Abstract: A method and apparatus for encoding a sequence of digital motion video images at more than one resolution. In a first embodiment, it is determined whether an image selected from the sequence is part of either a dissolve, a fade, a fast motion region or a complex motion region. If the selected image is part of either a dissolve, a fade, a fast motion region or a complex motion region, then the selected image is encoded at a reduced resolution level. In a further embodiment, a selected image is provided for encoding. A determination is then made whether a parameter derived from an estimate of the available decoding time is above a predetermined threshold. If the parameter is above the predetermined threshold, then the selected image is encoded at a reduced resolution. In a still further embodiment, a selected image from a sub-sequence of images is provided for encoding. A determination is then made whether the quantization step size associated with the image is greater than a predetermined threshold.