Difference between revisions of "SC-3000"

From Sega Retro

(36 intermediate revisions by 7 users not shown)
Line 3: Line 3:
 
| consoleimage=SC-3000.jpg
 
| consoleimage=SC-3000.jpg
 
| imgwidth=320
 
| imgwidth=320
 +
| consoleimage2=SC-3000H AU 1.jpg
 +
| imgwidth2=320
 
| name=
 
| name=
 
| maker=[[Sega]]
 
| maker=[[Sega]]
Line 11: Line 13:
 
| sc_date_jp=1983-07
 
| sc_date_jp=1983-07
 
| sc_rrp_jp=29,800
 
| sc_rrp_jp=29,800
| sc_date_jp_1=198x
+
| sc_date_jp_1=1983
 
| sc_rrp_jp_1=33,800
 
| sc_rrp_jp_1=33,800
 
| sc_type_jp_1=H
 
| sc_type_jp_1=H
| sc_date_eu=1983
 
 
| sc_date_au=1983
 
| sc_date_au=1983
 +
| sc_date_au_1=1984
 +
| sc_rrp_au_1=349
 +
| sc_type_au_1=H
 
| sc_date_nz=1983
 
| sc_date_nz=1983
 
| sc_rrp_nz=399
 
| 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 computer equivalent of the [[SG-1000]] [[cartridge]]-based [[video game console|gaming console]] manufactured by [[Sega]]. Much like the SG-1000 was Sega's first home video game console, the SC-3000 was their first home computer. It was also their last - though the company would partner with the likes of [[Amstrad]] or [[IBM]] in future home computing endeavors, the SC-3000 and its close relatives are the only computers Sega would design and build by themselves.
+
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.
 +
 
 +
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==
 
==Hardware==
The SC-3000 is acts as a home computer, the internals kept within a shell which doubles up as a keyboard. It connects to a television similarly to how an SG-1000 would, though has several expansion ports for extra add-ons, such as cassette recorders and printers. Two major model revisions exist - the standard SC-3000 and the upgraded '''SC-3000H''', though aside from cosmetic changes and differences in RAM, the two are the same. Also known to exist is the exceptionally rare [[SC-5000]] computer - it is not currently known whether the SC-5000 acts as a third revision of the hardware, or is something entirely different.
+
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.
  
The SC-3000 has rubberised keys, while the SC-3000H opts for a mechanical keyboard which began to prove more popular as the decade progressed. Internally the two are more-or-less identical to the SG-1000 - all SG-1000 software is compatible with the SC-3000, and and likewise, assuming the software does not require the SC-3000's extra functions, SC-3000 software may be played on an SG-1000 (with keyboard functions used by the [[SK-1100]] add on).
+
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.
  
In line with most other hobbiest computers of the era, the SC-3000 can run BASIC, and therefore it is possible for users to create software for the machine. Programs could be written to cassette via the [[Data Recorder SR-1000]] or to floppy disk via the [[Super Control Station SF-7000]]. Documents can also be printed through the [[SP-400]].
+
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.
  
Similar to video game consoles, the SC-3000 cannot run without a cartridge placed in its cartridge slot.
+
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.
  
The true number of SC-3000 software releases is not known. Though only a select number of cartridges were manufacturered, software was also distributed on cassette and disk.
+
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==
 
==History==
 
===Japan===
 
===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, presumably due to the uncertainty of the Japanese home video game market at the time. It was 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.
+
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.
  
Their results were not entirely accurate - Japanese consumers preferred the SC-3000 over the SG-1000 for its extra features, but ultimately the Nintendo Famicom went on to out-sell all competition at the time, computers and consoles alike. The SC-3000, like all of Sega's early attempts in the Japanese market, did not last long - it was under pressure from day one from more established computers from [[NEC]], Fujitsu and Sharp, and all four would lose out by the rise of the MSX standard by the middle of the decade.
+
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.
 
The SC-3000H, which originally sold for ¥33,800, does not appear to have fared much better.
  
==Australia and New Zealand==
+
===Europe===
Like the SG-1000, the SC-3000's second-biggest showing was 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. Again, the SC-3000 was marketed as a home computer as opposed to a medium for playing games, and far outsold the SG-1000.
+
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.
 
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.
Line 48: Line 73:
 
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).
 
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).
  
