The following embodiments describe an approach for selecting an intra
prediction mode for video encoding, such as occurs in the H.264 standard.
One embodiment describes a method of selecting an optimum intra
prediction mode. This method involves selecting a first intra prediction
mode, which is used to determine a search order for a number of intra
prediction modes. These intra prediction modes are then evaluated in
order to identify the optimum intra prediction mode.