A method for adaptively filtering a control signal in a serial link includes monitoring for a blanking interval in a video stream having an associated clock signal and monitoring for an occurrence of a V.sub.SYNC signal once the blanking interval has started. A control signal is initially detected wherein the control signal occurs subsequent to the occurrence of the V.sub.SYNC signal. A set of properties of the control signal are recorded and a set of filter parameters are adjusted for detecting the control signal in a next blanking period based on the set of properties of the control signal.