1394 Drivers

1394 is a connectivity standard for high-speed communication between a 1394 enabled device and a home computer. It is used in a number of applications including digital photo cameras, digital video cameras, external hard drives, and even automotive applications. There are several common names for 1394 including FireWire, i.Link, and Lynx. 1394 offers a faster data transfer rate when compared to USB. Its data rate can be up to 400mbps making it ideal for applications requiring extremely high data transfer rates.

The 1394 driver is important because it actually communicates with the 1394 enabled hardware enabling the operating system to translate and understand the information coming from the device. If this driver is missing or installed incorrectly it can lead to a number of problems including loss of data on a 1394 hard drive, crashing or freezing of the operating system, improper functionality of the 1394 device, or damage to the device or the computer’s hardware.

Common problems with 1394 drivers include slow data transfer rate, corrupted information, conflicts with another device driver, and difficulty obtaining information for a 1394 device. To ensure that these problems do not arise, follow this simple troubleshooting guide.

1.) Ensure you have the correct 1394 cable for your application. 1394 cables come in configurations such as 4 pin to 4 pin, 4 pin to 6 pin, and 6 pin to 6 pin. a 4 pin 1394 connector is smaller then a 6 pin connector. By looking at your device’s connector and your computer’s connector you should be able to determine what type of cable you require.

2.) Ensure the cable is inserted firmly and properly both into the device, and into the computer.

3.) Plug in and unplug the cable a few times to clean out any debris or dust that may have entered the connection sockets.

4.) Go to your computer’s Start Menu and navigate to the Control Panel, then to the Device Manager. Look for any menu item with a yellow exclamation point next to it. This indicates a problem with a device driver. Right click “Update Driver”. This will allow Windows to connect to Windows Update and try to automatically attain the proper driver for your device.

5.) Go the the website of your 1394 device’s manufacturer and perform as search for your model number of 1394 enabled device. If a driver appears, download and install it to your computer. If no drivers appear, continue to step

6.) Contact the manufacturer of your device as they will be able to further troubleshoot your 1394 device driver problem.

7.) If the device still will not function, it could indicate a physical problem with the device and may require replacement. Take the device to a qualified technician for inspection.