Video encoding methods and video encoders that provide improved performance while reducing power consumption. In one aspect, a video encoding method comprises the steps of outputting a parameter for a slice of a current frame, wherein the slice comprises a plurality of macroblocks, processing the slice by consecutively encoding and decoding each macroblock of the slice in response to the parameter, and outputting an interrupt signal for the slice The parameter preferably comprises an address of the first macroblock of the slice, an address of a search area in a previous frame, the search area corresponding to a current macroblock in a current frame, and a number of macroblocks comprising the slice.