At 705, the process 700 processes parameters in picture header or PPS of the particular video picture. As discussed above by reference to 
Next, the process identifies (at 710) higher level chroma QP offset values. In some embodiments, this higher level chroma QP offset values are picture level offsets encoded in the picture header (or as a part of the PPS). In some embodiments, this higher level chroma QP offset values are slice level offsets encoded in the slice header. Some embodiments identify multiple higher level chroma QP offset values, including both picture level and slice level.
The process then determines (at 720) whether additional chroma QP offsets are allowed or available for this particular video picture and/or slice. If additional chroma QP offsets are not available, the process proceeds to 750. If additional chroma QP offsets are available, the process proceeds to 730.