PC makers are just adopting the interface, which is also becoming a key link for next-generation consumer devices . The real impact of the royalties is on ASICs that incorporate 1394 IP, and there's big animosity developing. We have a fairly standard licensing program in place for Firewire, similar to Sony's for licensing MPEG and Dolby's for licensing audio. It covers over 30 Apple patents. We don't talk about the details of the program.
Every licensing agreement is different.
This could hurt smaller PC companies. Some companies also license Apple's 1394 IP-i.e. Disk drives, of course, represent the largest market for a peripheral interface, and the 1394 community has been hoping to attract drive makers via a faster 1394B spec being developed. Still, some developers appear unfazed. It's an express train that can't be stopped by this.