Abstract: A method for decoding an encoded video stream is provided that includes when a sequence parameter set in the encoded video stream is lost, wherein the sequence parameter set includes a frame number parameter, a picture order count parameter, a picture height parameter, a picture width parameter, and a plurality of non-critical parameters, assigning default values to the plurality of non-critical parameters, setting the picture height parameter and the picture width parameter based on a common pixel resolution, when a slice header of an instantaneous decoding refresh picture is available, determining the frame number parameter from the slice header, and determining the picture order count parameter using the frame number parameter, the default values, the pixel height parameter, and the picture width parameter, and using the parameters to decode a slice in the encoded video stream.