Don,
For you. And thanks to denverart on the Yahoo board.
From: macuser.co.uk
12 Jul 15:18 Paul Nesbitt
Wireless FireWire clears copyright barrier
Technological developments could push FireWire into new developing markets for digital broadcasting and networking, helping to seal its, and Apple's foothold in the digital video market.
The 1394 Trade Association is developing a 'Protocol Adaption Layer' for the 802.11b standard which will enable FireWire devices to communicate via wireless networks. As part of this work the Trade Association announced that it had 'resolved the issue of commercial entertainment content protection' for such devices. Specifically it had included Digital Transmission Content Protection (DTCP) to prevent unauthorised transmission of digital video or audio content.
Adding support for copyright protection and security might not appear to be a dramatic development, but it is significant for two reasons. Firstly FireWire needs the support of content providers if it is to become widely used as a transit for copyrighted material.
More significantly, it is a sign of where FireWire's backers see the technology being applied in the future. Already, companies like VividLogic, which specialise in home entertainment systems have shown off HDTVs equipped with FireWire ports. These are used to connect to hard disk-based video recorders, similar to the TiVO. From here it is a small step to hooking such FireWire systems to FireWire-equipped PCs and Macs and using them to edit video and audio either for home use of commercial use.
Even more interesting are the prospects for FireWire taking advantage of the expected explosion in small wireless networks, using an extension of the 802.11b standard. A small US start-up, called EtherLinx has invented a way of extending the range of 802.11b networks from less than a couple of hundred feet to up to 50 miles, while at the same time maintaining data speeds of up to 10Mbps.
Industry observers predict that EtherLink's technology could replace cable modems and DSL connections and even be used to broadcast content like local radio and TV signals. Except that unlike terrestrial broadcasts, data can flow two ways, between any location on the network.
With FireWire equipped receiving equipment like TVs, VCRs and video editing equipment, a new era of cheap digital broadcasting and recording could be around the corner. FireWire could be the gateway between such systems and the personal computer, making the digital hub a much more enticing prospect than it is today.
FireWire's unique ability to link intelligent devices without the need for a computer should, observers predict, make it a much more attractive proposition than USB 2.0, which does not have this capability. |
