Video signal output apparatus having near video-on-demand function

A video signal output apparatus comprising:

• a reproduction block including a plurality of reproducing means respectively provided with respect to a plurality of divided image sources obtained by dividing an image source into image sources of a plurality of time zones, the plurality of reproducing means being provided by the number determined in accordance with a total time of the divided image sources and a predetermined time for simultaneously repeatedly reproducing the divided image sources as a plurality of outputs in which reproduction timings are respectively shifted by the predetermined time, and adapted to simultaneously repeatedly reproduce the divided image sources as a plurality of outputs in the state where the reproduction timings thereof are respectively shifted by the predetermined time;
• switching means including a plurality of input terminals respectively supplied with outputs of the plurality of reproducing means, and a plurality of output terminals of which number is the same as that of the input terminals;
• and
• control means for controlling the switching means so as to carry out, every said predetermined time, switching of connection of the input terminals with respect to the respective output terminals so that the plurality of divided image sources are sequentially outputted in accordance with the number of divisions from the respective output terminals of the switching means.