[Angelo54]

I have a 3 year old computer with 4 USB 1.1 ports.

Could anybody let me know to upgrade to USB 2.0?

Many thanks

 

[abbyk]

buy a pci usb2 card and install it.

you can get them pretty cheap - probably from $10

 

[jcroix2002]

Welcome

yes -usb2 cards are cheap ,installation is easy,and you'll get much more in return in terms of enjoyment.

jc2002

 

[StillLearnin']

You might also consider a USB/Firewire combo PCI card for future use with some cameras, camcorders, storage drives and other devices. Don't buy the cheapest card out there. There IS a difference in quality and compatibility. Also make sure you are using USB 2.0 cables; there is a difference between them and the 1.1 also.

 

[dogbonz]

Hey Still Learnin'

I have the opposit problem. Can't get my 1.1 USB digital
cam to stream to 'puter. 2.0 is disabled, still nuthin'

Maybe the cable ????? (Cable is 1.1 from SONY)

hmm ?

Thanks,

-dogbonz

 

[StillLearnin']

2.0 is backwards compatible and if connected with a 1.1 cable will run at 1.1 speed. With Sony cameras, the software must be installed so the proper drivers for the camera get loaded. After the software has been installed, go to the Sony website and download the latest drivers and newest software/firmware updates for your model camera and version of Windows that you are running and install them. Make sure your firewall and anti-virus apps are disabled while installing all of this. After that, make sure the USB ports are enabled in the BIOS and that there are NO yellow or red marks showing in Device Manager next to the newly installed devices. We actually recommend to install and use a firewire card as they are more dependable and faster than USB (including the new 2.0). Your choice. If available, use the AC adapter when working with the camera to save battery power. Plug in the cable into the camera, then plug into the computer. If it isn't recognized, restart the computer leaving the camera plugged in BUT turned off. Make sure camera is turned on to the proper setting for the task you are attempting to do. After the initial installation of the Sony software, you can install and use whatever video/etc. software you want to use. Just don't lose the Sony disc.

 

[alwrmc]

I didn't know that there was a difference between cables for 1.1 and 2.0. What is the difference and why?

 

[StillLearnin']

The "estimated" transfer rate for the 2.0 is 480Mbps(however it usually doesn't go above 250-300Mbps). The transfer rate for 1.1 is 12Mbps. The cable is shielded and supposed to be made from different materials to allow the faster transfer speed and less interference through higher quality contacts. The 2.0 cables are labelled as "approved for 2.0 usage"(or something like that). There is still a lot of debate as to the "true" cable difference. For all practical purposes a person should purchase a 2.0 rated cable. The Firewire transfer is 400Mbps and doesn't drop. There is still yammering about the USB 2.0 vs Firewire. In the majority of instances, Firewire is more stable and faster, it can transfer both ways at the same time (Full Duplex) and is less CPU intensive. USB is cheaper. Even when alot of the time at only 2x faster than 1.1, the difference in 2.0 is noticeable over the 1.1. On an interesting note, I was reading about the use of 2.0 vs 1.1 when owning an ipod. It seems the 1.1 is preferred-interesting!

 

[JohnWill]

I've noticed that Firewire disks are noticably faster for transfers, but USB is on almost every computer, and USB 1.1 will work for portable disks, a big advantage. I've settled on USB 2.0 for my external disk, even though I believe Firewire is technically superior.

 

[StillLearnin']

No argument there johnwill. Intel pushed extremely hard to make USB 2.0 a reality and available on mobos. In many cases the 2.0 DOESN'T offer much over 1.1, but it is nice to have since it is backwards compatible. We like firewire (especially the availability of Firewire 800; 2x faster than the standard IEEE1394 even though it isn't used much yet) for a lot of things but only Apple has really taken advantage of it's superior stability and normally overall speed. Higher cost so the PC manufacturers shy away. Our Sony (the ONLY Sony product I have been satisfied with in over 40 years) camcorder has Firewire and it beats USB hands down. Sometimes the higher speed of the 2.0 CAN be detrimental to video transfer due to the lower quality transfer interference not produced by the Firewire method. Someday....................

 

[fmagellanjr]

Interesting discussion..what about ethernet? is this faster/slower
than firewire or serves a differnet purpose alltogether?I have broadband connected by ethernet and it blazes through..

fmjr