A DeviceLink conversion is a colour management process in which a direct colour transformation is carried out between two specific colour profiles. In contrast to conventional profile conversion, in which a source profile is converted into a working profile such as a Profile Connection Space (PCS, usually LAB) and then into a target profile, DeviceLink conversion enables colour information to be transferred directly between two colour profiles without taking the diversions via a PCS.
A DeviceLink conversion offers more control and precision as it is specifically optimised for colour transformation between two specific colour spaces. Primary colours and secondary colours are usually retained, but the colour information required for an exact match between the devices is taken into account and other aspects of colour management such as colour space or rendering intents are neglected.
This type of conversion is particularly useful when colour reproduction between certain devices is critical, e.g. when transferring print data for advertisements in different media. For example, when a TV station launches a new series, adverts have to appear in media with a wide variety of printing processes. Sometimes in newspaper printing, sometimes in offset, sometimes in gravure printing, which often creates difficulties for the agency producing the adverts. The solution is to create all ads in their original colour space such as ISOCoatedV2 and simply adjust the sizes of the ads, and then have a service provider convert them into the different target colour spaces via DeviceLink.
Proof GmbH as DeviceLink conversion service provider and proof service provider then receives the order to convert different advertisements differently via DeviceLink, to subsequently proof the converted data in the target colour space, and then to deliver proofs and DeviceLink-converted PDF data to the customer for onward dispatch to the various magazines and newspapers.
DeviceLink conversions are carried out with special software tools, colour servers or colour management solutions that support this function. A DeviceLink profile is created that enables a direct colour transformation between the two device profiles. This DeviceLink profile can then be used to convert colours between the corresponding devices precisely and efficiently. Proof GmbH relies on DeviceLinks from ColorLogic, a manufacturer that offers optimum expertise in the conversion of colour spaces.
DeviceLink conversions are a colour management technique that requires special knowledge and experience. They should be applied and tested carefully in order to achieve the desired results and avoid undesirable effects. Before you make faulty DeviceLink conversions yourself, you should rely on specialists.
In the Proof GmbH shop you can order DeviceLink PDF file conversions directly, which are carried out with DeviceLink profiles from Colorlogic
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