A method and system for reading data from a link buffer for output to a display device. A link buffer read period is determined which balances a write throughput over a source video frame time and a read throughput over a display frame time. A threshold is determined indicating a required number of pixels stored in a link buffer prior to starting to read data out of the link buffer for a next line display. A read signal is issued when the link buffer read period ends and the threshold is reached.