A scalable encoder (100) for encoding a media signal is described. It comprises first encoding means (210) for producing a first data stream (102), which is a core data stream relating to the media signal (101), having a first bit-rate; second encoding means (230) for producing a second data stream (103), which comprises a set of enhancement data streams relating to the media signal, having a second bit-rate; and a multiplexer (110) for combining at least the first data stream and the second data stream into a third data stream (104). The scalable encoder it further comprises control means (420, 421, 422), which is arranged to receive control information (401), to determine a target combination of the first data stream and the second data stream in the third data stream according to the control information and to adjust the combination of the first data stream and the second data stream in the third data stream by affecting the first and the second bit-rates. A multimedia terminal having a scalable encoder and a method for encoding data are also presented.