In some implementations, an intelligent monitor 250 external to the encoder 220 can operate to provide intelligent encoder tuning based on QoE feedback. The intelligent monitor 250 implements algorithms that can automatically determine an efficient compression rate by increasing or decreasing the output rate of the encoder 220 in a series of stepwise refinements. At each step, a quality analyzer 260 can measure the video and audio QoE data.

In some implementations, the quality analyzer 260 can be located in another networked device. In other implementations, the quality analyzer 260 can be located within the STB/GW/CPE device 240. The quality analyzer 260 can provide QoE feedback to the intelligent monitor 250 via the network 230. In some implementations, the intelligent monitor can receive the QoE feedback via an SNMP trap. In other implementations, another method such as, for example, a proprietary messaging format or out-of-band (OOB) channel can be used to transfer QoE feedback, among many others. It should be understood that QoE feedback can include an audio and/or video QoE score with associated defect codes that can be used to increase granularity and customization for adjustments to the compression rate(s).