A video decoder parses a sequence parameter set (SPS) that is applicable to a current sequence of video pictures that includes the current picture, the SPS comprises a first dependent quantization flag and a first sign hiding flag. When the first dependent quantization flag indicates that dependent quantization is enabled for the current sequence, the decoder parses a second dependent quantization flag for indicating whether dependent quantization is used for quantizing the one or more slices of the current picture. When the second dependent quantization flag indicates that dependent quantization is not used for one or more slices of the current picture and the first sign hiding flag indicates that sign hiding is enabled for the current sequence, the decoder parses a second sign hiding flag for indicating whether sign hiding is used for quantizing the one or more slices of the current picture.