Get HDTV > Setting Up Your HDTV

FireWire
The last type of high definition cable is called FireWire, also known as IEEE 1394. This cable carries the complete program steam - both digital video and audio - in its compressed form. It also has a copy-protection system called 5C or DTCP.

Unlike DVI or HDMI, you can record high-definition content via a FireWire cable. FireWire can be found on some integrated HDTVs, but never on a monitor. Its capabilities can vary with some brands of HDTVs. To ensure full capabilities, look for a FireWire-equipped HDTV with a DTV Link logo. This means the HDTV will have full two-way functionality to interface with cable boxes which meet the DTVLink standard.

FireWire also provides the easiest way to connect components. It can be daisy-chained from one component to the next, and permits control of all FireWire-connected components by the HDTV.