A digital signal processing method and apparatus that provide a mechanism
for controlling the output of digitally processed data in an optical disc
player so as to reduce the probability of error and lost data during such
output. In one aspect, an apparatus for processing information on an
optical disc comprises a signal processor for processing a digital signal
corresponding to an analog signal read from the optical disc to generate
output data, a memory unit, operatively associated with the signal
processor, for temporarily storing the output data in predetermined units
under the control of the signal processor, and an output unit, operatively
connected to the signal processor, for processing the output data based on
the type of optical disc. The output unit generates a request signal that
causes the signal processor to retrieve output data from the memory unit
and transmit the retrieved output data to the output unit in parallel. The
signal processor activates an acknowledge signal such that output data
transmitted to the output unit while the acknowledge signal is activated
is deemed valid by the output unit, whereas output data that is
transmitted while the acknowledge signal is deasserted is deemed invalid.