A decoder comprising: a parsing unit configured to access information in a first parameter set contained in a first network abstraction layer unit, the first parameter set being a syntax structure which contains syntax elements that apply to zero or more entire coded video sequences, and the information describing a parameter for use in decoding at least a first layer of multiple layers of the video sequences, and supplemental information contained in a second network abstraction layer unit, the second NAL unit having a specific NAL unit type code and corresponding to a second layer of said multiple layers, and the supplemental information describing (i) an identifier of the first parameter set to indicate that the second NAL unit is used to supplement the first NAL unit, (ii) a video usability information ("VUI") parameter having layer dependent information for use in decoding said second layer of said multiple layers; and a decoding unit configured to decode said second layer of said multiple layers based on, the accessed information from the first NAL unit and the accessed supplemental information from the second NAL unit, wherein the parameter for use in decoding at least said first layer is required for decoding said second layer of said multiple layers. a parsing unit configured to access information in a first parameter set contained in a first network abstraction layer unit, the first parameter set being a syntax structure which contains syntax elements that apply to zero or more entire coded video sequences, and the information describing a parameter for use in decoding at least a first layer of multiple layers of the video sequences, and supplemental information contained in a second network abstraction layer unit, the second NAL unit having a specific NAL unit type code and corresponding to a second layer of said multiple layers, and the supplemental information describing (i) an identifier of the first parameter set to indicate that the second NAL unit is used to supplement the first NAL unit, (ii) a video usability information ("VUI") parameter having layer dependent information for use in decoding said second layer of said multiple layers; and information in a first parameter set contained in a first network abstraction layer unit, the first parameter set being a syntax structure which contains syntax elements that apply to zero or more entire coded video sequences, and the information describing a parameter for use in decoding at least a first layer of multiple layers of the video sequences, and supplemental information contained in a second network abstraction layer unit, the second NAL unit having a specific NAL unit type code and corresponding to a second layer of said multiple layers, and the supplemental information describing (i) an identifier of the first parameter set to indicate that the second NAL unit is used to supplement the first NAL unit, (ii) a video usability information ("VUI") parameter having layer dependent information for use in decoding said second layer of said multiple layers; and a decoding unit configured to decode said second layer of said multiple layers based on, the accessed information from the first NAL unit and the accessed supplemental information from the second NAL unit, wherein the parameter for use in decoding at least said first layer is required for decoding said second layer of said multiple layers.