HSDL (High Speed Data Link) is a software-based transport mechanism for moving data between applications. It encapsulates 2K film frames in a video format for transfer. Put another way, HSDL is essentially another video input/output timing, without audio. As a result, the need to read header information for each file is eliminated. Also, frames can pass through most HD devices, such as routers, transparently.
Using HSDL allows you to work on 2K frames in Smoke in collaboration with users on other HSDL-compliant workstations. With transfer rates ranging from 14.99 to 19.13 fps, HSDL I/O represents up to a five-fold increase in transfer speed versus the Image Import/Export process, using existing infrastructure (assuming your facility is HD-ready). HSDL also enables remote control of the HSDL device connected to your workstation using an RS-422 cable.
Although images transfer as video signals, they are converted to raw RGB data once they arrive at their destination with no loss of information.
HSDL is compliant with the SMTPE 292M HD signal transport mechanisms. Most systems should support HSDL, with the exception of the IBM 6224 and 6217.
Clip input and output using an HSDL device workflow:
