In some embodiments, a deterministic algorithm may use an available bit value associated with a first bitstream and a potential bit value associated with a first symbol based on a symbol probability model to determine whether the first symbol is to be encoded in the first bitstream (e.g., a base layer). In such embodiments, if the first symbol is not to be encoded in the first bitstream, the deterministic algorithm may use a similar approach for determining whether the first symbol is to be encoded in a second bitstream (e.g., an enhancement layer).

In some embodiments, an available bit value associated with a first bitstream may be provided by a rate controller that controls the bitrate of the first bitstream. In some embodiments, each layer or bitstream associated with a data source or destination may be controlled the same rate controller or may use different rate controllers.

In some embodiments, a first bitstream is a base layer and a second bitstream is an enhancement layer, wherein the second bitstream includes encoded symbols that are not in the first bitstream. In such embodiments, symbols encoded in the first bitstream may be determined so as to reduce drift effects.

It will be appreciated that process 1100 is for illustrative purposes and that different and/or additional actions may be used. It will also be appreciated that various actions described herein may occur in a different order or sequence.