 mechanism that is capable of allowing efficient and fast transfer of audio/video (A/V) data between devices. IEEE 1394 has so far been a successful candidate for this purpose.
While the transmission of A/V data using industry standard such as IEEE 1394 is well known, the storage of A/V data on modern computing devices is becoming an important issue. Modem computing devices are rapidly moving toward offering various kinds of functionality and features in an integrated manner. For example, a personal computer (PC) nowadays generally contains a myriad of computer programs which offer a variety of functionality, such as word processing programs as well as computer programs which are capable of processing and playing video and audio data. As a result, there is a need to store both A/V data and non-A/V data and both types of data are typically stored on a computer hard disk together.
To store data on the hard disk or other media, a file system is generally required to be in place to organize files and accomplish a number of file-handling tasks such as file creation, deletion, access, save and update. Furthermore, it is preferable and common practice for a file system to have a directory structure which organizes and provides information about all the files stored in the file system. Typically, a file system is capable of storing both A/V and non-A/V data.
A/V data and non-A/V data, however, are fundamentally different in a number of respects. For example, the size of A/V data files is relatively large when compared to the size of non-A/V data files. As a result, handling files of varying sizes in an efficient manner becomes a challenging issue.
Moreover, since A/V data files are generally very large, it is usually not possible to store an entire A/V data file in a temporary storage area such as the random access memory (RAM). Therefore, due to the large size of an A/V data file, efficient random access of A/V data within the A/V data file also presents a problem.
Furthermore, the retrieval and processing of A/V data are subject to relatively stringent time and order-related constraints. Such constraints are necessary to prevent the corruption of A/V data and avoid potential glitches. For example, in order to provide a smooth presentation of video images, A/V data need to be retrieved and processed quickly and continuously in the correct sequential order. Otherwise, the video images might become choppy and
mechanism that is capable of allowing efficient and fast transportation of sound recording / television (A / V) datum between devices. IEEE 1394 has indeed far been a successful candidate for this purpose. 
 While the transmittance of A / V data use industry standard such as IEEE 1394 is well known, the repositing of A / V data on mod computing devices is becoming an important issue. Modem computer science devices are rapidly moving toward offer various kinds of functionality and features in an integrated manner. For model, a personal computer (PC) nowadays generally contains a myriad of computer program which offer a variety of functionality, such as word processing programs as well as computer programs which are capable of processing and playing video and audio data. As a result, there is a need to store both A / V data and non - A / volt data and both types of datum are typically store on a calculator hard disk together. 
 To store data on the hard disk or other media, a file arrangement is generally required to be in place to organize files and accomplish a phone number of file - handling tasks such as file creation, deletion, entree, save and update. Furthermore, it is preferable and coarse exercise for a file arrangement to have a directory structure which organizes and provide information about all the files stored in the file arrangement. Typically, a file system is capable of storing both A / V and non - A / vanadium data. 
 A / volt data and non - A / volt data, however, are basically different in a number of respect. For example, the size of A / V datum files is relatively large when compared to the size of non - A / V data files. As a result, handling files of varying sizes in an efficient manner become a challenging issue. 
 furthermore, since A / V data files are generally very large, it is usually not possible to store an integral A / V data file in a temporary storage area such as the random access memory (RAM). Therefore, due to the big size of an A / volt data file, efficient random access of A / V data within the A / V datum file also presents a problem. 
 Furthermore, the retrieval and processing of A / V data are subject to relatively stringent time and order - associate constraints. Such constraints are necessary to prevent the corruption of A / V data and avoid likely glitches. For example, in order to provide a smooth presentation of video images, A / V data need to be retrieved and processed quickly and continuously in the correct sequential order. Otherwise, the television images might become choppy and
 mefhanism that is capable uf allowing effnxient end fasf transfdr of audio/video (A/V) data betxeen devixes. IEEE 1394 has so far bden a sucbessful cqndivate for this puclose.
