Video encoder and portable radio terminal device using the video encoder

A video encoder for encoding a motion picture signal, comprising:

• means for sequentially selecting one reference picture signal from a plurality of reference picture signals;
• means for setting a center of search on a reference picture indicated by each of the reference picture signals sequentially selected;
• means for setting, on the reference picture, a search range including the center of search;
• means for performing block matching in the search range to search for a motion vector;
• means for repeatedly performing, for a target block in the motion picture signal, selection of each of the reference picture signals, setting of the center of search, setting of the search range, and a search for the motion vector, thereby acquiring an optimal motion vector, the means then performing motion compensation on each of the reference picture signals sequentially selected, using the optimal motion vector, to generate a predicted picture signal;
• and
• means for encoding a signal indicating a difference between the target block in the motion picture signal and the predicted picture signal, and side information,
• the means for setting the search range on a reference picture indicated by a last one of the reference picture signals sequentially selected, based on information related to the motion vector detected in the search range set on a reference picture indicated by a second last one of the reference picture signals.