diff --git a/MediaImpl.cpp b/MediaImpl.cpp
index 30ff7f6..90dcc42 100644
--- a/MediaImpl.cpp
+++ b/MediaImpl.cpp
@@ -62,10 +62,7 @@ const uchar* MediaImpl::getBits()
   _bitsChanged = false;
 
   // Return data.
-  if (_currentFrameSample == NULL)
-    return NULL;
-  else
-    return _data;
+  return (hasBits() ? _data : NULL);
 }
 
 QString MediaImpl::getUri() const
diff --git a/MediaImpl.h b/MediaImpl.h
index ff121ea..ead5607 100644
--- a/MediaImpl.h
+++ b/MediaImpl.h
@@ -98,6 +98,9 @@ public:
    */
   const uchar* getBits();
 
+  /// Returns true iff bits have started flowing (ie. if there is at least a first sample available).
+  bool hasBits() const { return (_currentFrameSample != NULL); }
+
   /// Returns true iff bits have changed since last call to getBits().
   bool bitsHaveChanged() const { return _bitsChanged; }