USB & Firewire

baby-mechanic

Hi Folks

What's the difference between USB and Firewire connections ?

I know I've got USB connections, how do I go about finding if I've got firewire ones ?

Many thanks

Leopard

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firewire

Firewire is a "smart" system, whereas USB2 isn't.

Firewire devices can be daisy-chained and Firewire 800 is much faster than USB2.

With Macs, you can do additional things with Firewire that you can't with USB2. (For example, start a Mac in "Target" mode to transfer data to another, using just a simple Firewire lead.)

Do a Google search if you want to find out more.

Inactive

The ports are a different size/shape.

timbim_2

I have to say, firewire is a much better system than USB, hence why all video capture units use it, along with software like cubase, which can transfer twelve channels of sound for multi-track recording down two firewires, with enough bandwidth free to send down controls. That apple lot finally came up with somthing that is useful and not probitively expensive!

timbim_2

At least not the pros! People use permier pro with them, and that needs firewire to capture...

robredz

most pro and prosumer camcorders use firewire. If your pc hasn't got them you can buy an add in pci card to add it.

samhale

I use Premier Pro, but when my motherboard was changed, it no longer has firewire, so need to buy a PCI card

timbim_2

I mean serious video editing. Anyone with a reasonably good camera might want a package to do their shots justice...

mymatebob

The current base model of mac book comes with a firewire socket - at least the one I bought last week did and I used it to great effect to get stuff off an old mac. Great stuff, Now if only the mail would work.....