Moving pictures are reproduced from a stored moving-picture signal and
output at a set reproduction speed that is a first reproduction speed
matching a rate of motion of the moving pictures or a second reproduction
speed different from the first reproduction speed. The stored
moving-picture signal is reproduced in accordance with the set
reproduction speed to obtain first interlaced pictures. The first
interlaced pictures are converted to obtain first progressive pictures.
Moving pictures to be displayed are selected from the first progressive
pictures per frame in accordance with the set reproduction speed to
obtain second progressive pictures. Scanning lines of the second
progressive pictures are decimated so that the number of remaining
scanning lines of the second progressive pictures after decimation is
equal to the number of scanning lines of interlaced pictures to be
displayed, thus outputting second interlaced pictures. The first
interlaced pictures are output when the set reproduction speed is the
first reproduction speed whereas the second interlaced pictures are
output when the set reproduction speed is the second reproduction speed.