System and method for multi-rate video delivery using multicast stream

Systems and methods for multi-rate media data delivery using multiple IP multicast streams are provided. According to example embodiments disclosed herein, the method may include determining a plurality of stream bit rates based on a plurality of demanded bit rates of a plurality of output media data streams and a first algorithm. The method may further include receiving an input media signal and generating a plurality of encoded data streams using the input media signal. The encoded data streams may have encoded bit rates, substantially the same as the stream bit rates. The example method may also include, using a second algorithm and the encoded data streams to generate output data streams at the demanded bit rates. In an example embodiment, the system may comprise a multi-rate encoder and a stream generator, to generate a plurality of encoded streams at the encoded bit rates.