rules for the signaling and interpretation of chroma position are described . one rule , called the short rule , defines fifteen discrete chroma centering positions and corresponding four - bit syntax element . another rule , called the extended rule , defines 81 discrete chroma centering positions and corresponding seven - bit syntax elements . a described method includes receiving digital media data at a digital media encoder , determining chroma position information for the received digital media data , and representing the chroma position information with one or more syntax elements in an encoded bitstream . the one or more syntax elements are operable to communicate the chroma position information to a digital media decoder . the chroma position information facilitates an image rotation or flip .