A method and apparatus for video encoding to generate a partitioned bitstream without buffering transform coefficient and/or prediction data for subsequent coding units are disclosed. An encoder incorporating an embodiment according to the present invention receives first video parameters associated with a current coding unit, wherein no first video parameters associated with subsequent coding units are buffered. The encoder then encodes the first video parameters to generate a current first compressed data corresponding to the current coding unit. A first memory address in the first logic unit is determined and the encoder provides the current first compressed data at the first memory address in the first logic unit.