A video encoder includes a receiving module for receiving a video signal, the video signal including a plurality of fields, wherein each of the plurality of fields includes a plurality of pixels. The video encoder further includes a signal processor having a signal processing module for generating a processed video signal and a video encoding module for producing an encoded video signal based on the processed video signal. The signal processing module includes a video filter module that is enabled when a filter enable signal is asserted and disabled when the filter enable signal is deasserted. The video filter module filters at least one of the plurality of pixels of a corresponding one of the plurality of fields when the video filter module is enabled. The signal processor also includes a filter enable module for generating the filter enable signal, the filter enable module including a motion detection module for detecting motion in the at least one of the plurality of pixels and for deasserting the filter enable signal when motion is detected in the at least one of the plurality of pixels.