Methods and apparatus are provided for embedding information in a host signal based on the positioning of watermarks within the host signal. An embedder provides (i.e. embeds) a plurality of watermarks in the host signal. A processor associated with the embedder is provided for determining a relative position for embedding of at least two of the plurality of watermarks within the host signal such that the relative position of the watermarks represents the embedded information. The present invention also includes corresponding methods and apparatus for extracting the embedded information from the host signal based on the detected relative positions of the watermarks within the host signal, as well as computer readable medium containing the host signal which carries the embedded information.