Just purchased a Kramer DV line protector (Model PT-1FW) for the Sony PDW F-70 as soon as I plug it in, the deck and MAC do not see each other, as soon as it is not on the firewire, unplugged, then all is well. What are folks using, wondering if I got a bad unit.

these devices are limited in usable bandwidth, so it is possible there is an incompatibility with you others devices

I have the same problem. I´m on a PC system but the PC doesn´t see my deck/camera unfortunately. Contacted Kramer support but they couldn´t help me with it. So I think you don´t have a bad unit.

Is that the device that keeps you from shorting the cable?

I think a less costly option and without connection problems is just getting a 6 pin to 4 pin adapter.

It retains all 4 data lines but has no voltage crossing on those extra 2 pins.

Yes it is the device,, I thought it would offer some protection just in case. Both devices are 6 pins however.

Yes it is the device,, I thought it would offer some protection just in case. Both devices are 6 pins however.

right, the 6 pin to 4 pin adapter allows you to connect 6 pin devices without the voltage, so no shortage occurs.