Method and apparatus for clipping video segments from an audiovisual file

A method for copying a segment from a video file having a multiplicity of video frames, wherein at least some of the frames are encoded as predicted frames, the method comprising the steps of:

• selecting a mark-in location in the video file, the mark-in location defining the beginning of the copied segment;
• decoding each of the frames positioned between the mark-in location and a final group frame associated with a group of frames that includes the mark-in location, each decoded frame having an associated first format;
• re-encoding each of the decoded frames into an associated second format, wherein the re-encoded second format of at least one of the decoded frames is different than its associated first format;
• storing the re-encoded frames;
• and
• creating a copied segment that includes the re-encoded frames.

An apparatus for copying a segment from a video file having a multiplicity of video frames, wherein at least some of the frames are encoded as predicted frames, the method comprising the steps of:

• selecting means for selecting a mark-in location in the video file, the mark-in location defining the beginning of the copied segment;
• decoding means for decoding each of the frames positioned between the mark-in location and a final group frame associated with a group of frames that includes the mark-in location, each decoded frame having an associated first format;
• re-encoding means for re-encoding each of the decoded frames into an associated second format, wherein the re-encoded second format of at least one of the decoded frames is different than its associated first format;
• a storage medium for storing the re-encoded frames;
• and
• whereby a copied segment that includes the re-encoded frames is generated.

A computer readable media containing program instructions for clipping a segment from a video file having a multiplicity of video frames, wherein at least some of the frames are encoded as predicted frames, said computer readable media comprising:

• program instructions for selecting a mark-in location in the video file, the markin location defining the beginning of the clipped segment;
• program instructions for selecting a mark-out location in the video file, the mark-out location defining the end of the clipped segment;
• program instructions for decoding a first frame associated with one of the mark-in location and the mark-out location, the first frame being a predictive frame having an associated first format;
• program instructions for re-encoding the decoded first frame into a second format;
• program instructions for storing the re-encoded first frame;
• and
• program instructions for creating a clipped segment that includes the re-encoded first frame.