Channel Dynamics introduces DV hard drive bays

Leading distributor of storage solutions and performance upgrades for PCs and Macs, Channel Dynamics has just introduced a range of FireWire connected removable hard drive bays.
The system allows users to quickly interchange hard drives (HDD) to provide backups or to simply change between projects.
Ideal for large design projects, and the best solution for DV editing, the FireDock system allows any standard IDE hard drive (ATA133/100 recommended) to be fitted in a caddy that can then be quickly slotted into or removed from its docking bay using a convenient pullout handle. The docking bay can be mounted internally in a PC in any standard 5in drive bay with front access, or fitted into single or double freestanding external units.
The system allows hard drive exchanging without system shutdown or restart (Hot-Swapping). It supports large capacity drives (up to 160GB), and provides high-speed data transfer speeds (over 30MB/sec sustained read). This performance is achieved by using FireWire (IEEE1394) connections between the FireDock and the host computer (PC or Mac.).
The docking bay uses an interface module with Ratoc's original circuit and firmware for high-performance FireWire/IEEE1394 to IDE conversion. It supports UDMA/66 transfer modes and achieves over 30MB/sec.-sustained HDD Read Speed. The interface module includes two 400Mbps FireWire/IEEE1394 ports and works as a stand-alone repeater. The docking bay uses a high-reliability 96P DIN connector, low-noise (25db-A) low power cooling fan and LED indicators for Power and HDD access status. The HDD tray includes an 80-conductor ATA133/100 cable for simple installation of any compatible IDE drive.
Fully Plug and Play, FireDock drives are recognised and mounted by the OS automatically. The system is fully compatible with any Windows PC with IEEE1394 Ports running under Windows XP /Me /2000 /98SE. It is also compatible with any PowerMac, iMac, PowerBook or iBook with FireWire Ports running on MacOS X 10.1.x/9.2.x/9.1/9.0.4, including support for booting up with FireWire embedded PowerMac systems (G4/AGP or better).
The basic FireDock kit includes one FireDock docking bay with FireWire/ IEEE1394 to UDMA IDE interface module and one drive tray plus mounting screws.
Bundled utility software includes the FRFMTW9X formatting and partitioning utility for WindowsMe/2000/98SE and B's Crew (FW) formatting and partitioning utility for MacOS 9.1/9.0.4.
Additional caddies are also available, making FireDock a flexible and easy to use solution.
(KMcA)