A method of decoding video information, the method comprising: using a coding device comprising computer hardware: receiving video data including one or more coded pictures associated with one or more enhancement layers coded using a High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) codec and/or a multi-layer extension thereof, wherein the one or more enhancement layers are associated with a base layer coded using an Advanced Video Coding; determining that the received video data does not include coded pictures associated with the base layer; receiving, from an external source that is external to the coding device, a decoded base layer picture; receiving, from the external source, a first indication that the decoded base layer picture is an intra random access point (IRAP) picture; receiving a variable nal_unit_type having a value of IDR_W_RADL, CRA_NUT, or BLA_W_LP, which respectively indicates whether the decoded base layer picture is an instantaneous decoder refresh picture, a clean random access picture decoded from an AVC coded picture associated with a recovery point SEI message with an AVC flag recovery_frame_cnt equal to 0 and an AVC flag broken_link_flag equal to 0, or a broken link access picture decoded from an AVC coded picture associated with a recovery point SEI message with an AVC flag recovery_frame_cnt equal to 0 and an AVC flag broken_link_flag equal to 1; and decoding the one or more coded pictures without needing to decode pictures that precede the decoded base layer picture in decoding order by using the HEVC codec and/or the multi-layer extension, the first indication and the variable, and the decoded base layer picture; wherein, - when the decoded base layer picture is an IDR picture, all pictures that precede the IDR picture in decoding order are not used for prediction by pictures that follow the IDR picture, - when the decoded base layer picture is a CRA picture, pictures that follow the CRA picture in decoding order may or may not use for prediction pictures that precede the CRA picture, and - when the decoded base layer picture is a BLA picture, pictures that precede the BLA picture in decoding order are not available for prediction by pictures that follow the BLA picture. receiving video data including one or more coded pictures associated with one or more enhancement layers coded using a High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) codec and/or a multi-layer extension thereof, wherein the one or more enhancement layers are associated with a base layer coded using an Advanced Video Coding; determining that the received video data does not include coded pictures associated with the base layer; receiving, from an external source that is external to the coding device, a decoded base layer picture; receiving, from the external source, a first indication that the decoded base layer picture is an intra random access point (IRAP) picture; receiving a variable nal_unit_type having a value of IDR_W_RADL, CRA_NUT, or BLA_W_LP, which respectively indicates whether the decoded base layer picture is an instantaneous decoder refresh picture, a clean random access picture decoded from an AVC coded picture associated with a recovery point SEI message with an AVC flag recovery_frame_cnt equal to 0 and an AVC flag broken_link_flag equal to 0, or a broken link access picture decoded from an AVC coded picture associated with a recovery point SEI message with an AVC flag recovery_frame_cnt equal to 0 and an AVC flag broken_link_flag equal to 1; and decoding the one or more coded pictures without needing to decode pictures that precede the decoded base layer picture in decoding order by using the HEVC codec and/or the multi-layer extension, the first indication and the variable, and the decoded base layer picture; wherein, - when the decoded base layer picture is an IDR picture, all pictures that precede the IDR picture in decoding order are not used for prediction by pictures that follow the IDR picture, - when the decoded base layer picture is a CRA picture, pictures that follow the CRA picture in decoding order may or may not use for prediction pictures that precede the CRA picture, and - when the decoded base layer picture is a BLA picture, pictures that precede the BLA picture in decoding order are not available for prediction by pictures that follow the BLA picture. - when the decoded base layer picture is an IDR picture, all pictures that precede the IDR picture in decoding order are not used for prediction by pictures that follow the IDR picture, - when the decoded base layer picture is a CRA picture, pictures that follow the CRA picture in decoding order may or may not use for prediction pictures that precede the CRA picture, and - when the decoded base layer picture is a BLA picture, pictures that precede the BLA picture in decoding order are not available for prediction by pictures that follow the BLA picture.