FireWire 800 is the faster peripheral interface introduced in January with Apple’s PowerBook G4. Based on the IEEE 1394b standard, the interface sports twice the available bandwidth of the “original” FireWire interface. Now, FirewireDirect.com is offering cables to help you attach your FireWire 800 and FireWire peripherals.
The new cables include beta and bilingual versions, according to FirewireDirect.com, cables that are fully compatible with the new standard. Beta cables are “true” FireWire 800 cables — with 9-pin connectors on both end, and rated for the higher speed. Bilingual cables connect “legacy” FireWire devices to FireWire 800 interfaces — they have either a 4 or 6-pin Firewire connectors on one side and 9-pin connectors on the other.
FirewireDirect.com offers the cables available as standalone products or bundled with other products.