Apparatus and method for multiplexing encoded data signals and recording medium having multiplexed signals recorded thereon

A method of multiplexing encoded data signals, the method comprising the steps of:

• encoding a first input signal at a variable bit rate to form a first encoded data signal;
• encoding a second input signal to form a second encoded data signal;
• temporarily storing said first encoded data signal in a first storage means;
• temporarily storing said second encoded data signal in a second storage means;
• multiplexing said first and second encoded data signals respectively stored in said first and second storage means by using a multiplexing means to form a multiplexed data stream signal;
• and
• controlling transfer of said first encoded data signal from said first storage means to said multiplexing means on the basis of a quantity of said first encoded data signal that is present in said first storage means.

A data recording medium on which is recorded a multiplexed data stream signal formed according to a method which comprises the following steps:

• encoding a first input signal at a variable bit rate to form a first encoded data signal;
• encoding a second input signal to form a second encoded data signal;
• temporarily storing said first encoded data signal in a first storage means;
• temporarily storing said second encoded data signal in a second storage means;
• multiplexing said first and second encoded data signals respectively stored in said first and second storage means by using multiplexing means to form said multiplexed data stream signal;
• and
• controlling transfer of said first encoded data signal from said first storage means to said multiplexing means on the basis of a quantity of said first encoded data signal that is present is said first storage means.