Techniques for low-delay buffering in a video coding process are disclosed. Video decoding techniques may include receiving a first decoded picture buffer (DPB) output delay and a second DPB output delay for a decoded picture, determining, for the decoded picture, a first DPB output time using the first DPB output delay in the case a hypothetical reference decoder (HRD) setting for a video decoder indicates operation at a picture level, and determining, for the decoded picture, a second DPB output time using the second DPB output delay in the case that the HRD setting for the video decoder indicates operation at a sub-picture level.