Method of encoding video with film grain

An apparatus to encode video frames, the apparatus comprising:

• an encoder configured to compresses the video frames and having a first input for receiving video frames to be processed and a second input for receiving parameter data to enable the encoder to allocate bits for frames for encoding;
• a frame buffer having an input receiving the video frames and an output providing the first input to the encoder;
• a preprocessor for receiving the video frames and having an output providing the second input to the controller;
• a preprocessor memory connected to the processor for storing code that is executable by the preprocessor to determine the parameter data to enable the encoder to allocate bits, the code causing the preprocessor to perform the following steps;
• obtaining motion estimation (ME) data for the video frames;
• calculating a ME score for the video frames, wherein the ME score provides a measurement of plotted frame-by-frame temporal differences;
• calculating an ME stability value measuring a variance of the ME score over time;
• and
• providing a high film grain indication signal to the encoder indicating a particular segment contains high film grain when the ME score exceeds a first threshold and the ME stability value is below a second threshold,
• wherein when the high film grain signal is provided, the encoder compresses the video frames by allocating less bits to I frames and more bits to P and B type frames than to other frames of the video.