Abstract: A versatile escape run-level coder for use in a digital video signal processing apparatus which produces a run-level data and an escape prefix code carrying escape code and escape code length data. A selection logic detects the level of the level data in the run-level data. When the level is detected as in a mid range, three selectors select short length data, data from the code extender 13 which inserts meaningless 8-bit code, and data from code concatenator 1, respectively. The selected data are concatenated in a second code concatenator for forming a tailor made code which is 36-bit long, but the effective data length is, for example, 20 bits. When the level is detected as in a range above or below the mid range, the three selectors select long length data, data from the line carrying ESC code and data from either one of the two level coders, respectively.