[sorenjan]

Are there any codecs that can output multiple versions of an input at the same time? Seems like a lot of the encoding process (like motion estimation) is the same every time, so why do it once for every output instead of reusing it?

[JustSomeNobody]

That would be interesting to know. A lot of transcoders can make multiple passes over the source, so being able to reuse the meta data generated for subsequent passes at different output qualities might help speed up the process. I dunno, not my forte, just thinking out loud.

[astrange]

It's not worth it, because every single decision ends up depending on your output targets anyway.

(You can't afford accurate motion estimation at low bitrates because you can't fit the accurate info in your budget anyway. Except for when you can.)