In one example, a method for low-latency multimedia stream reception and output in a receiving device is described. Data packets may be extracted from a multimedia stream received over a network. The sequence of independently decodable units associated with the multimedia stream may be decoded. Each independently decodable unit may include one or more data packets. The sequence of decoded units may be stored in an output buffer. Further, flow of the decoded units from the output buffer to an output device may be controlled based on one of (a) a latency associated with the decoded units and (b) a rate of reception of the decoded units by the output buffer and a rate at which the output device is operating. The decoded units may be rendered on the output device.