Techniques are described that can be used to store macroblocks to memory and retrieve macroblocks from memory. In some cases, macroblocks can be stored in memory in memory addressable locations with column and row addresses flipped. Because macroblocks are stored in columns but retrieved across rows, portions of multiple macroblocks can be retrieved in a single read burst. The portions can be Golomb decoded and stored so that macroblocks can be re-assembled from the portions. In some cases, macroblocks of encoded video can be stored in continuous memory addressable locations.