VC 4000

The Interton VC4000 was the first and only game console ( with the exception of the BSS 01 of the former GDR ), which was fully built in Germany. Due to their good value for money ( advanced controller with continuously working analog joysticks, two fire buttons and an additional twelve function keys, less than the price as the main rival Atari 2600), the console especially on the German market could claim some years, until graphics and sound of other manufacturers' products were significantly exceeded.

Interton VC4000 ( Video Computers )

The Interton VC4000 uses the processor 2650A Signetics (later Philips). The identical with the Grundig Super Play 4000 computer console was built from 1974 to about 1982, but the launch was not until 1978 with a price of around 500 at that time DM

Unlike other consoles, which were at that time on the market, there were a variety of games, all from our own production. A total of 37 different titles were acquired for each 40 to 50 DM. The numbering of the Games, although from No. 1 ( "AUTO RACE " ) to No. 40 ( " SUPER -SPACE " ), the previously announced titles 34, 35 and 39 but never appeared. The control was carried out by two gamepads. These were in addition to an analog joystick 14 more keys. The games allowed for some cardboard templates ( " shadow mask " ), which had to be cut out of the cardboard box and were placed on the keypad. However, the majority of games used only a few of the existing keys.

Although about the same time produced console Atari 2600 better graphics and sound capabilities had both systems co-existed for several years in the German market. There were numerous consoles in the European market, which were based on the same technique, but they were processed often worse and the identical games appeared for which to deviate from the construction form and thus mechanically incompatible modules.

The company now manufactures hearing aids. 2005 Interton has been taken over by the GN ReSound Group, a limited liability company based in Münster; the brand name was retained.

Specifications

  • CPU: Signetics 2650A with 0.887 MHz. The " non-standard" frequency results from the fact that the processor clock is derived from the video clock.
  • RAM: 37 bytes that were included in the video processor. Some games still contained in the additional RAM module itself, eg Chess and checkers in order to save the moves and recall can.
  • Video: Signetics 2636 Programmable Video Interface ( PVI). For a monochrome image of 128 × 200 pixels could be shown. However, the pixels could not be individually set or cleared. Rather different widths could only be specified for groups of rows and columns, which the background image is always something made ​​her look " chunky ". In addition, could four different solid colored sprites in four different sizes will be displayed. These sprites could also move outside of the background image and the (visible) screen even leave. Also, could be shown for each sprite multiple times duplicates. In conjunction with skillful interrupt programming so many moving objects could be displayed simultaneously. The colors of the background image and the Sprites could be selected individually from eight colors. Added to this was the four-digit score display.
  • Audio: a simple audio channel ( also in the video processor included), but was not modulated, and a separate module for three sounds ( Peng, boom, noise ).
  • Input: two controller with analog joystick and 14 buttons.
  • Output: In addition to a large graphic display points in BCD format is displayed.
  • Games: 37 (No. 1 to No. 40 Title 34, 35 and 39 never released officially, exist in part but on the console versions or prototypes). In addition, there are other games and programs, eg from Elektor, which are on the VC4000 partially run.

Variants

  • 2650 Elektor TV Games Computer ( Elektor offers today magazines and components to ). This in addition to a monitor program contained (the " Operating System" ) in the ROM also separate RAM (memory) and a cassette interface and could be programmed by the user. It could be obtained from Elektor also finished programs to record or cassette. An additional, later published in Expansion Board comprised, besides additional storage and two special sound generators also two slots for the Interton and Radofin modules. So could also be used with this device (most) modules of the game consoles.
  • Grundig SuperPlay 4000, Körting TVC 4000, Palson CX 3000
  • Neckermann House Palladium brand under the name of palladium video game
  • Numerous variants of the Radofin 1292 Programmable Video System (1976 ), by British companies: Acetronic, Fountain, Prince Tronic, Rowtron, Hanimex, Voltmace and Waddington, but for the most part are only compatible software. Partial adapters were available. A compatibility chart is shown on the CCC website.

Emulation

The emulator M.E.S.S. (on M.A.M.E. basis) emulates the VC4000. Alternatively exist AmiArcadia for AmigaOS or WinArcadia for Windows.

Cartridge (electronics) Sprite (computer graphics) Multi Emulator Super System
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