A video codec for encoding a sequence of video frames divides a video frame area into number of row segments. The Video encoder selects a different set of row segments in each video frame in a set of video frames and encodes the selected set of row segments by intra-prediction. As a result, the selected part of the frame is intra-refreshed. The video codec limits the maximum value of the vertical global motion vector GMVy to zero and video codec adjust the number of row segments in the select set of row segments based on the height of the search range configured for the motion estimation. As a result, the video codec may not refer to an un-refreshed portion in the previous frame for encoding an already refreshed area of the current frame.