A method (60) and apparatus process video in a multiple encoder system by identifying (61) those frames that were originally encoded as anchor frames in the first encoder and ensuring that the second encoder (e.g., the re-encoder) encodes (65) these identified frames as anchor frames rather than bidirectional frames or non-anchor frames. In addition, the second encoder identifies (62) those frames that were originally encoded as non-anchor frames in the first encoder and encodes (66) the non-anchor frames, such as bidirectional frames, as non-anchor frames during the second encoding process. Once the anchor frames (and non-anchor frames) are identified, the present invention also determines (63) a frame-type pattern output by the first encoder and synchronizes (64) the second encoder to the identified frame-type pattern of the first encoder, thereby ensuring optimal utilization of encoder resources. A method for determining frame type (80) based on relative spatial activity is also set forth. Moreover, methods for frame-type-synchronizing (70, 100) are disclosed as well. Moreover, a method for determining a pattern of frame types is disclosed.