Patent ID: 8477847

Claim:
A video encoder for encoding a video input signal that includes a sequence of images that are segmented into a plurality of macroblocks, the video encoder comprising: an apparatus that includes: a motion search module, that generates a motion search motion vector for a macroblock of the plurality of macroblocks based on at least one motion search cost; a motion refinement module, coupled to the motion search module, that generates a refined motion vector for the macroblock of the plurality of macroblocks, based on at least one motion refinement cost; an intra-prediction module that generates a best intra prediction mode for each macroblock of the plurality of macroblocks; a mode decision module, coupled to the motion refinement module, the direct mode module and the prediction module, that determines a final macroblock cost for each macroblock of the plurality of macroblocks based on costs associated with the refined motion vector, the direct mode motion vector, and the best intra prediction mode; an intra pulse code modulation (IPCM) module, coupled to the mode decision module, that when enabled, selects an IPCM mode when the final macroblock cost compares unfavorably to a predetermined IPCM threshold.