Editing Fairchild Channel F
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{{Template:Infobox console | {{Template:Infobox console | ||
− | | | + | |name = [[Image:Fairchild_logo.png|230px]] |
+ | |caption = The Fairchild Channel F | ||
|Manufacturer = Fairchild Semiconductor | |Manufacturer = Fairchild Semiconductor | ||
− | |Generation = Second generation | + | |Generation = Second generation|image = [[Image:Fairchild-Channel-F.jpg|230px]] |
− | |image = Fairchild-Channel-F.jpg | ||
|Release date = August 1976 (US) | |Release date = August 1976 (US) | ||
− | |Media type = ROM cartridge | + | |Media type = ROM cartridge}} |
− | }} | ||
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+ | The Fairchild Channel F is a game console released by Fairchild Semiconductor in August 1976 at the retail price of $169.95. It has the distinction of being the first programmable ROM cartridge–based video game console, and the first console to use a microprocessor. It was launched as the Video Entertainment System, or VES, but when [[Atari]] released their [[Atari 2600|VCS]] the next year, Fairchild renamed its machine. By 1977, the Fairchild Channel F had sold 250,000 units and was second-place behind the VCS. | ||
==Technical specifications== | ==Technical specifications== | ||
*CPU chip: Fairchild F8 operating at 1.79 MHz (PAL gen. 1: 2.00 MHz, PAL gen.2: 1.77 MHz) | *CPU chip: Fairchild F8 operating at 1.79 MHz (PAL gen. 1: 2.00 MHz, PAL gen.2: 1.77 MHz) | ||
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*Input: two custom game controllers, hardwired to the console (original release) or removable (Channel F System II) | *Input: two custom game controllers, hardwired to the console (original release) or removable (Channel F System II) | ||
*Output: RF modulated composite video signal, cord hardwired to console | *Output: RF modulated composite video signal, cord hardwired to console | ||
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===Channel F System II=== | ===Channel F System II=== | ||
[[File:Fairchild-Channel-F-II-Console.jpg|thumb|230px]] | [[File:Fairchild-Channel-F-II-Console.jpg|thumb|230px]] | ||
− | + | In 1979, Zircon International bought the rights to the Channel F and released the re-designed console as the Channel F System II to compete with the Atari's VCS. | |
The major changes were in design, with the controllers removable from the base unit instead of being wired directly into it, the storage compartment was moved to the rear of the unit, and the sound was now mixed into the TV signal so the unit no longer needed a speaker. This version also featured a simpler and more modern-looking case design. | The major changes were in design, with the controllers removable from the base unit instead of being wired directly into it, the storage compartment was moved to the rear of the unit, and the sound was now mixed into the TV signal so the unit no longer needed a speaker. This version also featured a simpler and more modern-looking case design. | ||
− | + | [[Category:Console]] | |
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− | [[Category:Console |