A method and processor for providing context-based adaptive binary arithmetic Context Adaptive Binary Arithmetic Coding (CABAC). Binarization is performed on one or more syntax elements to obtain a binary sequence. Data bits of the said binary sequence are provided to an arithmetic encoding unit in bulk. Binarization is performed on one or more syntax elements to generate exp Golomb code by converting mapped syntax-element values to corresponding floating point type values. Re-normalization of CABAC encoding is performed by restructuring the re-normalization into two processing units including an arithmetic encoding unit and a bit writing unit. The bit writing unit is configured to format signal bits into a multiple-bit sequence; and write multiple bits simultaneously during an execution of a bit writing loop.

A method of image coding wherein an image is divided into blocks having a plurality of pixels. A transform coding operation is performed on a block of pixels to produce a corresponding block of transform coefficient values, which is scanned to produce a scanned array of coefficient values represented by a plurality of number pairs having a first and a second number. The first and second numbers are assigned to one of a plurality of contexts (14) representative of the number pairs. The first number of a number pair is assigned to a context based on a first number of another number pair. Alternatively, the second number of a number pair is assigned to a context based on the first number of the number pair (16). Furthermore, a number indicative of the number of non-zero coefficient values in the block of transform coefficient values is determined and assigned to a context.