What is i.link and how to use it?

[thevinoman]

I've done searches on this forum, and can't seem to find any info. Can someone explain what it is, what it does, etc? Thanks.

 

[Buckle-meister]

I've done searches on this forum, and can't seem to find any info. Can someone explain what it is, what it does, etc? Thanks.

i-link is a single cable which can carry all current digital audio formats. It can carry PCM signals from a CD player, or multi-channel PCM from a DVD player, but what really sets it apart from the rest of the bunch (i.e. coaxial or optical digital) is that it is also mandated to carry DVD-A and SACD signals.

Whats the catch? Well, you must have components which have the necessary input/output i-link jack to use this type of connection.

Regards

 

[MDS]

i.link = Firewire = IEEE1394.

 

[Buckle-meister]

i.link = Firewire = IEEE1394.

=D.link

Regards

 

[Xsound]

=D.link

Regards

But not exactly. D-link is proprietary to Denon only. firewire is available to anyone willing to pony up.

 

[Buckle-meister]

But not exactly. D-link is proprietary to Denon only. firewire is available to anyone willing to pony up.

Yes, and Firewire was, if I remember correctly, the creation of Apple. Nevertheless, they all do the same thing.

Regards

 

[MDS]

Apple created the interface and trademarked the name 'Firewire'. The IEEE adopted it as a standard and assigned it the number 1394 - hence IEEE1394. Sony trademarked the name 'i.link' for their implementation of firewire/ieee1394.

Multiple names for the same thing. Ain't the computer industry wonderful?

 

[rolyasm]

so i.link = Firewire = IEEE1394 and I can use any of these to connect on any system, correct? But a Denon(Denon Link) won't connect to a Pioneer(i-link), a Sherwood(Digilink III) won't connect with whatever and so on? Does any company make a "generic" connection so you don't have to buy a DVD and receiver from the same company? Does the Pioneer i-link connect to firewire and IEEE1394 or do you have to use another Pioneer product? It sure would be nice to have a choice of say a Pioneer DVD and a Denon receiver together.
Roly

 

[MDS]

Firewire is the generic connection, regardless of whether it is labeled Firewire, IEEE1394, or i.link. The others are proprietary schemes that must be used with compatable equipment from the same company.

 

[Xsound]

Technically firewire/i.link can be used across manufacturers, though most recommend using products from the same manufacturer for maximum certainty of compatibility.

D.link only works with Denon and is not interchangeable with firewire.