Decoding a video stream within a browser

A method of decoding a video stream within a browser, the method comprising:

• receiving, in a source buffer, an encoded multi-layer video stream, which includes an encoded base stream and an encoded enhancement stream, wherein a combination of the encoded base stream and the encoded enhancement stream are usable to reconstruct an original video stream;
• extracting the encoded base stream from the source buffer;
• decoding the encoded base stream using a markup video element to obtain a decoded base stream;
• rendering the decoded base stream in a first markup video display region, wherein the first markup video display region is hidden, the rendering being performed to expose decoded base stream video data to an enhancement stream decoder operating within the browser;
• extracting the encoded enhancement stream from the source buffer;
• decoding the encoded enhancement stream to obtain a decoded enhancement stream;
• causing the enhancement stream decoder to obtain the decoded base stream from the first markup video display region by extracting video frames of the decoded base stream as the video frames are rendered in the hidden first markup video display region;
• combining the decoded base stream obtained from the hidden first markup video display region with the decoded enhancement stream to generate a reconstructed video stream;
• and
• rendering the reconstructed video stream in a second markup video display region that is visible within the browser.