Abstract: A method implemented by an apparatus for video transcoding comprising receiving video data intended for encoding, splitting the video data into a plurality of segments of appropriate sizes to enable distributed encoding by a plurality of video transcoders, obtaining rate control information for each of the segments by calculating related video statistics for each of the segments with subsequent segments in a determined time period, calculating an assigned bit rate to each of the segments based on the obtained rate control information, embedding the assigned bit rate to each of the segments, and forwarding the segments to a plurality of corresponding video transcoders, wherein the embedded assigned bit rate in each of the segments is extracted by the corresponding video transcoders to perform video rate control and enables the video transcoders to improve video quality and reduce rate fluctuation when encoding the segments.

Abstract: An embodiment method of transcoding a macroblock coded in one of a Skip mode and a Direct mode includes recording a first reference frame index and a first motion vector corresponding to the macroblock during a decoding process and deriving a second reference frame index and a second motion vector corresponding to the macroblock during an encoding process. The method further includes comparing the first reference frame index to the second reference frame index and the first motion vector to the second motion vector during the encoding process. If the comparing achieves a predetermined criteria, the Skip mode and the Direct mode are reused to encode the macroblock during the encoding process.