An apparatus for recording a sequence of video data signals on a record carrier (3) has been proposed. The apparatus comprises input (1) means for receiving video data signals, generating means (100) for generating characteristic point information signals, processing means for processing the characteristic point information signals for a plurality of characteristic points into a sequence of characteristic points information signals (CPI) and writing means (108) for writing the sequence of video data signals and the sequence of characteristic points information signals on the record carrier (3). The characteristic point information signals identify a characteristic point in the sequence of video data signals. Various measures are proposed in relation to the CPI aiming at providing compact way of storing information related to a size of I-pictures.