by Alan Sheckter, Videomaker news editor and D. Eric Franks, Videomaker technical editor
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) has approved the 1394b databus standard, which could be used as a high-speed backbone for a home-wide high-definition A/V network. The new standard supports data rates of up to around 3 gigabits/second. This high rate far exceeds current DV specifications, which only require a 25Mbps data rate, so the impact of this announcment for DV videographers is minimal.
Analysts predict that Apple will ship new PowerMacs with IEEE 1394b later this year. Apple is working with Zayante, a small developer it acquired last month, on integrating the new standard into its computers. Initio, a computer input/output developer is also reportedly working to develop IEEE 1394b-compliant chips.