nad_masters's Full Review: Axion (PCI02013E-01) Network Adapter
FireWire is a very capable interface. With 400 Mbps, it is only bested by the 480 Mbps of USB 2.0, and is the defacto standard for DV capturing. But being a true interface, it is not just limited to DV capturing. It also works with a myriad of FireWire-enabled devices. However, LIMITED is the word I will use to describe Actiontec's PCI 1394 FireWire card.
Installation
Actiontec's 1394 FireWire card is best described with another word: GHETTO. From the way it was installed, to the way it was designed to work.
Installation was a breeze. It's just like any other plug-and-play PCI device. Just one thing that just doesn't add up: it requires you to plug in a modular power plug from your PC's power supply. At least it comes with a splitter in case all your power jacks are used up. Not only this, according to Actiontec's tech support (and I verified this with 2 different techies), you SHOULD NOT PLUG THE POWER JACK ONTO CARD IF YOU USE IT WITH A DV CAMCORDER. The power cord is only if you are using it with other devices, such as a FireWire hard drive or a CD-RW drive. Note that this was not in any of the documentation that came with the card.
Windows XP users will not have to install any drivers, as it will be automatically detected. Drivers are built in to XP. XP will also detect the 1394 card as a 1394 NIC. Not sure why anyone would use this as a NIC, but according to Microsoft, you can connect 2 PCs via FireWire and network them that way using TCP/IP.
All other Windows below XP (Actiontec supports Win 9x to 2000) will have their respective drivers listed on the CD in separate folders.
Although the CD that comes with the card is Autorun capable, the program that it launches will not launch on Windows XP. It will, however, run on Windows 9x.
DV capturing
If you decide to pick one up, just give up hopes NOW that it will not work in your camcorder. In fact, the list is SO short, I can list it here in my ePinions without taking too much space. Granted, some may work even not being on the list. However, I have a Sony DCR-TRV27 DV camcorder, which has Sony's famous and popular iLink. (Dare I type that without a "TM" somewhere?) Although a new model, the iLink interface is consistent, and the same throughout the Sony line of cameras. The Actiontec 1394 FireWire card failed to detect the camera, whether or not the aforementioned power cable was connected to the card. Both the testing software of Actiontec, NOR Sony's bundled software, Pixela, were able to detect the camera.
However, I am still confident that if it DOES work with your camera, it should operate smoothly as a DV capturing card should. That means full control of PLAY, FF, REV, STOP, and PAUSE. Of course, there will be some models that do not support this, but you will still be able to capture the video stream.
Peripherals
As most users will use this interface for mostly DV editing (like me), there are some who would use this for peripherals. For that, this card is useable. Once I connected a Western Digital hard drive (with a FireWire enclosure and driver), it worked flawlessly. Windows detected and assigned a drive letter to the hard drive.
Next was a FireWire multimedia card reader. It reads Compact Flash, Smart Media, SD, and MMC. Reading a 12x Lexar memory card proved that Lexar is no BS when they claim such a speed. This proves that USB 1.1 was definitely a bottleneck when reading these memory cards. However, my CoolPix 995 digicam still did not read or write noticeably faster on these cards over a no-name brand 1x card or a 4x Lexar card.
Combo User?
If you are to use it for DV capturing by day, and PC peripherals by night, this is definitely NOT the card for you. You'll have to plug in the power connector when you are using it for other devices, and UNplug it when you use it for DV capturing. Very inconvenient. Not the best design.
If you are to use it for DV capturing only, it may work for you. Just make sure you have your receipt with you.
If you are to use it for PC peripherals, no problems here. As long as you don't mind a few more wattage being sipped from your power supply, and a splitter to contend with.
Worthy?
Absolutely not! However, if you can get it for $15, it is worth a try. I've seen this card online for $50 to $70. If that is the case, stay away! For the same price, you can get yourself a better-designed FireWire card.
You didn't think I was going to forget the list, where you? :) Straight from Actiontec's site at www.actiontec.com in their support pages.
DV Camcorder Compatibility List
*** NOT ALL THE SUPPORTED CAMERA's ARE LISTED. PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE DRIVER ZIP AND TRY WITH YOUR DV CAMCORDER.***
Provides 3 Ports for connecting 1394, FireWire, or i.Link Devices Capture, Edit, and E-mail Digital Videos quickly and easily on your own PC Ideal for...More at Amazon Marketplace
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