The Windows XP SP2 Problem

This posting is really for those of you who use Firewire cameras, and are tempted by the higher speeds advertised for Firewire B.

You may already be aware that Service Pack 2 doesn’t play well with Firewire B (a.k.a. 1394b,) but if not, let me summarize: SP 2 reduces the effective speed of your Firewire port, from 800 MBit/s (which is what the B spec should give you,) to a meager 100 MBit/s.

That’s right. Service Pack 2 makes your Firewire B system run slower than the original Firewire A standard. Is this Microsoft’s way of punishing you for using an Apple format? This guy seems to think so, but if you follow the link you’ll find details of his suggested workaround (basically, roll back the Firewire drivers to 1394A.)

There’s also some useful information on the Point Grey site. Point Grey make a nice range of Firewire cameras; I encourage you to check them out. And as their business is built around the 1394 A & B standards, they’re very interested in helping B users resolve this issue. This link should take you straight to the relevant Point Grey knowledgebase article (you may need to register first.)

Lastly, you may be wondering what the mighty M has to say about this. (That’s “M” for Microsoft.) Here’s a link to their knowledgebase article.