Abstract: A coding conditions selection apparatus, adapted for inclusion in an MPEG-II encoder chip, and methods for selecting encoding parameters for a macroblock of video data includes an encoder decision block ("EDB") for receiving and concurrently stratifying into a plurality of blocks digital video data associated with a macroblock. Each block may correspond to video data for pels of the macroblock, or a block may correspond to differences produced by subtracting digital video data for pels of a reference frame of video from digital video data for pels of the macroblock. The EDB while evaluating functions, e.g. either a variance or a mean square error, concurrently processes the stratified data for several blocks while avoiding any redundant computations. A plurality of encoding conditions are determined based upon the block function evaluations.