A system utilizing a high throughput coding mode for CABAC in HEVC is described. The system may include an electronic device configured to obtain a block of data to be encoded using an arithmetic based encoder; to generate a sequence of syntax elements using the obtained block; to compare an Absolute-3 value of the sequence or a parameter associated with the Absolute-3 value to a preset value; and to convert the Absolute-3 value to a codeword using a first code or a second code that is different than the first code, according to a result of the comparison.