Managing splice points for non-seamless concatenated bitstreams

A method comprising:

• transmitting a video stream in a transport stream from a headend to a digital home communication terminal (DHCT) coupled to the headend;
• controlling an overlap transition period via first information from a splicer at the headend;
• wherein controlling the overlap transition period includes:
• controlling at the DHCT, via the first information, output of decoded picture buffer (DPB) pictures at a splice point of non-seamless concatenated bitstreams;
• and
• controlling at the DHCT, via the first information, DPB space usage for the overlap transition period lasting a number of picture output times defined in the first information.

A digital home communication terminal apparatus comprising:

• a memory;
• a processor configured to execute instructions stored in the memory, the instructions comprising:
• receiving a video stream in a transport stream from a headend, the video stream comprising a first message comprising first information from a splicer;
• and
• controlling an overlap transition period via the first information from the slicer;
• wherein controlling the overlap transition period includes:
• controlling, via the first information, output of decoded picture buffer (DPB) pictures at the splice point of non-seamless concatenated bitstreams;
• and
• controlling, via the first information, DPB space usage for the overlap transition period lasting a number of picture output times.