Difference between revisions of "SC-3000"

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[[Image:SC-3000.jpg|thumb|right|240px|SC-3000]]The '''SC-3000''' is the computer equivalent of the [[SG-1000]] [[cartridge]]-based [[video game console|gaming console]] manufactured by [[Sega]]. Like how the SG-1000 was Sega's first home video game console, the SC-3000 was their first home computer, and in fact the only one developed by Sega on their own. The SC-3000 is backwards compatible with SG-1000 software, and likewise, assuming the software does not require the SC-3000's extra functions, SC-3000 software may be played on an SG-1000 (and keyboard functions can be taken care of by the [[SK-1100]] add on).
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{{ConsoleBob
 +
| logos=[[File:SC-3000 logo.svg|320px]]
 +
| consoleimage=SC-3000.jpg
 +
| imgwidth=320
 +
| consoleimage2=SC-3000H AU 1.jpg
 +
| imgwidth2=320
 +
| name=
 +
| maker=[[Sega]]
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| variants=SC-3000H
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| add-ons=[[Super Control Station SF-7000]], [[SP-400]], [[Data Recorder SR-1000]]
 +
| processor=
 +
| releases={{releases
 +
| sc_date_jp=1983-07
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| sc_rrp_jp=29,800
 +
| sc_date_jp_1=1983
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| sc_rrp_jp_1=33,800
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| sc_type_jp_1=H
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| sc_date_au=1983
 +
| sc_date_au_1=1984
 +
| sc_rrp_au_1=349
 +
| sc_type_au_1=H
 +
| sc_date_nz=1983
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| sc_rrp_nz=399
 +
| sc_date_fr=198x
 +
| sc_date_it=198x
 +
| sc_date_fi=1983
 +
|sc_rrp_fi=1295
 +
}}
 +
}}
 +
The '''SC-3000''' ('''S'''ega '''C'''omputer 3000) is the first and only computer to be designed and manufactured by [[Sega]]. It was first released in July of 1983 in Japan, and serves as the home computer equivalent of the [[SG-1000]] [[cartridge]]-based video game console. The SC-3000, often known simply as the "Sega Computer" or even just the "Sega", is an 8-bit home computer almost identical in nature to the SG-1000, but with a built-in keyboard and support for more hardware expansions.
  
The SC-3000 was launched in Japan in 1983 for the asking price of ¥29,800, being marketed as a computer for beginners. Since games were compatible with both the SC-3000 and SG-1000 and since the SC-3000 was also able to run computer applications, the SC-3000 outsold the SG-1000. The SC-3000 offered users the chance to create their own programs and games on the machine. It also received a variety of add-ons, including a [[Speech Synthesis Unit]], a [[Light Pen]], and several other third party accessories.
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Unlike later Sega systems, the SC-3000 did not receive a worldwide release, but in markets where it did compete, including Japan, Australia, New Zealand, France, Italy and Finland, the computer fared well as a low price, entry-level machine for the home. By 1985 the SC-3000 had been displaced by more popular computer standards, but is nevertheless said to have fared better than the SG-1000 console on the global stage, and has a strong group of followers to this day.
  
Though it was an initial success in Japan, the SC-3000 inevitably lost out (as did many other computers of the era) to the rising MSX computer standard by the middle of the decade. As it happens, the SC-3000/SG-1000 and MSX share similar hardware, and so you often see many game conversions between the two. Like the MSX, the SC-3000 is to be plugged into a standard TV rather than a dedicated monitor.
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The SC-3000 was also Sega's last home computer to be released to the general public. The company would partner with Amstrad and IBM for the [[Amstrad Mega PC]] and [[TeraDrive]] respectively in later years, but other endeavours such as the extremely rare [[Sega AI Computer]] saw only a small fraction of the success the SC-3000 received, and were built with very different aims.
  
Like the SG-1000, the SC-3000 only saw a limited release outside of Japan. It was distributed in Australia by [[John Sands]] and in New Zealand by [[Grandstand]], and also saw a limited release within Europe (such as France, where it was distributed by [[Yeno]]). However at this point these markets were already oversaturated with cheap home computers so the SC-3000 was not a huge success.
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==Hardware==
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As a home computer, the SC-3000 was designed to be an affordable machine for use in a home environment, primarily for business and educational use. However, as with most home computers of the era, the device became a method of playing video games.  
  
