12. Apparatus for generating program specific information suitable for inclusion in packetized video program information, said program specific information including multiple text strings associated with a video program, said apparatus comprising: means for forming text string decoding information for decoding multiple text strings, said decoding information including, (a) a first indicator indicating a type of compression employed in encoding a first text string for selecting a decoding function to be used in decoding said first text string; and (b) information suitable for assembling decoded text string elements to form a decoded text string; and means for incorporating said text string decoding information into program specific information for output.
17. Apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said text string decoding information includes a second indicator indicating a number of text bytes in a text string to be decoded.