Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention discloses a simple low cost framework for robust operational control of video encoders. The framework comprises a two-layer architecture that effectively decouples the processes of video bit rate control and video quality/distortion control. The upper layer includes a video bit rate controller that operates on a single picture/picture-slice, or a set of pictures/picture-slices, and is based on feedback control techniques used in automatic control systems. The lower layer includes a video quality/distortion controller that operates at the level of blocks of pixels, and reduces distortion artifacts. The decoupled nature of the encoder control architecture of the present invention provides the flexibility of combining various feedback control algorithms and various distortion reduction schemes.