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What is HSDL?
HSDL stands for High Speed Data Link. This is a method of transporting Data resolution information using a 'Video' infrastructure. High Definition Video (usually 1920 pixels x 1080 lines) can be transported using a single co-axial cable. However if Full Bandwidth (often called 4:4:4 but strictly speaking is 22:22:22) High Definition video is required, this needs two co-axial cables to transport it, at speeds up to 30fps.
The HSDL format structures the information so that these two co-axial cables can also carry 2K Data (normally 2048 pixels x 1556 lines) at approx. 15fps and 4K Data (usually 4096 pixels x 3112 lines) at approx. 3.75fps.
HSDL doesn't normally require a dedicated Data interface (such as HiPPi or GSN). If the interface can take full bandwidth High Definition video then HSDL capability is normally easily achieved. This interface will almost certainly allow Standard Definition video as well. The HSDL data is normally converted into DPX (Digital Picture eXchange) files at the ingest point.
HSDL is supported by AJA, Autodesk, Blackmagic Design, Bluefish 444, Cintel, daVinci, Digital Vision/Nucoda, DVS, Maximum Throughput, OmniTek and Quantel among others.
Here's an example of a workflow using HSDL:
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