If you've done any digital video work using FireWire, you've probably come to the conclusion that it is worth your while to research extended FireWire information. FireWire has become the de facto cabling for digital video applications, due to its incredible speed. The downside is that a FireWire cable's maximum length is an often inconvenient 14.5 feet, so you need to use extension cables or other extenders.

Whether you want your FireWire cable to stretch across a room, or you need access to a FireWire peripheral half a mile away, you have options. There are a number of creative ways to set up an extended FireWire cable connection:

1. Invest in a fiber optic extender to get extended FireWire over longer distances (up to 1000 meters).
2. For shorter distances, add 14.5 feet at a time by purchasing a FireWire extension cable.
3. Utilize any cat-5 network cabling you have laying around by purchasing a twisted pair FireWire extender.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase a fiber optic extender for extended FireWire up to 1000 meters

Fiber Optic extenders allow you to achieve extended FireWire using standard multi-mode fiber optic cable. Fiber optic cable is ideal over long distances because of the lack of lag time and signal degradation.

I recommend: You can use the FireWire 800 Fiber Optic Extender from Thinklogical to extend one or two FireWire devices up to 1000 meters, or 3280 feet, apart. Another extended FireWire provider, Smart Solutions, allows you to extend a single FireWire device the same distance.

Implement extended FireWire solutions in 14.5 foot increments by purchasing FireWire extension cable

You can chain extension cables can be chained together to extend the distance between your computer and your FireWire peripherals (like digital video cameras, or external hard drives). You can chain them together to achieve extended FireWire up to a maximum of 50 feet. Any greater distance than this, and reliability will suffer.

I recommend: Purchase the FireWire Active Extension cable direct from Sewell. Buying in bulk gets you a discount. FireFold offers FireWire repeater cables as well.

Employ a twisted pair range extender for extended FireWire using your existing CAT5 cabling

The Kramer Twisted Pair Transmitter/Receiver Range Extenders conveniently allow you to use CAT5 networking cable to extend the range of your FireWire devices. You'll need two units, because the first device takes a FireWire signal and converts it to a signal that can be transmitted over CAT5, and the second device converts it back. With these devices, you can achieve an extended FireWire range of up to 320 feet (100 meters). A third device can be added for distances of up to 200 meters.

I recommend: You can purchase this unique FireWire range extender at B & H Foto & Electronics. ProSecuritys also has these extenders regularly in stock.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Since you are considering implementing extended FireWire, list all of the FireWire peripherals you are currently using. Decide on their ideal location in your office. This will give you a better idea of the distances involved. You want to maximize your valuable dollars. If your cabling only needs to stretch down the hall, you certainly won't need to purchase a fiber optic extender!