Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for constructing low-complexity non-adjacent merge candidates. In a representative aspect, a method for video processing includes receiving a current block of video data, selecting, based on a rule, a first non-adjacent block that is not adjacent to the current block, constructing a first merge candidate comprising motion information based on the first non-adjacent block, identifying a second non-adjacent block that is not adjacent to the current block and different from the first non-adjacent block, based on determining that the second non-adjacent block fails to satisfy the rule, refraining adding a second merge candidate derived from the second non-adjacent block, constructing a merge candidate list based on the first non-adjacent block, and decoding the current block based on the merge candidate list.

Abstract: There are provided video encoders and corresponding methods for performing fast mode decision of B-frames. A video encoder for encoding video data for a B slice that is divisible into macroblocks includes an encoder (OO) for performing mode selection when encoding a current macroblock in the B slice by counting a number of neighboring macroblocks in the B slice coded in a DIRECT mode, and only checking one of the DIRECT MODE or a 16×16 mode for the current macroblock when the number of neighboring macroblocks coded in the DIRECT mode exceeds a predetermined threshold.