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LTM-DVDA5P
1x4 IEEE 1394 DV
Distribution Amplifier
DV BASED SYSTEMS- Over the past 2 years, several manufacturers have adopted the DV based tech-
nology, using Firewire to I/O the signals. Separating the technology into categories you would have:
Stand-alone acquisition media devices such as CamCorders and VTRs. These devices have an on-
board hardware codec which record and playback DV based signals directly to a DV connector which is
usually a 4pin or 6pin.Editing devices such as NLEs and signal processing equipment which for the most
part use computers which record DV25 unto a hard drive and provide software for editing and manip-
ulation of the signal.
Media conversion devices which convert Analog A/V signals to DV and DV signals toAnalog. These
devices use an onboard DV Codec to convert bidirectionally analog and DV signals so that equipment
that is not DV equipped can be used.
Display Devices such as DV monitors have entered the market where direct DV can be displayed on a
picture monitor that is so equipped.
Routing devices have been developed to allow the switching and moving of DV signals around the
production environment. There are both passive devices and active devices, depending on the com-
plexity of the switching requirement.
Storage devices, such as Firewire hard drives are available as either standard or “hotswap” devices
for computers.
Capture devices such as DVCapture ISA cards are commonly used to I/O DV into computers and relat-
ed devices. These cards use a hardware codec on their hardware and report usually to a software codec
on the computer. All capture devices are not alike with regard to how they operate and comply with
associated software.
Should you have a question before you setup your system,please call our customer support number for
any information we may have. This problem does not occur when using CamCorders,DVCAMVTRs and
Media Converters such as the LAIRD LTM5000/5500 series. DV Cables- Although the IEEE1394 group
has determined that a distance of 3meters(9feet) is the optimal length for 1394 transfer, there have
been several introductions of so-called “long-run” 1394 cables. Please note that these cables for the
most part have been developed for use with media devices only, such as cameras andVTRs. The use of
these cables can cause a host of problems in a fully integrated 1394 network. They do not work with
peripheraldevicessuch as hard drives,scanners or printers. They do not workwell with avarietyofcom-
puters and capture cards. So be warned, that we strongly urge you to be careful in your design of your
DVD duplication system. It is advised that you do not use cables in excess of 12 feet. Purchase quali-
ty IEEE1394 approved cables, and avoid using adapters whenever possible to go between 4 and 6pin
equipment. Purchase true manufactured 4/6pin cables. Media converters normally default to a cam-
corder emulation when used in stand-alone mode. You will have no problems using LAIRD
LTM5000/5500 series of DV media converters. It is suggested that you test other similar devices to be
certain before you commit the product to your design.
Before you design your DV duplication setup examine these differences and compatibility issues care-
fully. As you can see,since there are so many differences, it would be wise to design your system with
100% compatible equipment to ensure proper working order.
NOTES ABOUT IEEE 1394 DV TECHNOLOGY (cont’d)
