In all the embodiments described above, the bitstream output from the picture coding device has a specific data format so as to be decoded following the coding method used in the embodiment. Furthermore, the picture decoding device corresponding to the picture coding device is capable of decoding the bitstream of the specific data format.
In a case where a wired or wireless network is used to exchange a bitstream between the picture coding device and the picture decoding device, the bitstream may be converted to a data format suitable for the transmission form of the communication channel in transmission. In this case, there are provided a transmission device that converts the bitstream output from the picture coding device into coded data in a data format suitable for the transmission form of the communication channel and transmits the coded data to the network, and a reception device that receives the coded data from the network to be restored to the bitstream and supplies the bitstream to the picture decoding device. The transmission device includes memory that buffers a bitstream output from the picture coding device, a packet processing unit that packetizes the bitstream, and a transmitter that transmits packetized coded data via a network. The reception device includes a receiver that receives a packetized coded data via a network, memory that buffers the received coded data, and a packet processing unit that packetizes coded data to construct a bitstream and supplies the constructed bitstream to the picture decoding device.