A method for improving a quality of a scalable video sequence communicated over an error-prone network (500). The video sequence includes at least one base layer and at least one enhancement layer comprising a number of intercoded macroblocks. the method includes the step of replacing (560) at least one inter-coded macroblock with an intra-coded macroblock in one or more enchancement layers of the video sequence. Replacing selected inter-coded macroblocks with intra-coded macroblocks in one or more enhancement layers provides improved video picture quality in an error-prone communication environment such as mobile or wireless communication systems or non-guaranteed quality of service environments such as the internet. The technique limits propagation of errors within the enhancement layer (s) of the video sequence.
