Which of the following is a common method for capturing digital video?

FireWire is a common method for capturing digital video due to its ability to transfer large amounts of data quickly and reliably. Originally developed for connecting devices like camcorders, digital video cameras, and editing systems, FireWire supports high-speed data transfer rates, which are essential for handling the significantly large file sizes associated with video.

This connection type also offers a daisy-chaining capability, where multiple devices can be connected in series, simplifying the setup while providing power to some peripherals directly through the cable. FireWire’s consistent data rate ensures smooth video capture without dropped frames, making it a preferred choice during the era when many digital video formats were emerging.

In contrast, while USB 2.0 can be used for video, it is generally slower and less optimal for high-definition video capture and streaming compared to FireWire. HDMI is primarily designed for transmitting high-definition audio and video signals from a source device to displays, rather than for data capture. Thunderbolt is a newer interface that offers even faster speeds than FireWire and is used for high-performance peripherals; however, it may not be as widely implemented in traditional consumer video capture setups as FireWire was during its peak.