diff --git a/ffplayout.py b/ffplayout.py
index b4dd762d..ce5e371e 100755
--- a/ffplayout.py
+++ b/ffplayout.py
@@ -1111,6 +1111,10 @@ def main():
             logger.warning('program terminated')
             terminate_processes(decoder, encoder, watcher)
 
+        # close encoder when nothing is to do anymore
+        if encoder.poll() is None:
+            encoder.terminate()
+
     finally:
         encoder.wait()