Abstract: The present invention provides a generic interface which enables asynchronous data processing elements to be interconnected using an interconnection protocol that controls flow of data between the processing elements. The flow control allows the processing elements to be data independent from, i.e., the processing elements need not be designed for a fixed sample rate or resolution, sample format and other data dependent factors. When used with digital motion video data, the processing elements may process motion video data at various temporal and spatial resolutions and color formats. Flow of data between processing elements may be controlled by handshake signals indicating whether the sender has valid data and the receiver can receive data. When valid data is available at the sender and is requested by the receiver, a transfer of data occurs. The characteristics of the data, and functions to be performed on the data may be specified using control inputs to the processing elements.