A method of video processing by a video processor includes receiving a first syntax element in a coded video bitstream. The first syntax element can be a high level syntax element and indicate whether a height of each of a plurality of pictures in a video sequence of the coded video bitstream is equal to or larger than a width of the respective picture in the video sequence of the coded video bitstream. The pictures in the video sequence of the coded video can be processed in an orientation that is determined according to the first syntax element indicating whether the height of each of the plurality of pictures in the video sequence of the coded video is guaranteed to be equal to or larger than the width of the respective picture in the video sequence.