The invention relates to a method for the selection of stored video programs (S.sub.i) in which, together with the video program (S.sub.i), their running time (t.sub.Di) and, if necessary, an information item (I.sub.i) about the content, for example the genre, are stored and also a playback device (1) for video programs (S.sub.i). To take account of a specified time interval (.DELTA.T) and optimally utilize said time duration (.DELTA.T), provision is made, on the basis of the specified time duration (.DELTA.T), for those video programs (S.sub.n) to be automatically selected from the stored video programs (S.sub.i) whose running time (t.sub.Dn), multiplied by any applicable compression factor (Cn), is shorter than or equal to the specified time duration (.DELTA.T). As a result of the method according to the invention, all those video programs (S.sub.n) are consequently offered whose duration with the applicable compression, if any, is within the specified time duration (.DELTA.T). Furthermore, as a result of compression of a subsequent video program (S.sub.F) transmitted after the time duration (.DELTA.T), the available time duration (.DELTA.T) can be prolonged and, consequently, the offer of those video programs (S.sub.n) that are within the prolonged time duration (N.times..DELTA.T) can be increased.