Information processing apparatus and method, recording medium, and program

An information processing apparatus decodes compression-coded video data including I-pictures, P-pictures, and B-pictures. The information processing apparatus includes at least one decoder decoding the compression-coded video data, a supply controller controlling the supply of the compression-coded video data to the decoder, and a controller controlling processing executed by the supply controller and the decoder. The decoder includes a bank memory for storing decoded picture data, and the controller controls the timing at which a picture stored in the bank memory is released by changing the value of a first counter indicating a number of times for which the picture stored in the bank memory is referred to when a P-picture or a B-picture is decoded by the decoder.