The '''SC-3000H''', which originally sold for ¥33,800, was an upgraded version of this system with more [[RAM]] and an upgraded keyboard (the original keyboard was of the low-end membrane type), so the upgrade was sorely needed.
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The SC-3000 comes with a 64-key keyboard mounted on the top of the unit, a cartridge port on the right hand side and two [[DE-9]] joystick ports on the left. On the back, the system has a power switch and power supply, cassette, printer, monitor and television ports typical of the era. It is a relatively light and compact machine which is most commonly found in black, though white and red variants were also available in Japan.
  
=Models=
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The SC-3000 is fully compatible with all almost software and accessories designed for the SG-1000 or [[SG-1000 II]], save for some BASIC cartridge variants and peripherals such as the [[SK-1100]]. In many situations the reverse is also true - the SK-1100 allowing the SG-1000 to interface with some SC-3000 software and accessories.
==Japan==
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===SC-3000 Black Verison===
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There are two major models of the SC-3000 - the standard SC-3000 model with rubberised keys, and an upgraded '''SC-3000H''' variant from later in the year, with a full-travel mechanical keyboard. Contrary to popular belief, both systems are otherwise identical aside from keyboard technologies, although the improved keyboard led to the SC-3000H being more expensive at launch. A third model, known as the [[SC-5000]] is also known to exist, but very little is known about this unit.
The standard SC-3000, released in July of 1983. Sometime after the initial production the packaging was changed.
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<gallery>
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By default, the SC-3000 has 2kB of work RAM, 16kB of VRAM and 32kB of ROM. The system's main RAM is dictated by the cartridge inserted into the machine, and the system will not function if the cartridge port is empty. RAM only becomes an issue when dealing with software not distributed on cartridge, and so, even though the systems are extremely similar, differing RAM requirements from software is not an issue that can affect the SG-1000.
File:SC-3000 Black JP 1.jpg|The SC-3000
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File:SC-3000 Black JP 2.jpg|Computer with original box
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For the most part, the SC-3000 was designed to be used in conjunction with a BASIC cartridge. ''[[BASIC Level II A]]'' offers no extra RAM, meaning only the standard 2kB is available, ''[[BASIC Level III A]]'' offers 16kB and ''[[BASIC Level III B]]'' offers 32kB. The values were often combined with the VRAM figure to create confusingly titled "16K", "32K" and "48K" varieties of the SC-3000 (neither of which are strictly accurate descriptions). Software indended for the "32K" SC-3000 will be incompatible with the "16K" variant, though those with 48K SC-3000s could run just about anything. The BASIC cartridges also double up as a programming language, allowing users to create their own software.
File:SC-3000 Black JP 3.jpg|Computer with later box
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</gallery>
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The SC-3000 hardware is comparable to the original MSX computer standard or the ColecoVision games console. Though in most regions the SC-3000 retailed at a cheaper price than many of its competitors, it was outclassed from a technical perspective at launch by more powerful (albeit more expensive) home computers from the likes of Commodore.
===SC-3000 White Verison===
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A white edition released in the same month. This colour was exclusive to Japan, and matches the [[SG-1000 Mark II]] and [[SG-1000 Mark III]]
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On its own, the SC-3000 offers very few features over the SG-1000, but with the addition of a [[Data Recorder SR-1000]], it is possible to load and save software to compact cassette. Perhaps more notably, 3-inch floppy disk support could be given to the computer via the [[Super Control Station SF-7000]] add-on (which ups the RAM even further by adding 64kB, among other features). Documents can also be printed through the [[SP-400]] printer.
<gallery>
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File:SC-3000H JP 1.jpg|The unit
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==History==
File:SC-3000H JP 2.jpg|The box and contents of the box
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===Japan===
</gallery>
