A method for encoding quantization matrices comprising the steps of (A) signaling whether values of a luma quantization matrix are determined by either (i) a first set of custom values or (ii) a set of standardized default values, (B) transmitting the first set of custom values when the values of the luma quantization matrix are determined by the first set of custom values and (C) signaling whether values of a first chroma component quantization matrix are determined by either (i) a second set of custom values or (ii) the values of the luma quantization matrix.