Decoding control apparatus which decodes the fewest pictures (although not displayed) prior to an edit point

A decoding control apparatus for controlling a process to decode encoded data obtained as a result of a predictive encoding process, said decoding control apparatus comprising:

• a picture detector for determining one or fewest possible pictures, which are not to be displayed but must be decoded first before decoding a picture to be displayed after an edit point set in said encoded data;
• a start-point finder for finding a start point representing a timing to start a process to decode said one or fewest possible pictures determined by said picture detector even though said one or fewest possible pictures are not to be displayed;
• a decoding controller for controlling processes carried out by a plurality of decoders for decoding said encoded data in order to decode said encoded data, in picture units, on the basis of said edit point and including a decoding control list maker for making a decoding control list describing at least the edit point and the start point as decoding control information for controlling the processes carried out by the plurality of decoders;
• and
• a selector for selecting one of pictures, which are obtained as results of said processes carried out by said decoders, on the basis of said edit point and for outputting said selected picture.