A perceptual model performs an analysis of a media signal, such as an image or audio signal. The model may be used in media signal processing applications such as digital watermarking and data compression to reduce perceptibility of changes made to code the signal. In one implementation, a method of reducing human perceptibility of visible artifacts attributable to embedding a digital watermark in a media signal is provided. The method determines a contrast measurement for local areas of the media signal; adjusts a contrast measurement for a local area if the contrast measurement is above a predetermined level; and embeds the digital watermark in the local areas in a manner determined at least in part by their respective contrast measurement.