Data demultiplexer

A data demultiplexer for separating multiplex data which includes at least first coded data, first timing data indicative of a decoding start time of the first coded data, second coded data, and second timing data indicative of a decoding start time of the second coded data, said demultiplexer comprising:

• separation means for separating the multiplex data into the first coded data, the first timing data, the second coded data and the second timing data;
• and
• comparison means coupled to said separation means for comparing the time indicated by the separated first timing data with the time indicated by the separated second timing data;
• wherein said separation means does not supply the second coded data when the time indicated by the second timing data is temporally anterior to the time indicated by the first timing data.

A data demultiplexing method for separating multiplex data which includes at least first coded data, first timing data indicative of a decoding start time of the first coded data, and second timing data indicative of a system clock reference time, said method comprising the steps of:

• separating the multiplex data into the first coded data, the first timing data and the second timing data;
• comparing the time indicated by the separated first timing data with the time indicated by the separated second timing data;
• and
• reading out the multiplex data from a buffer and supplying the read out data to the separator at a variable transfer rate, said read out multiplex data being supplied at a maximum transfer rate when the time indicated by the second timing data is temporally anterior to the time indicated by the first timing data.

A data demultiplexing method for separating multiplex data which includes at least first coded data, first timing data indicative of a decoding start time of the first coded data, second coded data, and a second timing data indicative of a decoding start time of the second coded data, said demultiplexing method comprising the steps of:

• separating the multiplex data into the first timing data, the first coded data, the second coded data, and the second timing data;
• comparing the time indicated by the separated first timing data with the time indicated by the separated second timing data;
• and
• supplying none of the second coded data to a decoder when the time indicated by the second timing data is temporally anterior to the time indicated by the first timing data.