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The SC-3000 was launched in Japan in July 1983 for the asking price of ¥29,800, being marketed as an entry-level computer. It was released at the same time as the SG-1000, as it not entirely certain which sort of system would remain dominant - the cheaper, dedicated video game console, or the more expensive home computer. Possibily due to fears that one type of system would displace the other, Sega went with both.
===SC-3000 Red Verison===
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Interestingly Japan got a red version of the unit as well. Even to this day the west usually sees computers only released in black or white shells, but in Japan, red was acceptable too (the Sharp X1 was bright red).
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Over time it was proved that Japanese consumers preferred the SC-3000 over the SG-1000 for its extra features, but neither device could compete with rival products. The more powerful Nintendo Famicom, released very close to the SG-1000/SC-3000 would go on to dominate the Japanese video game market for the best part of a decade, while the rise of the MSX standard would crush the SC-3000, along with a plethora of other systems. From day one Sega also found themselves under pressure from more established computers by [[NEC]], Fujitsu and [[Sharp]], and the SC-3000 failed to take off.
<gallery>
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File:SC-3000 JP Red 1.jpg|The unit with its box
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The SC-3000H, which originally sold for ¥33,800, does not appear to have fared much better.
File:SC-3000 JP Red 2.jpg|A close up
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</gallery>
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===Europe===
===SC-3000H Black Verison===
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Unlike Sega's later endeavours, the SC-3000 was only distributed in select European countries, and again struggled due to the oversaturated market. It was distributed in France by [[ITMC]] (under the Yeno brand) and in Italy, where it was distributed by [[Melchioni]]. It was also seen in Finland, where it was distributed by [[Digital Systems]].
With the SC-3000H, gone were the rubber keys in favour of the traditional plastic keyboard setup.
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<gallery>
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The full extent of European distribution is not currently known. In all cases, the SC-3000 is thought to have out-performed the SG-1000 by leaps and bounds.
File:Sc3000h.jpg|SC-3000H, black version
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</gallery>
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===Australia and New Zealand===
===SC-3000H White Verison===
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The SC-3000 was a big success for the Sega in Oceania. It was distributed in Australia by [[John Sands]] and in New Zealand by [[Grandstand]]. Both regions had comparitively less competition than in Japan, and so the SC-3000 (and SC-3000H) performed reasonably well as low-entry computers during the mid-1980s.
The SC-3000H also came in white. Otherwise it's identical to the above.
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<gallery>
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The SC-3000 once again decimated the SG-1000, and managed to make an impact on the educational and advertising markets too. Both John Sands and Grandstand strongly supported the system, releasing cassette-based software and building up third-party relations with local developers.
File:SC-3000 White JP 1.jpg|SC-3000H, white version
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File:SC-3000 White JP 2.jpg|Contents of box
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A Speech Synthesis unit and a light pen were supposedly manufactured by third party companies in New Zealand. New Zealand also had its own Sega Computer magazine.
</gallery>
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==Australia==
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Distribution in both countries stopped in 1986 for different reasons. It is said that Grandstand wanted to focus efforts on distributing Amstrad products instead (namely the Amstrad CPC).
===SC-3000===
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John Sands quickly brought the system to Australia, and it too was released within 1983. There is little difference between the two aside from the removal of Japanese characters and slight tweaks to the hardware for PAL television sets. Also unlike Japan, there was only one colour - black.
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===South Africa===
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Also rumoured is a South African release of the console.
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 +
 
