an apparatus and computer - implemented method for decoding code words of an encoded bitstream associated with a variable - length code . according to a preferred embodiment , a processor forms a byte having bs bits in accordance with bits of the encoded bitstream and in accordance with any unused bits remaining after decoding a previous code word . the byte is applied to a table , and if the byte comprises at least one complete code word , then the table means produces at least one decoded symbol corresponding to the at least one complete code word , and a plurality of unused bits comprised of bits of the byte not within the at least one complete code word is determined .