How would you define a good Digital Audio-Video Computer Interface? To start with, it should allow peripherals to be connected to a computer. It should involve high-speed serial input/output (I/O) technology, devised for this purpose. Such a device should be among the fastest developed for using with multimedia peripherals such as video camcorders and other high-speed devices such as the latest hard disk drives and printers.

A device such as this will be similar to a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port in many ways. This technology will deliver maximum benefit if used with higher-speed multimedia peripherals such as video camcorders, music synthesizers, and hard disks.

In stark contrast, USB is useful with various lower-speed input devices such as keyboards, mice, and joysticks. Both technologies can coexist on Modern-day PCs which come equipped with ports, for such devices, with capability of operating up to 400 megabits.

The interface should be equipped with "Hot plug" capability to do away with the need of turning off or restarting the computer whenever you want to attach a new peripheral. Its ease of use should also derive from a host of other features such as automatic configuration, no device IDs or terminators, and simple-to-use cables. (In other words, you shouldn't have to open up your computer, and put in a card.) Also, the interface must be able to support scores of devices per computer.

What would a music pro look for, in an AV computer interface? A professional, or even a semi-professional musician, would look for a fast, effective interface for recording vocals and musical instruments.

Such an interface would revolutionize video on desktop computers. Using this device, a music pro should be able to create broadcast-quality video at consumer prices.

The new generation of digital video (DV) camcorders have ports specifically designed for such an interface. These camcorders rely on digital technology to deliver clean, crisp video, and in the process deal older analog formats a death blow. Thus, video is captured as digital data without any conversion losses, directly into your computer. In other words, you get a perfect digital copy, thanks to the interface.

Thus, it would be the perfect computer interface for any project that incorporates digital audio and/or MIDI, including for musicians. It is ideal for audio professionals, who prepare audio (dialog or music) for presentations or other visually oriented materials, and composers scoring for pictures, computer games, and other multimedia content.

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About the Author

Richard J. Runion is the President of Geostar Publishing & Services LLC. Rich loves net research & blogging. His new blog on Alesis i026 FireWire Digital AV Interface is fast becoming popular, as it is comprehensive and well-researched.