A single source image encoder encodes more than one display stream, such as multiple display streams each for a different display or multiple display streams for the same display, using multiple index color history (ICH) buffers. As applied to a DSC encoder, the same DSC encoder is used to encode more than one DSC compliant display stream. Multiple encoded display bitstreams are output as multiple display data streams to a plurality of displays. Such a configuration can significantly reduce the area cost of an integrated circuit that employs an image encoder since additional encoders are eliminated.