System and method for video encoding using adaptive loop filter

A method for decoding frames of compressed video information, each frame including a plurality of blocks having a prediction stage parameter and a residual error attribute comprising:

• categorizing each of the blocks into categories based on at least one of the prediction stage parameter and the residual error attribute;
• determining a loop filter strength value to each of the categories;
• and
• filtering the boundary adjacent to at least one of the blocks using the loop filter strength assigned to the category in which that block is categorized.

A method for decoding frames of compressed video information, each frame including a plurality of blocks each having a prediction stage parameter and a residual error attribute comprising:

• determining the block attributes for each block;
• determining a plurality of values of one or more loop filter attributes, each value associated with one or more block attributes;
• selecting one of the plurality of values of one or more loop filter attributes for a particular block based on that block's block attributes;
• and
• filtering the boundary adjacent to the particular block using the selected one or more loop filter attribute values.