VIDEO ENCODING AND VIDEO DECODING

A video decoder for decoding encoded video data, the decoder comprising a combined inter-picture merge and intra-picture prediction facility operable to predict samples of a block of video sample data, the combined inter-picture merge and intra-picture prediction facility being operable in one of a plurality of modes wherein, in at least one of said modes, said decoder is operable to generate a prediction of samples of a block of video sample data by the application of a blending mask, the blending mask governing partitioning of the block into two parts, wherein the blending mask is applied to a first prediction generated by an inter-picture merge prediction process and to a second prediction generated by an intra-picture prediction process. The decoder may be operable to produce a prediction of at least some samples in a first of the parts fully by inter-prediction. Alternatively, a video decoder comprises: a combined inter-picture merge and intra-picture prediction facility operable to predict samples of a block of video sample data, the combined inter-picture merge and intra-picture prediction facility being operable in one of a plurality of modes, at least one mode being operable in accordance with a geometrical partitioning scheme.