Methods and systems for processing a video stream are disclosed. A first tier value may be assigned to each of a plurality of SHRAP pictures in a first video stream. A reference tier value may be assigned to pictures in the first video stream that may be used as reference pictures. A plurality of discard tier values may be assigned to pictures in the first video stream that may be discarded during trick mode operations and do not depend on other pictures assigned one of the plurality of discard tier values. A trick mode operation may then be performed, wherein the presentation of pictures in the first video stream is dependent upon assignment of tier values.