We consider the problem of allocating bits among pictures in an MPEG video coder to equalize
the visual quality of the coded pictures, while meeting bu er and channel constraints imposed by
the MPEG Video Bu ering Veri er. We address this problem within a framework that consists of
three components: 1) a bit production model for the input pictures, 2) a set of bit-rate constraints
imposed by the Video Bu ering Veri er, and 3) a novel lexicographic criterion for optimality.
Under this framework, we derive simple necessary and su cient conditions for optimality that lead
to e cient algorithms