 +
==Gallery==
 +
===SC-3000, Japan, White===
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
File:SC-3000 AU 1.jpg|The contents of the box
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File:Sega SC3000 White model JP Front.jpg | Front
File:SC-3000 AU 2.jpg|The keys
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File:Sega SC3000 White model JP Back.jpg | Back
File:SC-3000 AU Box Front.jpg|Front of box
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File:Sega SC3000 White model JP Side2.jpg | Left Side
File:SC-3000 AU 3.jpg|Label on the underside of unit
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File:Sega SC3000 White model JP Side1.jpg | Right Side
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
===SC-3000H===
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===SC-3000, Australia===
The SC-3000H was given the English treatment also. Again, this was the only colour available.
 
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
File:SC-3000H AU 2.jpg|The SC-3000H, Australian version
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File:John Sands Sega SC3000 AU Front.jpg|Front
File:SC-3000H AU 1.jpg|Close up of the unit
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File:John Sands Sega SC3000 AU Side1.jpg|Right Side
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File:John Sands Sega SC3000 AU Side2.jpg|Left Side
 +
File:John Sands Sega SC3000 AU Back.jpg|Back
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
==France==
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===SC-3000H, Australia===
===SC-3000H===
 
The French SC-3000H was distributed by Yano, who put their name on the system in the place of Sega's.
 
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
File:SC-3000H FR 1.jpg|The SC-3000H, French version
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File:Sega SC3000H AU Front.jpg | Front
File:SC-3000H FR 2.jpg|"YENO" branding
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File:Sega SC3000H AU Back.jpg | Back
File:SC-3000H FR 3.jpg|"Manufactured by Sega"
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File:Sega SC3000H AU Side2.jpg | Left Side
File:SC-3000H FR 4.jpg|Label on the underside of unit
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File:Sega SC3000H AU Side1.jpg | Right Side
File:SG1000H FR Box Front.jpg|Front of box
 
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
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{{SG1000}}
 
{{SG1000}}
  
[[Category:SG-1000]]
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[[Category:SG-1000| ]]

Revision as of 18:01, 18 June 2014

SC-3000.jpgSC-3000H AU 1.jpg
SC-3000
Manufacturer: Sega
Variants: SC-3000H
Add-ons: Super Control Station SF-7000, SP-400, Data Recorder SR-1000
Release Date RRP Code

The SC-3000 (Sega Computer 3000) is the first and only computer to be designed and manufactured by Sega. It was first released in July of 1983 in Japan, and serves as the home computer equivalent of the SG-1000 cartridge-based video game console. The SC-3000, often known simply as the "Sega Computer" or even just the "Sega", is an 8-bit home computer almost identical in nature to the SG-1000, but with a built-in keyboard and support for more hardware expansions.

Unlike later Sega systems, the SC-3000 did not receive a worldwide release, but in markets where it did compete, including Japan, Australia, New Zealand, France, Italy and Finland, the computer fared well as a low price, entry-level machine for the home. By 1985 the SC-3000 had been displaced by more popular computer standards, but is nevertheless said to have fared better than the SG-1000 console on the global stage, and has a strong group of followers to this day.

The SC-3000 was also Sega's last home computer to be released to the general public. The company would partner with Amstrad and IBM for the Amstrad Mega PC and TeraDrive respectively in later years, but other endeavours such as the extremely rare Sega AI Computer saw only a small fraction of the success the SC-3000 received, and were built with very different aims.

Hardware

As a home computer, the SC-3000 was designed to be an affordable machine for use in a home environment, primarily for business and educational use. However, as with most home computers of the era, the device became a method of playing video games.

The SC-3000 comes with a 64-key keyboard mounted on the top of the unit, a cartridge port on the right hand side and two DE-9 joystick ports on the left. On the back, the system has a power switch and power supply, cassette, printer, monitor and television ports typical of the era. It is a relatively light and compact machine which is most commonly found in black, though white and red variants were also available in Japan.

The SC-3000 is fully compatible with all almost software and accessories designed for the SG-1000 or SG-1000 II, save for some BASIC cartridge variants and peripherals such as the SK-1100. In many situations the reverse is also true - the SK-1100 allowing the SG-1000 to interface with some SC-3000 software and accessories.

There are two major models of the SC-3000 - the standard SC-3000 model with rubberised keys, and an upgraded SC-3000H variant from later in the year, with a full-travel mechanical keyboard. Contrary to popular belief, both systems are otherwise identical aside from keyboard technologies, although the improved keyboard led to the SC-3000H being more expensive at launch. A third model, known as the SC-5000 is also known to exist, but very little is known about this unit.

By default, the SC-3000 has 2kB of work RAM, 16kB of VRAM and 32kB of ROM. The system's main RAM is dictated by the cartridge inserted into the machine, and the system will not function if the cartridge port is empty. RAM only becomes an issue when dealing with software not distributed on cartridge, and so, even though the systems are extremely similar, differing RAM requirements from software is not an issue that can affect the SG-1000.

