Method of video decoding

A method of decoding video data (ENC(VI)) in a video decoder ( 50 ) for regenerating sequence of images (VO) is described. The method involves arranging for the decoder ( 50 ) to include processing means ( 70 ) coupled to data memory ( 60 ). Moreover, the method involves: (a) receiving and then storing the video data (ENC(VI)) including anchor picture data; (b) processing the video data to generate luminance and chrominance block data; (c) processing the luminance and chrominance data to generate corresponding macroblock data ( 130 ); and (d) applying motion compensation to generate from the macroblock data ( 130 ) and one or more anchor pictures the sequence of decoded images (VO). The method applies the compensation such that the motion vectors derived from the macroblocks ( 130 ) used for reconstructing the sequence of images (VO) are analyzed and macroblocks accordingly sorted to provide for more efficient transfer of one or more video areas from one or more anchor pictures between the memory ( 60 ) and the processing means ( 70 ).