1. A method for selecting contexts during decoding of arithmetic code, the method comprising: performing by one or more processors and/or circuits integrated within a single chip: assigning a plurality of default context identifiers to a plurality of current syntax elements within a current macroblock; acquiring a plurality of adjacent context identifiers, said plurality of adjacent context identifiers associated with a plurality of syntax elements within at least one macroblock adjacent to said current macroblock; and selecting at least one of said plurality of adjacent context identifiers utilizing at least one of said plurality of default context identifiers.