Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for performing an intra search. The technique includes performing a first intra search based on a first block size associated with a first pixel block included in a video frame to determine a first intra mode. The technique further includes reconstructing the first pixel block based on the first intra mode to generate reconstructed pixel data. The technique further includes performing, based on the reconstructed pixel data, a second intra search based on a second block size associated with a second pixel block included in the video frame. The second block size is smaller than the first block size. The technique further includes determining a second intra mode based on the second intra search. Advantageously, the disclosed technique enables an intra search to be performed based on a previous intra search size, enabling intra searches to be performed in parallel.

Abstract: A technique for encoding digital video data comprises determining an estimated number of real bits associated with performing one or more entropy encoding operations on a coding unit of digital video data. Based on the estimated number of real bits, an estimated cost of compressing the coding unit using a compression technique is determined, and the compression technique is selected to compress the coding unit based at least in part on the estimated cost.