Difference between revisions of "SC-3000"

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| add-ons=[[Super Control Station SF-7000]], [[SP-400]], [[Data Recorder SR-1000]]
 
| add-ons=[[Super Control Station SF-7000]], [[SP-400]], [[Data Recorder SR-1000]]
 
| processor=
 
| processor=
| releases={{releases
+
| releases={{releasesSG
 
| sc_date_jp=1983-07
 
| sc_date_jp=1983-07
 
| sc_rrp_jp=29,800
 
| sc_rrp_jp=29,800
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| 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_rrp_au=299
 
| sc_date_au_1=1984
 
| sc_date_au_1=1984
 
| sc_rrp_au_1=349
 
| sc_rrp_au_1=349
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| sc_date_nz=1983
 
| sc_date_nz=1983
 
| sc_rrp_nz=399
 
| sc_rrp_nz=399
 +
| sc_date_sg=1983
 +
| sc_rrp_sg=495
 +
| sc_date_fr=1983-12
 +
| sc_rrp_fr=1950
 +
| 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''' ('''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 were 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.
+
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.
 
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.
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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.
 
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.
+
The SC-3000 is fully compatible with almost all 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.
 
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.
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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.
 
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.
+
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 intended 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.
 
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.
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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.
 
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==
+
===Models===
===Japan===
+
{{MainArticle|SC-3000 computers}}
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====
 +
<gallery widths="250px" heights="200px">
 +
Sega SC3000 White model JP Front.jpg|Japanese white model
 +
John Sands Sega SC3000 AU Front.jpg|Australian model
 +
</gallery>
 +
<gallery widths="105px" heights="80px">
 +
Sega SC3000 White model JP Back.jpg|JP white model (back)
 +
Sega SC3000 White model JP Side2.jpg|JP white model (left)
 +
Sega SC3000 White model JP Side1.jpg|JP white model (right)
 +
John Sands Sega SC3000 AU Back.jpg|AU model (back)
 +
John Sands Sega SC3000 AU Side2.jpg|AU model (left)
 +
John Sands Sega SC3000 AU Side1.jpg|AU model (right)
 +
</gallery>
 +
 
 +
====SC-3000H====
 +
<gallery widths="250px" heights="200px">
 +
Sega SC3000H AU Front.jpg|Australian model (front)
 +
</gallery>
 +
<gallery widths="105px" heights="80px">
 +
Sega SC3000H AU Back.jpg|Australian model (back)
 +
Sega SC3000H AU Side2.jpg|Australian model (left)
 +
Sega SC3000H AU Side1.jpg|Australian model (right)
 +
</gallery>
  
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.
+
===Technical specifications===
 +
:''See [[SG-1000#Technical specifications|SG-1000 specifications]] for further specifications''
  
The SC-3000H, which originally sold for ¥33,800, does not appear to have fared much better.
+
The SC-3000's technical specifications are largely the same as the SG-1000, with the following memory differences:
  
===Europe===
+
* [[RAM]]: 18&nbsp;[[Byte|KB]]
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]].
+
** Main RAM: 2&nbsp;KB
 +
** [[VRAM]]: 16&nbsp;KB
 +
* System [[ROM]]: 32&nbsp;KB{{fileref|SC-3000ServiceManual.pdf|page=11}}
  
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.
+
''[[BASIC Level II B]]'' (1983) includes the following memory upgrade:{{fileref|SC-3000ServiceManual.pdf|page=11}}
 +
* RAM: 20&nbsp;KB
 +
** Main RAM: 4&nbsp;KB
 +
** VRAM: 16&nbsp;KB
  
===Australia and New Zealand===
+
''[[BASIC Level III A]]'' (1983) includes the following memory upgrade:{{fileref|SC-3000ServiceManual.pdf|page=11}}
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.
+
* RAM: 34&nbsp;KB
 +
** Main RAM: 18&nbsp;KB
 +
** VRAM: 16&nbsp;KB
  
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.
+
''[[BASIC Level III B]]'' (1983) includes the following memory upgrade:
  
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).
+
* RAM: 48&nbsp;KB
 +
** Main RAM: 32&nbsp;KB
 +
** VRAM: 16&nbsp;KB
  
===South Africa===
+
==History==
Also rumoured is a South African release of the console.
+
===Release===
 +
====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. Possibly 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 home computing market was already saturated, with numerous similar machines vying for public attention.
  
=Models=
+
From day one Sega also found themselves under pressure from more established computers from technology giants [[NEC]], [[Fujitsu]] and [[Sharp]], the so called "big three" in the Japanese computing market. Each had entered the sector in the late 1970s, offering multiple tiers of hardware and attracting significant amounts of third-party software - Sega were much smaller players with a background in arcade machines and could not effectively compete. The low screen resolution and comparatively slow processing power of the SC-3000 made it unsuitable for business, while third-parties already had well established relationships with other players in the market.
==Japan==
 
===SC-3000===
 
Initial models of the SC-3000 were released in Japan in July 1983, shipping with a [[BASIC Level III A]] cartridge. All original versions of the SC-3000 are black.
 
