An entropy coding apparatus. In a specific embodiment, the entropy coding apparatus includes a renormalization process and an encode-decision process that communicates with the renormalization process. The encode-decision process is adapted to run in parallel with the renormalization process without the renormalization process being nested therein. In a more specific embodiment, the entropy coding apparatus includes an entropy encoder that is H.264 compliant. The encode-decision process includes a first mechanism for pre-computing certain parameters to eliminate the need to nest the renormalization process within the encode-decision process. The renormalization process and the encode-decision process are components of a Context Adaptive Binary Arithmetic Coding (CABAC) module.