==Europe==
+
===South Africa===
The SC-3000 saw a limited release within Europe, but was faced with an oversaturated home computer market where it struggled to compete. Most notably were it's efforts in France, where it was distributed by [[Yeno]], and in Italy, where it was distributed by [[Melchioni]]. In Finland it was distributed by [[Digital Systems]].
+
Also rumoured is a South African release of the console.
  
==South Africa==
 
Also rumoured is a South African release of the console.
 
  
=Models=
+
==Gallery==
==Japan==
+
===SC-3000, Japan, White===
===SC-3000 (Black)===
 
The standard SC-3000, released in July 1983. Sometime after the initial production, the packaging was changed.
 
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
File:SC-3000 Black JP 1.jpg|The SC-3000
+
File:Sega SC3000 White model JP Front.jpg | Front
File:SC-3000 Black JP 2.jpg|Computer with original box
+
File:Sega SC3000 White model JP Back.jpg | Back
File:SC-3000 Black JP 3.jpg|Computer with later box
+
File:Sega SC3000 White model JP Side2.jpg | Left Side
 +
File:Sega SC3000 White model JP Side1.jpg | Right Side
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
===SC-3000 (White)===
+
===SC-3000, Australia===
This white SC-3000 was released near the same time as the original black system. This color was exclusive to Japan, and matches the later [[SG-1000 II]] and [[Sega Mark III]].
 
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
File:SC-3000H JP 1.jpg|The unit
+
File:John Sands Sega SC3000 AU Front.jpg|Front
File:SC-3000H JP 2.jpg|The box and contents of the box
+
File:John Sands Sega SC3000 AU Side1.jpg|Right Side
 +
File:John Sands Sega SC3000 AU Side2.jpg|Left Side
 +
File:John Sands Sega SC3000 AU Back.jpg|Back
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
===SC-3000 (Red)===
+
===SC-3000H, Australia===
A red version of the SC-3000 was also released much like the Sharp X1, one of the SC-3000's competitors in Japan.
 
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
File:SC-3000 JP Red 1.jpg|The unit with its box
+
File:Sega SC3000H AU Front.jpg | Front
File:SC-3000 JP Red 2.jpg|A close up
+
File:Sega SC3000H AU Back.jpg | Back
 +
File:Sega SC3000H AU Side2.jpg | Left Side
 +
File:Sega SC3000H AU Side1.jpg | Right Side
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
===SC-3000H (Black)===
+
 
With the SC-3000H's release in 1984, the original rubber keys were replaced with full-travel plastic keys and the system received an increased amount of RAM.
+
==Promotional Material==
<gallery>
 
File:Sc3000h.jpg|SC-3000H, black version
 
</gallery>
 
===SC-3000H (White)===
 
The SC-3000H also came in white and is otherwise identical to the black system.
 
<gallery>
 
File:SC-3000 White JP 1.jpg|SC-3000H, white version
 
File:SC-3000 White JP 2.jpg|Contents of box
 
</gallery>
 
==Australia==
 
===SC-3000===
 
John Sands quickly brought the system to Australia, and was also released in 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 color - black.
 
<gallery>
 
File:SC-3000 AU 1.jpg|The contents of the box
 
File:SC-3000 AU 2.jpg|The keys
 
File:SC-3000 AU Box Front.jpg|Front of box
 
File:SC-3000 AU 3.jpg|Label on the underside of unit
 
</gallery>
 
===SC-3000H===
 
The SC-3000H was released in Australia as well. Again, black was the only color available.
 
<gallery>
 
File:SC-3000H AU 2.jpg|The SC-3000H, Australian version
 
File:SC-3000H AU 1.jpg|Close up of the unit
 
</gallery>
 
==France==
 
===SC-3000H===
 
The French SC-3000H was distributed by Yeno, 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
+
File:SC3000 FR PrintAdvert.jpg|FR print advert
File:SC-3000H FR 2.jpg|"YENO" branding
+
File:SC3000 IT PrintAdvert.jpg|IT print advert
File:SC-3000H FR 3.jpg|"Manufactured by Sega"
+
File:SC3000 IT PrintAdvert 2.jpg|IT print advert 2
File:SC-3000H FR 4.jpg|Label on the underside of unit
+
SC3000H JP TVAdvert.mp4|SC-3000H JP TV advert
File:SC3000H FR Box Front.jpg|Front of box
 
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  

Revision as of 12:53, 22 January 2015

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

Promotional Material

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