Filler data-based adaptive lambda for video encoding

Abstract

Techniques for allowing the encoder to use additional data for encoding where the encoder predicts or determines that the encoder will insert filler bits into the encoded video are provided. Specifically, according to these techniques, the encoder uses a modified lambda parameter to calculate rate-distortion cost, which is then used to set encoder settings. In 'normal' operation, the encoder utilizes a lambda parameter to designate a trade-off between increasing quality (“distortion”) and reducing number of bits consumed. This trade-off is reflected in the “rate-distortion cost.” In such “normal” operation, the encoder bases this lambda value on the quantization parameter selected for a block of video to be encoded. When filler bits are predicted to be included in the encoded video data, the encoder modifies the lambda parameter to skew the trade-off more towards minimizing distortion and less towards reducing the number of bits consumed by the encoding.