The latest version of Oxford Semiconductor’s OXFW970 FireWire audio controller IC allows next generation audio systems to be easily added to desktop and notebook systems on the Mac and PC platforms, reports electropages in an article noted at MacSurfer. Taking advantage of “the high bandwidth and quality of service characteristics” of FireWire (IEEE1394) and FireWire800 (IEEE1394b), OXFW970 multi-channel audio solutions avoid the need to install separate sound cards, the article adds. In addition, FireWire’s power carrying capability means that smaller speakers won’t require external power supplies.