Abstract: A transcoding method and apparatus having an input former, a requantizer, a buffer, a prediction processor, and a composite switch. The transcoder has multiple feedback paths routed through the composite switch that are selected depending upon system requirements. The input former can further include an inverse quantizer, a summer, and a selector. The selector connects different signal paths in the transcoder depending upon the coding mode of the input bitstream. The buffer can include a frame buffer, a QP buffer, and a comparator for generating a control signal. Further features of the transcoding method and apparatus include a frequency weighted thresholder and a computation resource manager.