What is a Firewire to USB Adapter?
Firewire (IEEE 1394) and USB (Universal Serial Bus) are two separate high-speed bus technologies that allow multiple devices to be connected to a computer. The two technologies are not integrated, and it is not possible to connect a USB device to a Firewire port either directly or through the use of a Firewire to USB adapter. However, that doesn’t mean that your Firewire devices are useless if you have a USB port, or vice versa. Although a Firewire to USB adapter does not exist, and cannot exist because of differences in the two technologies, several companies do provide dual Firewire/USB hubs. This type of device has two ports in a single hub, which may be either external or internal; one for Firewire and one for USB – allowing either type of device to function. The combination hub is actually two separate ports combined into a single form factor for convenience; there is no conversion between Firewire and USB taking place when you use one of these hubs. Another alternative is simply
Actually, a USB to FireWire adapter does exist. It’s made by Pixela Corporation, and sold exclusively through www.USBFireWire.com, and is meant for downloading videos into a computer. Here’s a link to the item itself: NTSC version (US Market) link to USB to FireWire Adapter PAL version also available for European market Note: This adapter is for DV video only. And, it currently (March 2009) requires Windows XP. This is the only functional USB to FireWire adapter currently on the market. -Rick rick@usbfirewire.com www.USBFireWire.
