An approach is provided for determining a program clock reference (PCR) value validity, for avoiding inaccurate variable delay reference (VDR) values, and for avoiding a mismatch in a data packet between a sequence number and a packet number for a wireless display extension. The approach involves determining to generate a data packet carrier having an optional PCR value, a VDR) value, and a validity indicator. The approach may further involve processing the data packet carrier to determine whether the data packet carrier has the optional PCR value. The approach may also involve causing, at least in part, a surrogate PCR value to be generated based, at least in part, on a determined absence of the optional PCR value from the data packet carrier.