SD Cards Go Ultra High Speed – Transfer to Post Speeds Rocket
Posted on Jun 10, 2011 by Alex Fice
Panasonic’s new UHS-1 SD card can triple the transfer speedsSonnet Technologies and Panasonic have announced products based on a new card technology which enables production teams to transfer files far more quickly from camera to edit or archive. While a mature product such as a class 10 SDHC card can record and transfer files up-to 30 MB/s, UHS-I technology makes the leap to speeds in excess of 90 MB/s.
Panasonic’s new SDHC UHS-I memory cards incorporate a controller to protect data from sudden power failure, a refresh function to extend the archival life by over 10 times, and smart data writing to minimize defects risk caused by intensive writing. They are also equipped with “Proof 5” to withstand severe conditions (anti-water, shock, magnet, X-ray, temperature-proof -25oC to 85oC). The new 8GB, 16GB and 32GB versions will be available from the distributor, Holdan, from the end of June 2011.
Panasonic have also announced a USB 3.0 Reader/Writer. The reader gives high speed data transfer performance from UHS-I compliant cards into workstations. The BN-SDCMAB has two card slots, for full size SD and microSD cards. The new BN-SDCMAB will also be available end of June 2011.
Sonnet Technologies has launched their SDXC UHS-I Pro Reader/Writer
In a parallel announcement, Sonnet Technologies have launched the SDXC UHS-I Pro Reader/Writer ExpressCard/34, which fits into a slot-equipped MacBook Pro or Windows notebook computer on location or in the studio. The ability to transfer data from the fastest professional SD media at speeds above 90 MB/s makes for a far more convenient and efficient workflow. Using the 2.5 Gb/s PCI Express interface incorporated into ExpressCard slots, the device offers performance superior to adapters that depend a USB 2.0 interface. The adapter is also available from Holdan.
Jill Keane, product specialist with Holdan, welcomed the new technology: “Whether crews are using one or multiple cameras, a fast turn-around from production to post is essential. UHS-I will make a real difference – the speed increases are very impressive indeed.
