Method for scalable encoding of media streams, a scalable encoder and a terminal

A multimedia terminal comprising a scalable encoder having

• first encoding means for producing a first data stream, which is a core data stream relating to the media signal, having a first bit-rate,
• second encoding means for producing a second data stream, which comprises a set of enhancement data streams relating to the media stream, having a second bit-rate, and
• a multiplexer for combining at least the first data stream and the second data stream into a third data stream,
• and control means, which is arranged to receive control information, to determine a target combination of the first data stream and the second data stream in the third data stream according to the control information and to adjust the combination of the first data stream and the second data stream in the third data stream by affecting the first and the second bit-rates.

A method for scalable encoding of a media signal, said method comprising the steps of:

• encoding the media signal into a first data stream, which is a core data stream corresponding to the media signal, having a first bit rate,
• encoding the media signal into a second data stream, which comprises a set of enhancement data streams corresponding to the media signal, having a second bit rate,
• multiplexing at least the first data stream and the second data stream into a third data stream,
• receiving control information,
• determining a target combination of the first data stream and the second data stream in the third data stream according to the control information, and
• adjusting the combination of the first data stream and the second data stream in the third data stream by affecting the first and the second bit-rates.