Firewire help

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Guest

We have decided that we need a firewire connection on our desktop for
input/output of video to DVD (sony handycam). Can anyone tell me is there any
way to find out if I have a free PCI slot for a firewire card without taking
my computer to bits right now! I'm happy to take it apart to install it but
want to know I have a spare slot before I go buy a firwire card. Any other
advice about firewire greatly appreciated as I am pretty new and to it and
all I know is what I have found out by looking at the web a little.
 
Even though you may have removable cover plates on the back of the computer,
this doesn't mean that there is a PCI slot behind it or that the slot is in
fact free. You need to remove the cover to visually check the availability.

If you are purchasing a firewire card, most are OK. I would look for one
with at least 3 ports on it. That way you can leave one cable attached for
the camera (the camera (B type 4 conductor) end is different than the
computer (A type 6 conductor) end) and one with an A-A cable for hard disks
or other devices. This will leave one free for future expansion.
 
Thanks - I just purchased and installed a 3 port firewire800 card. Didn't
realise they had different connecter sizes though DOH! Off to get adapter
cables now.
Cheers
 
Just a bennie for Firewire. Small (4 wire) means has no power available for
a device, big (6 wire) just the opposite if 6 on both ends.

Am puzzled about "input/output of video to DVD (sony handycam)." Sony
handycam is a digital camcorder. Has no asset for playing or burning DVDs.

Don't get an adapter, get the proper cable 6-6, 4-6, or 4-4. If you get a
1394B device, be sure to get the proper firewire cable for that speed, 9
pin.
 
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