Firewire architecture / IEEE-P1394 Page
JohnKalpus.com

Last updated:  Sunday, September 02, 2001

 

Firewire is a new architecture (a way of connecting hardware to computers) being implemented on state-of-the-art desktop and ports comparison chartlaptop PCs. Devices connected via a Firewire connection can sustain transmission rates of  100 - 400 mbps. There are few devices currently available which can use such a fast connection speed, but more and more devices are planned which will be able to take advantage of a Firewire link to the PC. Examples include, storage drives, DV Video, digital audio, DVD players, set top boxes, digital cameras video, telephony, etc.

A new Firewire standard, 1394b, has recently been formalized and promises initial speeds of 800 mbps. Transmission rates are expected to reach 3.2 Gbps in the near future. Visit the 1394 Trade Association website for more information.

Eventually, computers will sport only USB and Firewire connectors -- it's very easy to connect peripherals to the PC -- simply attach the device to whatever connector fits! Click on the hyperlink at the bottom of the page to learn more about USB - Universal Serial Bus.

Sony Corporation has many desktop and laptop PCs which incorporate a Firewire connection. Sony calls its Firewire connection an "i-LINK" or DV (digital video) connector. Several manufactures of digital video cameras also support a Firewire connection; JVC, Sony, Panasonic, Sharp, etc.

IEEE is an acronym for the Institute of Electrical & Electronic Engineers, a world oversight organization governing electrical standards.

               

             

 


 

iLink port (with oval).jpg (44439 bytes)

Sony VAIO Superslim Notebook
 

Using a Firewire connection between a digital video camera allows several advantages.

1. The video signal does not have to be converted to an analog signal to be imported into the computer. This ensures that the signal is as "pure" and as high a quality as possible .

2. Extremely high data transfer rates are possible between camera and computer. This speeds up editing time and allows a much more efficient use of both devices.

3. Using digital video editing software, users can now have a fully functioning digital video editing lab right on their desktop or laptop computer. Amazing!
Speed comparison of serial technologies:
RS-232 ("serial" ports)    > 115.2 Kbps
USB 1.1                             > 12 Mbps
USB 2.0                             > 480 Mbps
IEEE 1394 ("Firewire")   > 400 Mbps
IEEE 1394b                       > 3.2 Gbps!

Source: 1394 Trade Association                        

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See also: USB Information

1394 Trade Association Website: http://www.1394ta.org/
Also see: www.InfoWorld.com for more information

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