There is provided methods and apparatus for enabling a fast channel change for a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) system. A channel change processing unit for enabling a channel change in a DSL system includes a demultiplexer and a selector in signal communication with the demultiplexer. The demultiplexer is for receiving a normal stream and a channel change stream. The selector is for receiving a channel change request and for sending the channel change stream in response to receiving the channel change request. The channel change stream coded pictures are of a lower quality than the normal stream coded pictures.