Splitter For 1394 (FireWire) Connection for Video

[glynor]

I have a Canopus ADVC-500 that is encoding live video from multiple cameras (run through a live video mixer) and feeding that signal via it's two FireWire ports out to two different computers. One of these computers is generating a live stream (Quicktime), and the other is recording the DV stream for archival purposes.

I'd now like to add on a few different versions of the live stream (lower-bandwidth ones) so I need to split the FireWire connection from the ADVC into 3-4 more copies to feed those copies to additional computers. I don't think I want a hub (which would let me connect more firewire peripherals to one computer), I want to split the feed coming from a peripheral into multiple identical feeds.

I know I've seen such devices for sale, but for the life of me I can't find anything now. Anyone have any hints?

[FastEddy23]

" ... I don't think I want a hub (which would let me connect more firewire peripherals to one computer), I want to split the feed coming from a peripheral into multiple identical feeds. ..."

Actually, a hub is exactly what you want. FireWire is totally "peer to peer" meaning that the first host to become active on a FireWire network becomes the lead host (lowest addressed host) and other computers (hosts) that become active "log on" to the FW network, but do not have access (directly) to the peripherals on the FW net.

This is not as complicated as it sounds ... just plug it all together and try it ...
http://www.firewirestuff.com/repeaters.html

[glynor]

Actually, a hub is exactly what you want.

I did end up trying it actually, and not in this case... Video is different than most firewire peripherals, apparently, owing to the fact that it uses bi-directional communication. Using a regular "dumb" firewire hub, only one computer could see the video device at a time. Whichever computer "opened" the Canopus device first would see it, and others would be locked out.

I did find this device (Laird LTM-DVDA5P) (http://www.lairdtelemedia.com/Product.asp?baseItem=LTM%2DDVDA5P&cat=ROUTERS&subcat=&prodClass=FIREDA&mfg=Laird+Telemedia&search=0&off=) which appears to fit the bill, but I haven't scrounged up the money for it yet.

[ootnitsuj]

Hi all,

A hub sounds like a good idea. But if I were to be limited by my budget, and I am only allowed fabricating multiple splicing point from the main host's firewire, will that work?

I have experimented this:
I have a single length (2m) 1394b cable, with both end terminated with 9 pin connector. I cut this length of 1394b cable into two, and tried to re-connect them via pin-socket connection to simulate splicing point, or a male connector-female connector connection.

Result was that my laptop could not detect my storage media drive. =(

I don't know what is wrong with my method. I have tried with various configuration:

> 1394b with 1394b (as stated above)
> 1394b with 2 core twisted
> 1394b with CAT5 cable

Result is still a disappointing no detection from the laptop. It seems like there can't be any break point in between a single length 1394b cable transmission.

Can somebody help me with this??

Thanks in advance for any suggestions. =)