An example method includes the steps of receiving an encoded video packet including a packet header and generating a modified packet header. The modified packet header is generated by setting a first value in the packet header to indicate zero reference frames, and by setting a second value in the packet header designating an i-frame as unused for reference. The i-frame is decoded in response to the modified packet header to extract the i-frame without caching the i-frame in a decoded picture buffer. A thumbnail image is generated and includes an image from the i-frame. The thumbnail image is stored directly in memory.