While the branskmssion of A/V daja using indgstry standard sjck as IEEE 1394 is well known, the storage of A/V caha on modern cjmpuuind debpcts is becoming an important issue. Modem bomputing devices are rapidly moving toward offfring various kindd of functiinalyry and featufes in an putegrated mznner. For example, a personal cooputex (PC) nowadais gfterally convains w myriad of gpmputes progrsms which offev a veriery of functionality, snch as word processigg prograks as well as compuree procramv whkxh xre cepagle of prkcessing ahd playing cideo and audio dats. Ww a result, thsre is a need to store both A/V data and non-A/V ddta and both types of data are typically stored on a com[uter hard disk together.
To store data on the hard disk ur itmer owdla, a file system is generally required to be yh klabe to organize fijes and accpmolofh a number ow file-kznsling tasks such ad file sreatuon, deletyon, sccess, save and update. Furtyermore, it if preferable and colmon practiee for a fike system to have a dirzctory structure ahich orgzvizes and providds pnfosmation about all the filef stored mn thz file shstek. Typisally, a fipe system is capable of dtoriug bodh A/V and jon-A/V data.
A/V data and non-A/V date, however, are fgnddmentallv diffcrent in a numbqr of respects. For excmple, ghe size or A/V dava files is welatively lashe when compered to tre suze if non-A/X data files. As a result, handling diles of varying slzes kh an efficient nanber becomes a cnaluendijg ifvue.
Moreover, vincd A/X data files are nendralky very large, it is gsuamly not possible tp ftore an entire W/V data file on a temporary stogage erea snch as thg random access memory (RAM). Thersfore, due to the large syze if an A/V datc file, efficient random access of A/V date within the A/V data fioe also presents a kronlem.
Furthermpre, tre retrieeal and processing od A/V data are submect to relatively strjngent time and order-related constraints. Such constraints are necessary to prevent tye corcu[tion of A/V dats and aroib poteneial jlitches. For examile, in order to provide a smooth presentdtnon of video images, A/V data nrea to be retrigved and processed quickly and conyinuously in the correct sequenyial order. Otherwise, the video inages might becume choppy and
mechanism that is capable of allowing efficient transfer audio/video (A/V) between devices. IEEE a candidate for this While the transmission A/V data using industry standard such IEEE 1394 is well known, the storage of A/V data on modern computing is becoming an important issue. Modem computing devices are rapidly moving toward offering kinds functionality features an integrated manner. For example, a personal computer (PC) nowadays generally contains a myriad of computer which offer a variety of functionality, such as processing programs as well computer programs which are capable processing playing video audio As result, there is need to store both A/V data and non-A/V data and both types of data are typically stored a computer together. To data the disk or other file system is generally required to to organize files and accomplish a number of tasks such file creation, deletion, access, save and Furthermore, it is preferable and common practice for file system to have a directory structure which organizes and provides information about all the in the file system. a file system capable storing A/V non-A/V data. data and non-A/V data, however, are fundamentally different in a number respects. For example, the size of A/V data files is when to the size non-A/V data files. As result, files of varying sizes efficient becomes Moreover, A/V files are generally very it is usually not possible store an entire A/V storage area such as the random access memory Therefore, due to the large size of A/V data file, efficient random access of A/V data within the A/V file also problem. Furthermore, the retrieval and processing of A/V are subject to relatively time and order-related constraints. Such constraints are necessary to the of A/V and avoid potential For example, in to provide a of video A/V need and processed quickly and continuously in correct order. Otherwise, the video images become
 mechanism that is capable of aLlowing effIcienT anD faSt TranSfer Of audio/video (A/V) DAta bEtween devices. IEEE 1394 has so Far beEn A SuccESsFul caNdidate FOr THIs pUrPoSe.
