Abstract: Apparatus and methods of using content information for encoding multimedia data are described. A method of processing multimedia data includes classifying content of multimedia data, and encoding the multimedia data in a first data group and in a second data group based on the content classification. The first and second groups are associated with quality levels. A user can request a target quality level.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of using content information for encoding multimedia data are described. A method of processing multimedia data includes obtaining content information of multimedia data, and encoding the multimedia data so as to align a data boundary with a frame boundary in a time domain, wherein said encoding is based on the content information. In another aspect, a method of processing multimedia data includes obtaining a content classification of the multimedia data, and encoding blocks in the multimedia data as intra-coded blocks or inter-coded blocks based on the content classification to increase the error resilience of the encoded multimedia data. Apparatus that can process multimedia data described in these methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to encode multimedia data enabling, among others, for example, improved decoded video quality, improved error recovery capabilities and/or improved decoding efficiency are described. A method according to the application includes one or more of the following: initializing a pixel-level reference counter for a current frame, performing a prediction of a next frame referring to the current frame, incrementing the pixel-level reference counter for each pixel of the current frame that is referenced during the prediction of the next frame, readjusting a macroblock bandwidth map of the current frame, repeating the steps of initializing, performing and readjusting for each next frame in a plurality of next frames referring to the current frame, and encoding the current frame based at least in part on the readjusted macroblock bandwidth map of the current frame.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to process multimedia data enabling faster channel acquisitions, improved error recovery and improved efficiency. An encoder device encodes a first portion of multimedia data using inter-coding to generate a first version, and encodes the first portion of multimedia data using intra-coding to generate a second version. A decoder device receives a first version of a first portion of multimedia data, wherein the first version is inter-coded, receives a second version of the first portion of multimedia data, wherein the second version is intra-coded, and selectively decodes the first and second received versions.

Abstract: Techniques for efficient determination of a macroblock's spatial predictability quality with respect to the H.264 specification are provided. A device comprises a processor operable to estimate a first subset of spatial prediction modes based on a first pixel subset of a current subblock of an intra-frame. The processor is also operable to estimate a second subset of spatial prediction modes based on a second pixel subset of the current subblock. The first subset of prediction modes is different from the second subset of prediction modes.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to encode multimedia data enabling, among others, for example, improved decoded video quality, improved error recovery capabilities and/or improved decoding efficiency are described. An encoder device determines one or more distortion values for one or more portions of multimedia data based at least in part on one or more concealment methods related to concealing the one or more portions if the one or more portions were received in error. The encoder device determines one or more encoding methods for the one or more portions based at least in part on the one or more estimated distortion values. In one aspect, determining the one or more encoding methods comprises determining the one or more encoding methods so as to refresh the one or more portions based at least in part on a comparison of the one or more estimated distortion values and one or more thresholds.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to process multimedia data enabling faster channel acquisitions, improved error recovery and improved efficiency. An encoder device encodes a first portion of multimedia data using inter-coding to generate a first version, and encodes the first portion of multimedia data using intra-coding to generate a second version. A decoder device receives a first version of a first portion of multimedia data, wherein the first version is inter-coded, receives a second version of the first portion of multimedia data, wherein the second version is intra-coded, and selectively decodes the first and second received versions.

Abstract: Decoding systems and methods are disclosed. In a particular embodiment, a video decoder system includes a first decoding path and a second decoding path configured to decode at a slower average rate than the first decoding path. The video decoder system includes a dynamic switch configured to provide a first portion of the encoded video signal to the first decoding path or to the second decoding path. The dynamic switch is further configured to provide a subsequent portion of the encoded video signal to the first decoding path or to the second decoding path in response to a value of a decoding metric associated with decode processing of the first portion.

Abstract: Decoding systems and methods are disclosed. In a particular embodiment, a video decoder system includes a first decoding path and a second decoding path configured to decode at a slower average rate than the first decoding path. The video decoder system includes a dynamic switch configured to provide a first portion of the encoded video signal to the first decoding path or to the second decoding path. The dynamic switch is further configured to provide a subsequent portion of the encoded video signal to the first decoding path or to the second decoding path in response to a value of a decoding metric associated with decode processing of the first portion.

Abstract: Techniques for efficient determination of a macroblock's spatial predictability quality with respect to the H.264 specification are provided. A device comprises a processor operable to estimate a first subset of spatial prediction modes based on a first pixel subset of a current subblock of an intra-frame. The processor is also operable to estimate a second subset of spatial prediction modes based on a second pixel subset of the current subblock. The first subset of prediction modes is different from the second subset of prediction modes.