In a method for generating a scalable
data stream, when a block of output data of a first
encoder is present, this block of output data is written into the scalable
data stream. If output data of a second
encoder is present for a preceding period of time, this output data for the preceding section is written in transmission direction behind the block of output data of the first
encoder into the
data stream. When the output data of the scalable encoder for the current section is present, the output data of the second encoder is written into the bit
stream subsequent to the output data of the first encoder. A determining data block is generated and written into the bit
stream delayed by a period of time which corresponds to the size of the bit savings
bank of the second encoder. Finally, buffer information is written into the bit
stream, which indicates, where the beginning of the output data of the second encoder for the current section regarding the determining data block is, wherein the buffer information corresponds to the bit savings
bank level. Thus, it is possible to simply signalize a bit savings
bank in a scalable data stream. The
maximum size of the bit savings bank may further be adjusted depending on the intended decoder
delay and be communicated to a decoder by positioning the determining data block in the scalable data stream without an effort of additional bits in order to reduce the initial
delay of the decoder.