The present invention provides steganographic embedding and detecting techniques, along with related apparatus. One claim recites a signal detector including: an input and an analyzer. The input obtains media including a signal hidden therein. The signal including plural-bit data, the signal being hidden in the media through an arrangement of message objects. The arrangement is facilitated--at least in part--through thresholding of a steganographic signal representing or carrying the plural-bit data. The analyzer analyzes the media to obtain the plural-bit data. Of course, other combinations are provided and claimed as well.