In a playback apparatus a first sync code is detected from a series of data blocks to separate binary digits of multi-channel still-picture data from binary digits of multi-channel audio and computer-control data. Second and third sync codes are subsequently detected from the separated binary digits of the audio and computer-control data. A data selector is responsive to a channel selection manual command signal and to the second sync code for selecting the audio data words of a desired channel and the computer-control data bits of a desired channel from the separated binary digits of the multi-channel audio and computer-control data. A video converter is responsive to the command signal for storing the still-picture data words of a desired channel for a predetermined period and converting the stored data words into an analog video signal for application to a visual display. An audio converter converts the selected audio data words into an analog audio signal for application to a loudspeaker. A decoder is provided to respond to the detected third sync code by decoding the computer-control binary digits of the selected channel into computer-control data words for application to a personal computer which is coupled to the display.