A method of decoding encoded pictures may be provided. The method may include computer implemented steps performed by a processor of a computer system to implement the following steps: receiving the encoded pictures and delay time syntaxes associated respectively with the encoded pictures, wherein the delay time syntaxes represent time periods uniquely defined for the individual encoded pictures; decoding the encoded pictures into a decoded pictures; and holding at least some of the decoded pictures in a decoded picture buffer for respective time periods represented by the delay time syntaxes associated with the at least some of the decoded pictures before outputting the at least some of the decoded pictures from the decoded picture buffer for display, wherein the decoded picture buffer holds at least one decoded picture used for reference to decode at least one of the encoded pictures.