For the most part, the SC-3000 was designed to be used in conjunction with a BASIC cartridge. BASIC Level II A offers no extra RAM, meaning only the standard 2kB is available, BASIC Level III A offers 16kB and BASIC Level III B offers 32kB. The values were often combined with the VRAM figure to create confusingly titled "16K", "32K" and "48K" varieties of the SC-3000 (neither of which are strictly accurate descriptions). Software indended for the "32K" SC-3000 will be incompatible with the "16K" variant, though those with 48K SC-3000s could run just about anything. The BASIC cartridges also double up as a programming language, allowing users to create their own software.

The SC-3000 hardware is comparable to the original MSX computer standard or the ColecoVision games console. Though in most regions the SC-3000 retailed at a cheaper price than many of its competitors, it was outclassed from a technical perspective at launch by more powerful (albeit more expensive) home computers from the likes of Commodore.

On its own, the SC-3000 offers very few features over the SG-1000, but with the addition of a Data Recorder SR-1000, it is possible to load and save software to compact cassette. Perhaps more notably, 3-inch floppy disk support could be given to the computer via the Super Control Station SF-7000 add-on (which ups the RAM even further by adding 64kB, among other features). Documents can also be printed through the SP-400 printer.

History

Japan

The SC-3000 was launched in Japan in July 1983 for the asking price of ¥29,800, being marketed as an entry-level computer. It was released at the same time as the SG-1000, as it not entirely certain which sort of system would remain dominant - the cheaper, dedicated video game console, or the more expensive home computer. Possibily due to fears that one type of system would displace the other, Sega went with both.

Over time it was proved that Japanese consumers preferred the SC-3000 over the SG-1000 for its extra features, but neither device could compete with rival products. The more powerful Nintendo Famicom, released very close to the SG-1000/SC-3000 would go on to dominate the Japanese video game market for the best part of a decade, while the rise of the MSX standard would crush the SC-3000, along with a plethora of other systems. From day one Sega also found themselves under pressure from more established computers by NEC, Fujitsu and Sharp, and the SC-3000 failed to take off.

The SC-3000H, which originally sold for ¥33,800, does not appear to have fared much better.

Europe

Unlike Sega's later endeavours, the SC-3000 was only distributed in select European countries, and again struggled due to the oversaturated market. It was distributed in France by ITMC (under the Yeno brand) and in Italy, where it was distributed by Melchioni. It was also seen in Finland, where it was distributed by Digital Systems.

The full extent of European distribution is not currently known. In all cases, the SC-3000 is thought to have out-performed the SG-1000 by leaps and bounds.

Australia and New Zealand

The SC-3000 was a big success for the Sega in Oceania. It was distributed in Australia by John Sands and in New Zealand by Grandstand. Both regions had comparitively less competition than in Japan, and so the SC-3000 (and SC-3000H) performed reasonably well as low-entry computers during the mid-1980s.

The SC-3000 once again decimated the SG-1000, and managed to make an impact on the educational and advertising markets too. Both John Sands and Grandstand strongly supported the system, releasing cassette-based software and building up third-party relations with local developers.

A Speech Synthesis unit and a light pen were supposedly manufactured by third party companies in New Zealand. New Zealand also had its own Sega Computer magazine.

Distribution in both countries stopped in 1986 for different reasons. It is said that Grandstand wanted to focus efforts on distributing Amstrad products instead (namely the Amstrad CPC).

South Africa

Also rumoured is a South African release of the console.


Gallery

SC-3000, Japan, White

SC-3000, Australia

SC-3000H, Australia

External links

Sega SG-1000 Hardware
 SG-1000 Variations   SG-1000 | SG-1000 II | SC-3000 | SC-5000 | Othello Multivision | Pasocom Gakushuudzukue | SD-G5 | Arcade
Add-ons   Super Control Station SF-7000 | 4 Color Plotter Printer | Data Recorder SR-1000 | Sega Keyboard
Game Controllers   Joystick (SJ-200) | Joystick (SJ-300) | Joypad (SJ-150) | SJ-151 | Handle Controller | Bike Handle | Sega Graphic Board
Misc. Hardware   Card Catcher | Extension Cable Kit (JC-100) | SD-80 | Sega Compact Floppy Disk
Unlicensed Clones   Dina 2 in one | Fullwis Video Game FR-II‎