PURPOSE: To increase the picture read speed and to minimize the memory capacity.

CONSTITUTION: The still picture reproducing device is provided with a FIFO buffer memory 38, where compressed picture data read out from a magneto- optical disk 22 is temporarily stored, and a read/write control means which controls the write of picture data to the memory 38 due to an I/O controller 36 and the read of picture data from the memory 38 due to a picture expanding processor 42 independently of each other. This read/write control means essentially consists of a control processor 36a and a control circuit 42, and a prescribed quantity (for example, smaller than one sector) of picture data is always stored in the middle of data transfer to prevent the read of vacant data, and data write to and data read from the memory 38 can be simultaneously performed. Therefore, the read of picture data from the magneto-optical disk 22 and the transfer of picture data to the expanding processor 42 are performed simultaneously and continuously.