A dependency indication is signaled within the beginning of a packet, that is, within the adjacent of a slice header to be parsed or a parameter set. This is achieved, for example, by including the dependency indication at the beginning of the slice header, preferably after a syntax element identifying the parameter set and before the slice address, by including the dependency indication before the slice address, by providing the dependency indication to a NALU header using a separate message, or by using a special NALU type for NALUs carrying dependent slices.