Signaling of inter layer prediction in video bitstream

An apparatus for video decoding of a scalable bitstream, the apparatus comprising:

• at least one memory configured to store computer program code;
• at least one processor configured to access the computer program code and operate as instructed by the computer program code, the computer program code including:
• parsing code configured to cause the at least one processor to parse at least one video parameter set (VPS) comprising at least one syntax element indicating whether at least one layer in the scalable bitstream is one of a dependent layer of the scalable bitstream and an independent layer of the scalable bitstream;
• first decoding code configured to cause the at least one processor to decode a picture in the dependent layer by parsing and interpreting an inter-layer reference picture (ILRP) list;
• and
• second decoding code configured to cause the at least one processor to decode a picture in an independent layer and another picture in the dependent layer each without parsing and interpreting the ILRP list.

A non-transitory computer readable medium storing a program configured to cause a computer to:

• parse at least one video parameter set (VPS) comprising at least one syntax element indicating whether at least one layer in the scalable bitstream is one of a dependent layer of the scalable bitstream and an independent layer of the scalable bitstream;
• decode a picture in the dependent layer by parsing and interpreting an inter-layer reference picture (ILRP) list;
• and
• decode a picture in an independent layer and another picture in the dependent layer each without parsing and interpreting the ILRP list.