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

[Jose]

Any links ? :-)

[bloodline]

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

[amigagr]

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

really :-)

[patrik]

@Jose:

You might find some interesting info here.


/Patrik

[Jose]

Didn't knew you actually have to pay to access the docs!!

I just wanted to take a look at it of course.. :-) Will try an emule search...

[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.

[adolescent]

@All

The Apple firewire licensing is for the hardware only.  IIRC, they get $.25 (split between Apple and the other firewire partners) per computer with firewire ports.  Software doesn't have to be licensed.

@Acill

Are you sure the ADC usage agreement allows you to use their source freely?  (I haven't seen the source in question, and I couldn't find your link, so I guess it could be GPL)

[beller]

Since firewire appears to be on its way out, even on the Mac, why?  USB 2.0 seems to have become the standard.  Given we already have USB, wouldn't this be simpler?

Bob

[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.

[SHADES]

@Beller

Just because it's almost an expected standard doesn't make it better. USB2 is not as fast as firewire nor does it have the features of firewire which is pretty much a SCSI standard implemented in serial form.

The other really good feature/s that comes along with firewire is the fact that firewire does not need a computer host to run, just like SCSI and Firewire can also connect up to 63 independent devices including network structure hubs etc.

You can connect up digital camera to printer setups with no memory usage, no cpu interaction and speeds are now used up to
780 Mbits/sec Mind you I think the standard has potential to go over 3 gig. That's faster than any twisted pair cat5e/6a cable.

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.  

[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.

[beller]

I'm not saying firewire isn't great, but mainstream use ultimately decides what ends up as standards.  The debate on firewire is pretty much done.  While Apple supports them on the computers for legacy purposes, the iPod no longer supports firewire connections on new models.  If you wanted to push firewire you'd continue putting out iPods with this port.


SCSI, betamax...all great standards that have fallen from mainstream use.  

Now for some real fun, lets discuss the HD DVD format war!

Bob

[weirdami]

I don't see where you get that firewire is on the way out on macs. Even if your camera has a USB out, you can't use it for video with iMovie and iMovie comes with all these newer macs you keep seeing. If firewire was on the way out, the firewire requirement would have been removed to make way for its replacement.

[beller]

The video user is the only one left still using firewire.  Given the number of direct to DVD cams, I leave you to your own conclusions.

Firewire, for most users, isn't something they use, and even for drives, it's just more portable to have USB 2.0.

Gee, this wasn't meant to start some sort of war!

[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.