Abstract: A video stream (for example, H.264 video) includes intra-encoded portions. Decoding an intra-encoded portion utilizes the result of decoding one or more other portions (called predecessors) in the frame. Frame reconstruction involves identifying a portion that has no predecessor portions that have not been decoded and then initiating decoding of the identified portion(s). When the decoding of a portion is substantially complete, then the remaining portions to be decoded are examined to identify portions that have no predecessors that have not been decoded. By carrying out this method, multiple portions may be decoded simultaneously. Each can be decoded on a different work entity, thereby increasing the rate of decoding of the overall frame. Because deblock filtering a predecessor destroys information needed in the intra-decoding of other portions, prefiltered predecessor information is stored in a buffer for subsequent use during intra-decoding, thereby facilitating simultaneous decoding of multiple portions.