LaCie Biggest Quadra
User Manual
page 12
About the LaCie Biggest Quadra
FireWire 400, also known as IEEE 1394, is a high-
speed serial input/output technology for connecting
peripheral devices to a computer or to each other, and
FireWire 800 is the implementation of the new IEEE
1394b standard.
FireWire 800 offers increased bandwidth and ex-
tended distance between devices. FireWire 800 is ideal
for bandwidth-intensive applications, such as audio, vid-
eo and graphics. Please see section 8. FireWire Ques-
tions & Answers for more information on FireWire.
2.5.1. FireWire 400 and 800 Cables and Connectors■
FireWire 800 Benefits
Resourceful architecture: FireWire 800 reduces
delays in arbitration and signal distortion, and
increases throughput.
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Backwards compatibility: adapter cables al-
low FireWire 400 devices to operate under the
FireWire 800 port (at FireWire 400 speed).
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FireWire 400 & FireWire 800 Benefits
Hot-pluggable: devices can be added and re-
moved while the bus is active.
❖
Isochronous data delivery: no dropped frames
– FireWire supports real-time data delivery.
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Flexible: up to 63 devices can be connected on a
single bus.
❖
FireWire Icons
eses icons will help you easily identify the FireWire
interface. ey appear on FireWire cables, and next to
the FireWire port connectors on certain computers.
FireWire Cables
ere are two categories of FireWire cables on the
market: FireWire 800 cables, which feature the 9-to-9-
pin, 9-to-6-pin, and 9-to-4-pin cables; and the original
FireWire cables which feature the 6-to-6-pin and 6-to-
4-pin cables.
FireWire 800 9-to-9 Pin Cable and Cable End
FireWire 800 9-to-6 Pin Cable and Cable End
iLink/DV Cable and Cable End (Sold Separately)
FireWire icon iLink icon DV icon
2.5. Cables and Connectors