At decision box 64, it is determined if the selected video latency period still applies. For example, if the ground control station 14 receives the missing packets 48 and can generate the reconstructed video stream within the selected video latency period (i.e. the decision at decision box 64 is yes), at box 66 the ground control station 14 will render the reconstructed video stream via the video rendering system 34. If the ground control station 14 receives the missing packets 48 and/or generates the reconstructed video stream outside of the selected video latency period (i.e. the decision at decision box 64 is no), at box 68 the ground control station 14 will initially render the real-time (and possibly lossy) video stream 44 via the video rendering system 34, and the reconstructed video stream will be stored in the storage 38 for possible later lossless or substantially lossless playback of the reconstructed video stream.

In some embodiments, to guard against data theft, for example if the UAV crashes or is inappropriately accessed, the UAV does not store any of the video generated by the video camera 16 in permanent storage. However, if security relating to the video generated by the video camera 16 is not a concern, then the video stream may be stored in permanent storage on the UAV 12.

The examples disclosed in this application are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not limitative. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description; and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.