Abstract: A video encoder (300) and method (400) for encoding video content that performs providing (402) transform coefficients and associated side information for macroblocks forming part of a frame of a video stream. Next the method processes (403) the transform coefficients and associated side information to obtain entropy coded information for the macroblocks. Slices are formed (404) from the entropy coded information, the slices having slice widths that are adaptively adjusted based upon the non-uniformity of video content of the frame.

Abstract: A method for high quality, fast intra coding usable for creating digital video content. The video image is defined by data points representing original colors. Data points are selected based on a color characteristic, and are arranged into groups. At an initial stage (and at subsequent stages): selecting a subset of data points, using a number of algorithms to generate predicted values of the colors represented by the data points, calculating error values and evaluating mathematical functions to produce cost values, identifying a minimum cost value, establishing a threshold based on the minimum cost and a selection factor, comparing each cost value to the threshold value, and identifying a number of probable best algorithms. One of the probable best algorithms is usable for block size selection and to generate final predicted values of the original color represented by the data points.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling access to image data is described. In one example, a set of samples associated with said image data is frequency translated to produce coefficients. The coefficients are quantized. At least a first portion of the coefficients are shifted using first key data. At least a second portion of the coefficients are shuffled using scrambling table data. The coefficients are entropy coded to produce encoded image data. In this manner, security is provided for the image data without impacting compression efficiency. The coefficients may be organized into a plurality of levels. For each coefficient in the first portion of coefficients, a level of the plurality of levels for the coefficient is identified, and a magnitude of the coefficient is adjusted using a key associated with the identified level such that the coefficient remains in the identified level (i.e., intra-level shifted).