Methods for determining for high layer macroblocks that use inter-layer prediction, a partitioning of the macroblock. The methods include dividing the high layer macroblock in non-overlapping high layer blocks of a predefined size; determining a corresponding base layer pixel for one pixel, called reference pixel, of each high layer block; identifying, for each reference pixel, a base layer macroblock to which the corresponding base layer pixel belongs, a base layer partition to which the corresponding base layer pixel belongs in the identified base layer macroblock, a base layer sub-partition to which the corresponding base layer pixel belongs in the identified base layer partition if the sub-partition exists; deriving, for each of the high layer block, a single value, called Partlnfo value; and determining a partitioning of the high layer macroblock in macroblock partitions by comparing between them the Partlnfo values associated with each of the high layer blocks.