Abstract: A method and apparatus for decoding encoded parameter data included within a packet containing encoded video data transmitted over an error prone channel is disclosed herein. The method contemplates determining a bit length L of the encoded parameter data. Candidate sequences of codewords are then compared to the encoded parameter data in accordance with a predetermined distortion metric. An optimized sequence is selected from the candidate sequences based upon predefined criteria related to the distortion metric. The optimized sequence collectively has a number of bits equivalent to the bit length L and is usable in decoding the encoded video data.