio signal on a recording medium and a second apparatus having a function of reproducing from a recording medium a recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and a recorded digital audio signal, said method comprising the steps of:

• reproducing a recorded bit rate reduction coded video signal and a recorded digital audio signal from a recording medium at said second apparatus to obtain a reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signal and a reproduced digital audio signal, respectively;
• time-division multiplexing the reproduced digital audio signal with the reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signal at said second apparatus to obtain a multiplexed transmission signal;
• transmitting said transmission signal from said second apparatus;
• receiving at said first apparatus said transmission signal transmitted from said second apparatus;
• separating the received transmission signal at said first apparatus into said reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signal and said reproduced digital audio signal;
• and
• recording at said first apparatus said reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signal and said reproduced digital audio signal which have been separated by the separating step on another recording medium;
• wherein said method further comprises, between the reproducing step and the transmitting step, the steps of detecting errors contained in said reproduced bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said reproduced digital audio signal to obtain detected errors, correcting correctable errors among said detected errors, and concealing uncorrectable errors among said detected errors;
• wherein a time difference between said reproduced bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said reproduced digital audio signal at the time-division multiplexing step is the same as a time difference between an original video signal from which said recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal was produced and an original audio signal from which said recorded digital audio signal was produced;
• wherein said recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said recorded digital audio signal include an additional information signal concerning said recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said recorded digital audio signal, and wherein the time-division multiplexing step includes multiplexing said reproduced bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said reproduced digital audio signal which include said additional information signal so that said additional information signal is included as is in said transmission signal;
• wherein said additional information signal includes a copy number code indicating a number of copies previously made and an editing number code indicating a number of editings previously made, wherein said method further comprises the steps of extracting at said first apparatus said copy number code and said editing number code from the received transmission signal, and incrementing the extracted copy number code by one to obtain a new copy number code, and wherein said recording step records the extracted editing number code as is and said new copy number code on said another recording medium;
• wherein each of said copy number code and said editing number code is separated into a code for video signal channel and a code for audio signal channel, and wherein each of said code for video signal channel and said code for audio signal channel is processed independently of the other.

A method of transmitting digital signals between a first apparatus having a function of recording a bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and a digital audio signal on a recording medium and a second apparatus having a function of reproducing from a recording medium a recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and a recorded digital audio signal, said method comprising the steps of:

• reproducing a recorded bit rate reduction coded video signal and a recorded digital audio signal from a recording medium at said second apparatus to obtain a reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signal and a reproduced digital audio signal, respectively;
• time-division multiplexing the reproduced digital audio signal with the reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signal at said second apparatus to obtain a multiplexed transmission signal;
• transmitting said transmission signal from said second apparatus;
• receiving at said first apparatus said transmission signal transmitted from said second apparatus;
• separating the received transmission signal at said first apparatus into said reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signal and said reproduced digital audio signal;
• and
• recording at said first apparatus said reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signal and said reproduced digital audio signal which have been separated by the separating step on another recording medium;
• wherein said method further comprises, between the reproducing step and the transmitting step, the steps of detecting errors contained in said reproduced bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said reproduced digital audio signal to obtain detected errors, correcting correctable errors among said detected errors, and concealing uncorrectable errors among said detected errors;
• wherein a time difference between said reproduced bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said reproduced digital audio signal at the time-division multiplexing step is the same as a time difference between an original video signal from which said recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal was produced and an original audio signal from which said recorded digital audio signal was produced;
• wherein said recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said recorded digital audio signal include an additional information signal concerning said recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said recorded digital audio signal, and wherein the time-division multiplexing step includes multiplexing said reproduced bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said reproduced digital audio signal which include said additional information signal so that said additional information signal is included as is in said transmission signal;
• wherein said additional information signal includes a copy number code indicating a number of copies previously made and an editing number code indicating a number of editings previously made, wherein said method further comprises the steps of extracting at said first apparatus said copy number code and said editing number code from the received transmission signal, and incrementing the extracted copy number code by one to obtain a new copy number code, and wherein said recording step records the extracted editing number code as is and said new copy number code on said another recording medium;
• wherein said reproducing step reproduces a plurality of recorded bit rate reduction coded video signals and a plurality of recorded digital audio signals from a plurality of recording mediums to obtain a plurality of reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signals, a plurality of reproduced digital audio signals and a plurality of additional information signals, wherein each of said plurality of additional information signals includes a copy number code indicating a number of copies previously made and an editing number code indicating a number of editings previously made, wherein said method further comprises the steps of:
• decoding each of said plurality of reproduced bit rate reduction encoded digital video signals to obtain a plurality of decoded video signals;
• editing said plurality of decoded video signals to obtain an edited video signal, including the steps of selecting a maximum copy number code among copy number codes in said plurality of additional information signals, selecting a maximum editing number code among editing number codes in said plurality of additional information signals, and incrementing said maximum editing number code by one to obtain a new editing number code;
• bit rate reduction encoding said edited video signal to obtain a bit rate reduction encoded edited digital video signal, said bit rate reduction encoded edited digital video signal being time-division multiplexed with an additional information signal including said maximum copy number code and said new editing number code;
• and
• incrementing said maximum copy number code by one at said first apparatus to obtain a new copy number code, and
• wherein said recording step at said first apparatus records each of said new copy number code and said new editing number code as is on said another recording medium.

