Apparatus for encoding/decoding a video signal

An encoding apparatus, for use in a video signal encoder, for encoding an input video signal, the input video signal including a plurality of video frame signals, comprising:

• frame grabber means arranged to sequentially store at least one unencoded video frame signal, and provide said at least one unencoded video frame signal in response to a control signal;
• coding means arranged to receive said at least one unencoded video frame signal from said frame grabber means and convert it into an encoded video frame signal;
• frame buffer means arranged to receive said encoded video frame signal from said coding means, and then transmit the encoded video frame signal at a constant transmission rate B;
• controller means arranged to calculate a time T that it takes to transmit the encoded video frame signal from the frame buffer means;
• and
• means for generating said control signal a time T after the frame buffer means begins transmission of the encoded video frame signal;
• wherein
• encoding of a subsequent unencoded video frame signal in the frame grabber means is suspended during transmission of the encoded video frame signal from the frame buffer means.