Visual improvement of video stream transitions

Four techniques which result in the visual improvement of transitions between video streams with a same packet identifier (PID). All four techniques are applicable in the situation where the stream transition is between two streams that utilize the same PID. Retaining the same PID reduces the delay between the time the user selects an action via the remote control to the time when the new stream is displayed on the TV. The first technique includes two methods: a method for pre-conditioning video stream data for storage; and a method for transitioning between video streams which utilizes the pre-conditioning. The second technique involves a method for transitioning between video streams where timing information in the new stream is modified so as to be consistent with timing information in the old stream. The third technique involves a method for transitioning between video streams where packets in the old stream are replaced by picture repeat packets. The fourth technique involves a method for transitioning between video streams where packets in the old stream are replaced by null packets. The various techniques discussed above may be combined to further improve the smoothness and quickness of the video stream transitions. For example, the first technique may be combined with either the third or fourth technique. Similarly, the second technique may be combined with either the third or fourth technique.