FireWire is emerging as the fastest, most-flexible way to connect audio, video, and computing components in the home, but it is also making inroads into workstations segments. Many workstations ship with conventional 1394A ports, but the most sophisticated digital content creation systems and audio workstations are now shipping with FireWire 800, also called 1394B, a newer version that doubles throughput. With more speed increases on the horizon, FireWire 800 could enable a new generation of fast, flexible I/O applications.

At first glance, FireWire 800 looks just like the FireWire cable you use to connect your iPod or digital camera to your PC. Look closely, however, and you will see nine pins, instead of the four or six pins. These extra pins partly explain why video editors and media professionals can't wait to get their hands on new FireWire 800 tools. Those extra pins more than double the amount of data that can flow through the cable.

Whereas conventional FireWire, 1394A, sends data at 400 Mbps, FireWire 800 can do it at 800 Mbps. You don't need that kind of speed for controlling a printer or a scanner, but for advanced video editing or RAID storage it is critical. "For high-definition video and graphics, FireWire 800 is the obvious choice," says James Snider, the 1394 Trade Association's executive director.

FireWire 800 also increases the distance that data can travel. While FireWire 400 cords are limited to 4.5 meters, FireWire 800 cables can extend to 100 meters. This is because the 1394B specification includes multiple cable types, which makes FireWire a great way to connect the multiple components of A/V systems throughout a home or studio.

"[The] 1394B [standard] looks like it might have its best opportunity as a standard for audio/video-based home networking, since it has the capability of transporting 1394 streams over other wiring, including Cat-5, glass, and plastic optical fiber," according to Brian O'Rourke, senior analyst at In-Stat/MDR.

FireWire 800's popularity has been tempered by the ubiquity of USB 2.0, which is now built onto nearly every workstation and high-end PC motherboard. Backward compatible with USB 1.0 and with a data transfer rate of 480 Mbps, USB 2.0 has become the mainstream I/O connection of choice in the PC market. Even Apple offers USB 2.0 ports on its latest systems. However, FireWire 800 has some technical benefits that might give it an edge over USB 2.0 over the long haul, particularly for workstation users.

First of all, it is faster and has the potential to be much faster in the future. By using optical fiber, 1394B can theoretically reach rates of 3,200 Mbps or 3.2 GBs per second. Also, since USB cables can run only 5 meters or so, FireWire will be far more effectively in wiring a home or studio.

Finally, FireWire can transport useful amounts of power as well as data. This capability lets users charge FireWire peripherals through their FireWire cable. This is not possible with USB 2.0, which can carry only about 2.5 W of power. FireWire can carry 45W of power, which can support high-performance disk drives and rapid power charging. This is particularly important for mobile professional that don't want to carry a lot of extra power supplies.