In one embodiment, the method includes obtaining a reference picture list including multiple reference pictures, and determining an initial reference picture index of the multiple reference pictures in the reference picture list based on display order information for the multiple reference pictures. The initial reference picture index is selectively modified to produce a determined reference picture index based on the macroblock level of the macroblock. The determined reference picture index is the initial reference picture index if the macroblock level of the macroblock is a frame, and the determined reference picture index is the initial reference picture index divided by 2 if the macroblock level of the macroblock is a field. The macroblock is decoded by selecting at least one reference picture from the reference picture list using the determined reference picture index.