A method for processing a plurality of multilayer bit streams includes receiving a plurality of multilayer bit streams each having a base layer and at least one enhancement layer. One or more of the enhancement layers are extracted in whole or in part from at least one of the multilayer bit streams so that the plurality of multilayer bit streams are collectively reduced in their total bandwidth. Each of the multilayer bit streams are rewritten to a single layer bit stream. The single layer bit streams are multiplexed to form a multiplexed single layer bit stream.