Method and apparatus for editing video files

A method for copying a segment from a video file having a multiplicity of video frames, where at least some of the frames are encoded as predicted frames. The method includes the steps of selecting a mark-in location in the video file such that the mark-in location defines the beginning of the copied segment. Once the mark-in location is selected, 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 are decoded. Each decoded frame will have an associated first format. The decoded frames are then re-encoded into an associated second format such that the re-encoded second format of at least one of the decoded frames is different than its associated first format. The re-encoded frames are then stored. The method then generates a copied segment that includes at least the re-encoded frames.