A method of transmitting digital signals between a first apparatus having a function of recording a bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and a digital audio signal on a recording medium and a second apparatus having a function of reproducing from a recording medium a recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and a recorded digital audio signal, said method comprising the steps of:

• reproducing a recorded bit rate reduction coded video signal and a recorded digital audio signal from a recording medium at said second apparatus to obtain a reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signal and a reproduced digital audio signal, respectively;
• time-division multiplexing the reproduced digital audio signal with the reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signal at said second apparatus to obtain a multiplexed transmission signal;
• transmitting said transmission signal from said second apparatus;
• receiving at said first apparatus said transmission signal transmitted from said second apparatus;
• separating the received transmission signal at said first apparatus into said reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signal and said reproduced digital audio signal;
• and
• recording at said first apparatus said reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signal and said reproduced digital audio signal which have been separated by the separating step on another recording medium;
• wherein said method further comprises, between the reproducing step and the transmitting step, the steps of detecting errors contained in said reproduced bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said reproduced digital audio signal to obtain detected errors, correcting correctable errors among said detected errors, and concealing uncorrectable errors among said detected errors;
• wherein a time difference between said reproduced bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said reproduced digital audio signal at the time-division multiplexing step is the same as a time difference between an original video signal from which said recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal was produced and an original audio signal from which said recorded digital audio signal was produced;
• wherein said recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said recorded digital audio signal include an additional information signal concerning said recorded bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said recorded digital audio signal, and wherein the time-division multiplexing step includes multiplexing said reproduced bit rate reduction encoded digital video signal and said reproduced digital audio signal which include said additional information signal so that said additional information signal is included as is in said transmission signal;
• wherein said additional information signal includes a copy number code indicating a number of copies previously made and an editing number code indicating a number of editings previously made, wherein said method further comprises the steps of extracting at said first apparatus said copy number code and said editing number code from the received transmission signal, and incrementing the extracted copy number code by one to obtain a new copy number code, and wherein said recording step records the extracted editing number code as is and said new copy number code on said another recording medium;
• wherein said reproducing step reproduces a plurality of recorded video signals including a bit rate reduction coded video signal and a non-encoded analog or digital video signal which has not been bit rate reduction encoded from a plurality of recorded mediums to obtain a plurality of reproduced video signals including a reproduced bit rate reduction coded digital video signal and a reproduced non-encoded analog or digital video signal, wherein said additional information signal includes a copy number code indicating a number of copies previously made and an editing number code indicating a number of editings previously made, and wherein said method further comprises a step of setting 0 to said copy number code and said editing number code of an additional information signal for said reproduced non-encoded analog or digital video signal.