Report from the Field #44
Apple and FireWire
What does the post-FireWire era mean for the archive?

On the 15^th of September 2025 Apple has released the new operating systems macOS 26.0 (“Tahoe”) and upgraded the previous macOS 15.7 (“Sequoia”). Version 26 no longer supports the IEEE 1394a (“FireWire 400”) and IEEE 1394b (“FireWire 800”) interfaces; version 15 will continue to receive security updates until Autumn 2027, or only for two more years.

This means that in the near future it will no longer be possible to read all metadata from DV tapes on Apple computers, particularly with the DVRescue and vrecord software. Individuals and institutions requiring a FireWire interface on Apple computers will therefore have to “freeze” their computers and stick with macOS 15.

We are working on developing a FireWire to USB-C converter and programming a driver for Apple’s new operating system.

What and how

A four-handed presentation by Michal Cohen and Reto Kromer, followed by an informal Q&A session and light refreshments.

We will have the computers

• Linux: Ubuntu 24.04.3 LTS
• Macintosh under macOS 26.0 and 15.7
• Windows 11 version 24H2 running Terminal

with the DV decks

• Sony DSR-40
• Sony DSR-25

the DV formats

• DV
• DVCAM
• MiniDV

and the pieces of software

• DVRescue
• vrecord

to play with.

When and where

In-person at the Park Innovaare in Villigen with webcast on Thursday 9 October 2025, starting at 11 o’clock here in Switzerland (that’s 09:00 UTC). We will use a Jitsi-based platform and the link will be provided in proper time.

As usual, the admission to our Reports from the Field is free, but a registration is required, as the seats are limited to a dozen or so, in order to enable in-depth technical discussions and the exchange of information.

2025-09-27