Kramer Electronics VS-4x4FW - Manual (Page 5)

Overview
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3 Overview
FireWire is a serial bus standard 1 that enables quick universal interfacing
between video and computer hardware items 2 . FireWire hubs let you:
Connect more items than you otherwise could 3
Extend the distances
FireWire is simple to use and operates independently of the host system.
In addition, FireWire supports:
Plug and Play 4
Hot swapping 5
Isochronous 6 as well as asynchronous applications
To achieve the best performance:
Connect only good quality connection cables, thus avoiding
interference, deterioration in signal quality due to poor matching,
and elevated noise- levels (often associated with low quality cables)
Avoid interference from neighboring electrical appliances and position your
Kramer VS-4x4FW away from moisture, excessive sunlight and dust
Note that constant plugging and unplugging of FireWire equipment can result
in permanent damage to sensitive equipment due to ESD (electrostatic
discharge)
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1 Originally developed by Apple™ and published as IEEE 1394 by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
2 Hardware items include digital cameras, computers, printers, VCRs, CD-ROMs, hard disks, scanners and graphic cards
3 A computer only has limited ports available
4 Configures automatically without any driver. Whenever a device is added or removed the 1394 bus re-enumerates.
5 You can connect and disconnect inputs and outputs dynamically, without having to restart the PC or cycle power
6 Video / audio applications require constant transfer rates, which the serial bus provides by supporting isochronous transfers
7 It is recommended to use the Kramer PT-1FW, which is a line protector for FireWire signals