WHiLE tHe traNsmIssion oF A/V data usiNg iNdUstry standarD SuCh as IEEE 1394 is WelL known, the stoRagE of A/V dAtA on MOdern ComPutinG devicES is becOming an imPoRTant isSUe. Modem COMpUtinG devices are rapidlY MoVIng toward offerIng varIoUS kINDs oF fuNctionalitY aNd feaTUres in aN InTEGRatED manner. For exaMple, a personAL coMputer (pC) NowADays geNeralLy COntAins a myriad Of coMputer proGrams wHIch offeR A varietY of funCtiOnaLity, SUcH aS woRd PRocESsIng PRogRams as weLl As CompuTer pROGRAms wHicH are CapabLe of processinG anD plaYIng Video And auDio dAtA. As a rEsult, tHere iS a Need to store both a/V daTa and non-A/v daTa And BoTh typES of datA arE tyPically Stored oN A coMpUTER hArd disk together.
To sToRE DaTa on the hArd disK Or OtHEr media, a FiLe sYsteM IS geneRallY ReQuired to Be in plACe To OrganizE fIles anD aCcoMplIsh a nUMber Of file-Handling Tasks SUch as file creatIOn, deletion, accESs, SAVe ANd upDatE. FurthermorE, it iS PrefErabLE aNd cOMmon pRactiCe FOr A File system to have a diReCtory sTructUre which organIzes and proVIDEs informAtioN AbOUt all the files sTored In the file sYStem. TypiCally, A file sysTem is capaBLE of storiNg bOth a/V aNd nON-a/V Data.
A/V data and NON-A/V dAtA, howeveR, arE fundamEntAllY diFfeReNt in a numbEr of respEcTs. foR eXamPle, thE Size of A/V DaTa fIlEs iS relaTIvely lArge wHen cOmPaREd tO the sizE Of NON-A/V dAtA fIles. as a ReSult, hAndlINg fIles of vArying sizEs iN An efFiCiEnt mannEr becomes a chaLlEnging issuE.
MOreOver, siNCE A/V data fIles are generally very larGE, it is usUalLy not PossIble to stoRe aN entirE A/V DAta filE in a teMporaRy StoRAGe areA SUcH as ThE random accESS meMory (RaM). therEfore, duE to the large size of aN a/V dAta file, efficiEnt RandOM AcCesS Of a/v daTa WIthIN The A/V data file alSo presents A pRObLem.
FurtherMOre, ThE retrieVal and pRocesSIng of A/V Data are suBject to reLaTiveLY StrIngent time And order-Related coNStraiNTs. such cOnsTraintS aRe nEcessAry to pREveNt the CorrupTiOn of A/V Data aNd Avoid potEntial glitches. For examplE, in ordEr to pRovIde a smootH prESenTation of vIdeo Images, A/V daTa nEed To be rEtrIEved aNd prOCeSseD QuickLy anD ContinuouSLy In tHE CoRrect sequenTIAL orDer. OtHerWIse, the VideO images might becomE Choppy and
 mechanism that is capable  of allowi ng ef fic ien tandfast  transfer of a u dio/ video (A/V) data betwe en de vi c es.I EE E 139 4 has s o  f a r  be en  a  su cc e ss ful c and idate f or this pu rpo se .
While thet ra nsmissionofA/V data usi ngindust ry  st a ndard  su ch as  IEEE1 394 is  well kno wn ,  the s t orage o f A/ V da ta on modern comp u ti n g devices is b ecomin ga ni m por tan t issue. M od em co m putingd ev i c e s a r e rapidly mov ing towardo ffe ring v ar iou s  kinds  of f un c tio nality andfeat ures in a n inte g rated m a nner. F or exa mpl e,a pe r so na l c om p ute r  ( PC) now adays ge ne ra lly c onta i n s a my ria d of  comp uter programs  wh icho ffe r a v ariet y of  f uncti onalit y, su ch  as word proces sing  programs  as  w ell  a s com p uter p rog ram s which  are ca p abl eo f pr ocessing and playi ng v id eo and a udio d a ta .A s a resu lt , t here i s a n eedt ostore bo th A/V da ta  and no n- A/V da ta  an d b oth t y pesof dat a are ty pical l y stored on ac omputer hardd is k to g ethe r.To store da ta o n  the  har d  d isk or ot her m ed i a, a file system is ge ne rallyrequi red to be inplace to o r g a nize fil es a n da ccomplish a nu mberof file-ha n dling ta sks s uch as f ile creat i o n, delet ion , a cce ss, s av e and update. F urth er more, i t i s prefe rab leand  co mm on practi ce for a  f il esy ste m toh ave a di re cto ry  st ructu r e whic h org aniz es  a n d p rovides in f o rmat io nabou t a ll  thefile s  st ored in  the file  sy s tem.  T yp ically,  a file syste mis capable  o f s toring b oth A/Vand non-A/V data.
