So what IEEE docs/specs does one need to read to make firewire stack for AmigaOS ?

[Acill]

bloodline wrote:
A nice big cheque sent to Apple is the first step :-D

Not true. If you join the developer connection at apple.com you can get free access to the OS X stack source code, example code, apps and everything else you need for free. If you need the links let me know. You can also go to www.morphzone.org and read the thread for the firewire stack bounty. I linked to the latest sources in that thread.

[Acill]

ftp://ftp.apple.com/developer/Development_Kits/FireWireSDK22.dmg

The FireWire SDK for Mac OS X provides developers with tools, example projects, documentation, and debug components both for developing FireWire software and for using FireWire to debug other services. The SDK also contains source code for most of the FireWire stack from Mac OS X Tiger (10.4.6) and Panther (10.3.9). FireWire SDK 22 contains 100% Universal source code and sample code.

Yes you can use it on machines and cards with firewire ports. The fee was paid when you paid for your card or machine.

    "The first step of the process is to download the evaluation license and then the software (for free). If you want to move forward after the evaluation period, then you enter into a usage agreement - still no cost."

Developers new to FireWire should also understand that the FireWire SDK license does not cover the small patent royalty levied on each IEEE 1394 (FireWire) device at the time of sale and is handled by a company called 1394 LA. Information about the IEEE 1394 patent royalty can found at the 1394 LA website.

[Acill]

The only reason for it not taking off is probably, it Apple.  I think they have to pay Apple a small royalty to make hardware or some such thing. It's not much, but it's something.  

Firewire is far from on its way out. Its in wide spread use in the video production industry. Its on all the latest Macs, even the Intel based ones. As for the Royalty, well its only $0.25 for Apple per hardware device sold. Thats very fair.

[Acill]

The direct to DVD cams are a joke and no serious video production work is done on them. you cant edit the video once you record it. It created a closed session DVD. You need to rip the dvd to get the files off, convert the vobs and then use an authoring tool to put them back. Pure crap.

The ipod doesnt use firewire because the new chipset fot the latest versions didnt have it and it was removed to save space and decrease its size further. An iPod doesnt need firewire because once you fill it it only takes very small transfers to  keep it up to date. It was a wast of money for Apple to keep it in.

I will admit in the consumer side of things Firewire isnt that popular, but in the pro side and production side its very much alive.