The IEEE 1394 specification will be modified to quadruple its top speed to 3.2 Gb/s and will not require additional AC support. The latest spec, called S3200 was unveiled last week and will be able to use existing FireWire 800 cables and connectors. The 1394 Trade Association predicts that the new spec will be seen first in data storage products, set-top boxes and some consumer devices, such as Blue-Ray technologies.

The new spec also allows data transmission at distances of greater than 100 meters. In the consumer product arena, home entertainment systems including HDTV products, are likely to be the first candidates to use the new spec.

The new standard is expected to compete with USB 3.0, which is still under development. IEEE will begin the process of ratifying the new specification in January 2008.