Region-based information compaction as for digital images

A method and apparatus for preserving the dynamic range of a relatively high dynamic range information stream, illustratively a high resolution video signal, subjected to a relatively low dynamic range encoding and/or transport process(es). A relatively high dynamic range information stream is subjected to a segmentation and remapping process whereby each segment is remapped to the relatively low dynamic range appropriate to the encoding and/or transport process(es) utilized. An auxiliary information stream includes segment and associated remapping information such that the initial, relatively high dynamic range information stream may be recovered in a post-encoding (i.e. decoding) or post-transport (i.e., receiving) process.