Abstract: A method of splicing video content from a secondary encoded video stream into a primary encoded video stream, the method including the steps of identifying a splice out-time tout and a splice in-time tin, at least T time after tout, in the primary stream; causing the fullness of primary encoder's virtual buffer to be less than XB, where X is greater than 0 and less than 1, at the first decode times after tout and tin; encoding the secondary stream such that an initial coded picture is transmitted in no more than B/(XR) time, and encoding the second stream such that, at a final coded picture's decode time, the fullness of the secondary encoder's virtual buffer is less than XB; and replacing video content of the primary stream from tout through tout+T, with the video data of the second stream.

Abstract: Information needed to generate an encoded version of a matrix of j transform coefficients c0 . . . cj?1 representing a block of digital video data is determined by forming a numerical signature ? of the matrix and looking up a value for the information needed in an array employing the signature ? as an index to the array.

Abstract: A method of operating a multi-processor video encoder by determining a target size corresponding to a preferred number of bits to be used when creating an encoded version of a picture in a group of sequential pictures making up a video sequence. The method includes the steps of calculating a first degree of fullness of a coded picture buffer at a first time, operating on the first degree of fullness to return an estimated second degree of fullness of the coded picture buffer at a second time, and operating on the second degree of fullness to return an initial target sized for the picture. The first time corresponds to the most recent time an accurate degree of fullness of the coded picture buffer can be calculated and the second time occurs after the first time.