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Primary Features of IEEE 1394
The primary features of the 1394 interface are shown below.
High-speed, high-volume interface
Data can be sent at 100Mbps, 200Mbps, and 400Mbps, 1500 to 6000 times as fast as INS.
Expandability for home electronics
Up to 63 devices can be connected. Bridge technology allows the connection of even more devices.
Plug and play, hot plug
Plugging in to connect and plugging/unplugging while the power remains on; features that are commonly used with home electronics available now in digital devices. There are definitely situations when these features are required in the home network, such as when a child accidentally unplugs a power cord or when a user wants to connect a portable device.
Real time
Although this feature is common in analog devices, it has yet to be widely achieved with other digital protocols. If devices and data are changed to digital, digital real time features become an extremely important element.
Where to connect?
The order of connections can be random. For example, even if the connection order is TV, audio, computer, video deck, the user can control the video deck with the television control. Therefore, there is no longer a need for complicated wiring.
Data and control signals sent together
Most recent home electronics products send control signals. However, since the data is analog, a separate cable is required and wiring becomes complicated.
Star couplers can be used, even with daisy chains.
Up to 16 devices can be connected with a daisy chain. A tree structure can also be used to make connections like with a daisy chain. Therefore, users can make connections at home easily and with little thought.
Low cost
Since 1394 is high-speed and is a protocol that can be used by a number of home electronics products, it will likely be used widely in future households. Mass production has already begun to achieve low pricing.
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