The digital video communications device includes a scalable video coding (SVC) controller including an encoder and associated block equalizer. The encoder is configured to receive digital video, and encode received digital video into a plurality of related streams including a base layer having a first modulation type, and scaled enhancement layers having different modulation types. The block equalizer is configured to generate a waveform by sequentially interleaving the plurality of related streams with equalizer probes. The digital video transmission approach allows the receiver to automatically provide the best video quality that the channel will support without negotiation with the transmitter.