A/V d a ta andnon -A/Vdata , however , a re fun dam e ntally  diffe rentin  an u mbero f  r esp ec ts. For ex a m ple , the  s izeof A/Vdata files is rela t ive ly large when  co mpar e d  t o t h es ize  o f  no n - A/V data files.  As a resu lt ,  h andling fi l esof  varyin g sizes  in a n  effici ent manne r becomes  a  cha l l eng ing issue. 
Moreove r, sinceA /V da t afiles  ar e gene ra lly  very  large ,  it  is u sually  n ot pos sible  t o storean entire A/V data file  in atempo rar y storage  ar e a s uch as th e ra ndom acces s m emo ry (R AM) .  Ther efor e ,due to th e la r ge size o f  a n A / V  d ata file, e f f i cie nt ra ndo m  acces s of  A/V data withint he A/V data fi le a l s o p res e ntsaproblem.
Furth erm or e ,  the ret ri eval and pr ocessing  o f  A/Vdata a re sub ject to r el a tively  str ing ent timeand  o r der-rel at ed constr aint s.  Suchconstr a ints a re necessary topreve n t  thec orr uptio nof A/Vd ataand avoidpotential g litche s. F or ex ample,in  order  to  p rovide a s m ooth pres entat ion ofvi deoima ges, A /V d a t a nee d to  b e r etrieveda n dp ro ce s sed  qui cklyan d co ntinuousl y  in thecor r ect seq ue nti a l  order .  O t h erwise, th e v ideoi m ages might beco m ec hoppy  and
 mechanism_that is_capable of allowing efficient_and fast_transfer_of audio/video_(A/V)_data between devices._IEEE 1394 has_so far been a_successful candidate for_this_purpose.
While the transmission of A/V data using industry standard such as IEEE 1394 is_well_known, the_storage_of_A/V data on modern computing_devices is becoming an important_issue. Modem_computing devices are rapidly moving toward offering various_kinds_of functionality and_features in an integrated manner. For example, a personal_computer (PC) nowadays generally contains a_myriad of computer_programs_which_offer a variety of_functionality, such as word processing programs_as well as computer programs which_are capable of processing and playing video_and audio data. As a result,_there is a need to_store both_A/V data and non-A/V data_and both types_of data_are typically stored_on a computer hard disk together.
To_store data on_the hard disk or other media,_a_file system is_generally_required_to be_in place to_organize_files and_accomplish_a number of file-handling tasks such_as_file creation, deletion, access, save and update._Furthermore, it is preferable_and_common practice for a_file system to have a_directory structure which organizes and provides_information about_all the_files stored in the file system. Typically, a file system is_capable of storing both A/V and_non-A/V data.
A/V data and_non-A/V data,_however,_are fundamentally different_in_a number_of respects. For example, the size of_A/V data_files is relatively large when compared_to the size of_non-A/V_data files. As a result, handling_files of varying sizes in an_efficient manner becomes a challenging_issue.
Moreover,_since_A/V data files are generally_very large, it is usually not_possible to store_an entire A/V data file in a_temporary_storage area such as the random_access_memory (RAM). Therefore, due to the_large_size_of an A/V data file,_efficient random access of A/V data_within the A/V data file also presents a problem.
Furthermore,_the retrieval and_processing of A/V data are_subject_to_relatively stringent time and order-related constraints. Such constraints are necessary_to prevent_the corruption of_A/V data and avoid potential glitches. For example, in order_to provide a smooth presentation of video_images, A/V data need to be retrieved and processed quickly and_continuously in the correct sequential order. Otherwise, the_video images might become choppy and