Hint based adaptive encoding

A device for encoding video image data includes a data receiver that receives a current image frame to be compressed, the current image frame being composed of a plurality of current macroblocks. An information receiver receives metadata that includes information that identifies static areas within the received current image frame. An encoder encodes each of the plurality of current macroblocks. The encoder encodes a current macroblock that is entirely within the static areas as having no difference from a corresponding preceding macroblock in a preceding frame by using an encoded macroblock that is created without comparing the current macroblock to the corresponding preceding macroblock. The metadata may include information that identifies regular video and graphics within the received current image frame and the encoder may make different compression decisions according to the inclusion of regular video and graphics within the current macroblock.