TITLE
    FireWire 2.2.2: Read Me
Article ID:
Created:
Modified: 		60403
6/24/99
6/21/00
TOPIC

    This article comprises the Read Me for FireWire version 2.2.2. This software was released by Apple on 06 January 2000. It has since been replaced by newer versions, which are available for downloading from the Apple Software Updates Web site.

    Description
    FireWire 2.2.2 is a component of the Mac OS. The FireWire 2.2.2 software includes three system extensions:

    • FireWire Support. This extension adds services to the Mac OS to support the use of FireWire hardware and software.
    • FireWire Enabler. This extension adds hardware-specific support for certain FireWire interfaces.
    • FireWire CardBus Enabler. This extension adds hardware-specific support for the Newer FireWire 2 Go CardBus interface, for use with PowerBook computers.

    FireWire 2.2.2 fixes two problems for iMac DV, iMac DV Special Edition, and Power Macintosh G4 customers who are presently using FireWire 2.2:
    • Exporting video from iMovie to a DV camera is more reliable with FireWire 2.2.2.
    • FireWire hard disk drives will be more reliable when hot-plugged with FireWire 2.2.2.

    Requires
    Macintosh computer with a FireWire interface, Mac OS 8.6 or 9.0.x

DISCUSSION

    What Is FireWire?

    FireWire is an Apple trademark for the IEEE 1394 High Performance Serial Bus standard, a cross-platform standard for connecting and using digital peripheral devices. FireWire can be used with many multimedia devices and for other high-performance applications. FireWire's benefits include fast real-time transfer, plug-and-play, hot swapping, a higher-speed growth path, and easy-to-use cables and connectors.

    FireWire products currently available from third parties include digital video cameras and digital video decks, printers, still image cameras, mass storage devices, and PCI cards that can connect these devices to a computer. These products can be used to capture digital still images and to perform non-linear editing of digital video, including the creation of new digital media content.

    In addition to digital video applications, consumer and professional FireWire products available in the near future may include synthesizers, digital TVs, scanners, entertainment systems, set-top boxes, and other devices.


    About FireWire 2.2.2

    FireWire 2.2.2 is a component of the Mac OS. The FireWire 2.2.2 software includes three system extensions:

    • FireWire Support. This extension adds services to the Mac OS to support the use of FireWire hardware and software.
    • FireWire Enabler. This extension adds hardware-specific support for certain FireWire interfaces.
    • FireWire CardBus Enabler. This extension adds hardware-specific support for the Newer FireWire 2 Go CardBus interface, for use with PowerBook computers.

    FireWire 2.2.2 fixes two problems for iMac DV, iMac DV Special Edition, and Power Macintosh G4 customers who are presently using FireWire 2.2:
    • Exporting video from iMovie to a DV camera is more reliable with FireWire 2.2.2.
    • FireWire hard disk drives will be more reliable when hot-plugged with FireWire 2.2.2.


    System Requirements

    To use FireWire 2.2.2, you need a Macintosh computer with the following:
    • built-in FireWire ports, or at least one FireWire PCI card or CardBus card installed
    • Mac OS 8.6 or 9.0 installed

    If you want to use FireWire digital video devices with your computer, you need the latest version of QuickTime, which contains the necessary drivers. You can get the latest version of QuickTime at the QuickTime Web site:

    http://www.apple.com/quicktime

    To use FireWire 2.2.2 on a Power Macintosh G3 (Blue and White), you should first install Mac OS 9 or the G3 Firmware Update 1.0.2 or 1.1. This software provides PCI performance adjustments that are necessary for maximum FireWire performance. The G3 Firmware Update is available here:

    http://asu.info.apple.com/swupdates.nsf/artnum/n11361


    Installing FireWire 2.2.2

    Depending on which version of the Mac OS you're using, the FireWire 2.2.2 extensions may already be installed. Some third-party products may also include the FireWire 2.2.2 extensions as part of their software.

    To check if you have the FireWire extensions, look in the Extensions folder, in the System Folder on your computer's hard disk. To check which version of the FireWire software you have, use the Get Info command in the File menu (in the Finder).

    After installing FireWire 2.2.2, you can delete or disable the FireWire CardBus Enabler extension if you do not plan to use the Newer FireWire 2 Go CardBus card.

    IMPORTANT Be careful not to replace a newer version of the FireWire software with an older version. Read all the documentation that came with any third-party products for the latest details.

    You can find the latest version of FireWire software at the FireWire Web site:

    http://www.apple.com/firewire


    Known Issues and Limitations

    Follow the guidelines listed below for connecting FireWire devices to your computer. If these instructions are not followed, your computer and other FireWire devices may not work correctly. For more information about using and troubleshooting FireWire devices, see the onscreen Help (available in your computer's Help menu).
    • Do not connect more than 63 devices (including computers) at one time.
    • Do not connect devices so that any two devices have more than 16 cables directly between them.
    • Do not connect FireWire cables in a way that forms a ring of devices. Do not plug both ends of one cable into the same device.
    • Unused FireWire connections should be left empty. There are no terminators for FireWire connections.
    • Connect devices that require power from FireWire directly to the computer.
    • Do not unplug a FireWire device or eject a CardBus card while it is being used. For example, do not unplug a FireWire disk while copying files onto it.

    Using Multiple FireWire Devices at the Same Time

    Power Macintosh computers can transfer perfect digital video (DV) on FireWire when no other devices are using the FireWire bus. If you have problems transferring digital video, make certain that no other FireWire devices are being used at the same time.

    Turning on a DV camera that is already connected may cause a FireWire hard disk to stop working. If this happens, turn off the camera and verify that the hard disk has recovered. Then unplug the FireWire cable from the camera, turn the camera on, and reconnect the FireWire cable to the camera. Check with the hard disk vendor for a possible firmware update to prevent this issue.

    Using FireWire With a PowerBook

    If a PowerBook computer with a FireWire CardBus card inserted will not start up, eject the card and restart the computer again.

    Do not allow a PowerBook computer to sleep while it is receiving digital video. The video input may not continue when the computer wakes up.

    If a FireWire CardBus card cannot be removed from the desktop, shut down the PowerBook and then press the card eject button to remove the card.


    For More Information

    Customer information about FireWire can be found on Apple's Web site at this address:

    http://www.apple.com/firewire

    Developer information can be found on Apple's Web site at this address:

    http://developer.apple.com/hardware/FireWire

    Information about the IEEE 1394 Trade Association, and many FireWire products, can be found at these addresses:

    http://www.1394ta.org
    http://www.1394showcase.com


Document Information
Product Area: Communications-Networking
Category: Other System Connectivity
Sub Category: General Topics

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