A system and method for interfacing video devices over a link where electronic digital video data having a quantity (n) of bits of parallel data transmitted electronically at a first clock rate (R.sub.1) is converted to a stream of electronic serial data that is transmitted a second clock rate (R.sub.2=R.sub.1.times.n). The stream of electronic serial data is transmitted over a link that can be a fiber optic link or include one or more conductors. A receiver is employed to convert the data transmitted over the link into an output data stream having (n) bits of parallel data transmitted electronically at the first clock rate (R.sub.1). If the link is a fiber optic link, the receiver can convert the data transmitted over the link into to a second stream electronic serial data that is transmitted at the second clock rate (R.sub.2) and then to the output data stream.