1. A method for processing a video stream of digital images, the method comprising the steps of: receiving the video stream which comprises at least one composite frame (FC), each composite frame containing a pair of stereoscopic digital images (L,R) according to a predetermined frame packing format; generating an output video stream which can be reproduced on a visualization apparatus, receiving metadata which determine an area occupied by one of the two images within said composite frame (FC), said metadata indicating either a geometry of the frame packing format or a frame packing type of said composite frame (FC); determining the area in the composite frame (FC) which is occupied by said one image of the stereoscopic pair within the composite frame based on said metadata; decoding only that part of the composite frame (FC) which contains said one image to be displayed, and generating an output frame containing said decoded image.