{{Scanbox
 
| console=SC-3000
 
| region=JP (SC-3000, older, black)
 
| front=SC3000 JP Box Front.jpg
 
| square=yes
 
| item1=SC-3000 Black JP 1.jpg
 
| item1name=Computer
 
| item2=Notavailable.svg
 
| item2name=[[BASIC Level III A]]
 
}}
 
  
===SC-3000 (Black) (Later)===
+
Another issue was that of the MSX standard, divised by [[Microsoft]]'s Japanese arm to unify what had become a fractious market between 1978 and 1982. While Sega were trying to market their bespoke computing standard, companies which had already tried and failed with this strategy had switched their alliegence to MSX machines, the first wave of converts including Canon, Fujitsu, [[Hitachi]], [[JVC]], Mitsubishi, National, [[Sanyo]], [[Sony]], [[Toshiba]] and [[Yamaha]]. A typical MSX machine is not too dissimilar from an SC-3000 in terms of hardware, but this vast amount of support is thought to have been the biggest factor in the SC-3000's failure to take off.
After a while, Japan decided to produce different coloured versions of the SC-3000, and the packaging was changed to accommodate this move. All SC-3000s from this era share the same packaging, which can cause some confusion as the front of the box shows a red model, the back shows a black one and the side shows a white one. The actual colour of the unit is identified on the top of the box via a sticker.
 
  
This box design was recycled for European and New Zealand markets, again with stickers on the top to identify region and colour.
+
The SC-3000H, which originally sold for ¥33,800, does not appear to have fared much better.
{{Scanbox
 
| console=SC-3000
 
| region=JP (SC-3000, newer, black)
 
| front=SC3000 JP Box Front Alt.jpg
 
| back=SC3000 JP Box Back Alt.jpg
 
| spinemissing=yes
 
| square=yes
 
| item1=SC-3000 Black JP 1.jpg
 
| item1name=Computer
 
}}
 
  
===SC-3000 (White)===
+
It is thought that support for the SC-3000 largely dried up in the first few months of 1985 as Sega began to concentrate on the [[Sega Mark III]].
White models were released exclusively in Japan, and match the later [[SG-1000 II]] and [[Sega Mark III]] consoles. Like many products from the era, the white plastic degrades over time, turning yellow and then brown as time goes on.
 
====Scans====
 
{{Scanbox
 
| console=SC-3000
 
| region=JP (SC-3000, white)
 
| front=
 
| item1=SC-3000 White JP 1.jpg
 
| item1name=Computer
 
}}
 
====Photos====
 
<gallery>
 
File:Sega SC3000 White model JP Front.jpg | Front
 
File:Sega SC3000 White model JP Back.jpg | Back
 
File:Sega SC3000 White model JP Side2.jpg | Left Side
 
File:Sega SC3000 White model JP Side1.jpg | Right Side
 
</gallery>
 
  
===SC-3000 (Red)===
+
====Europe====
Red models are perhaps the most rare of the three.
+
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]].
{{Scanbox
 
| console=SC-3000
 
| region=JP (SC-3000, red)
 
| front=
 
| item1=SC-3000 JP Red 2.jpg
 
| item1name=Computer
 
}}
 
  
===SC-3000H (Black)===
+
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.
With the SC-3000H's release in 1984, the original rubber keys were replaced with full-travel plastic keys.
 
{{Scanbox
 
| console=SC-3000
 
| region=JP (SC-3000H, black)
 
| front=
 
| item1=Sc3000h.jpg
 
| item1name=Computer
 
}}
 
  
===SC-3000H (White)===
+
====Australia and New Zealand====
The SC-3000H also came in white, suffering similar yellowing issues to the standard SC-3000.
+
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 comparatively less competition than in Japan, and so the SC-3000 (and SC-3000H) performed reasonably well as low-entry computers during the mid-1980s, fighting primarily against the Commodore VIC-20.
{{Scanbox
 
| console=SC-3000
 
| region=JP (SC-3000H, white)
 
| front=SC3000H JP Box Front White.jpg
 
| square=yes
 
| item1=SC-3000H JP 1.jpg
 
| item1name=Computer
 
}}
 
  
===SC-3000H (Red)===
+
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. At least 15,000 SC-3000s had been sold in Australia by 1986.
{{Scanbox
 
| console=SC-3000
 
| region=JP (SC-3000H, red)
 
| front=
 
| item1=SC3000H JP Red.jpg
 
| item1name=Computer
 
}}
 
  
==Australia==
+
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.
===SC-3000 (Model 1)===
 
John Sands distributed the SC-3000 in Australia, with the first model also going on sale 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.
 
  
Two "models" of SC-3000 were released in Australia. It is unknown exactly how they differ.
+
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 (Model 1)===
+
====South Africa====
{{Scanbox
+
Also rumoured is a South African release of the console.
| console=SC-3000
 
| region=AU (SC-3000, Model 1)
 
| front=SC3000 AU Box Front Model1.jpg
 
| square=yes
 
| item1=John Sands Sega SC3000 AU Front.jpg
 
| item1name=Computer
 
}}
 
  
===SC-3000 (Model 2)===
+
===Decline===
{{Scanbox
+
By the end of 1983, the SC-3000 had sold 120,000 units worldwide{{fileref|JeuxetStrategie FR 29.pdf|page=24}}.
| console=SC-3000
 
| region=AU (SC-3000, Model 2)
 
| front=SC-3000 AU Box Front.jpg
 
| square=yes
 
| item1=
 
| item1name=Computer
 
}}
 
  
====Photos====
+
==Magazine articles==
<gallery>
+
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Magazine articles}}
{{Scanbox
 
File:John Sands Sega SC3000 AU Front.jpg|Front
 
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>
 
  
===SC-3000H===
+
==Promotional material==
The SC-3000H was released in Australia as well. Again, black was the only color available.
+
===Print advertisements===
====Scans====
 
{{Scanbox
 
| console=SC-3000
 
| region=AU (SC-3000H, regular)
 
| spine2=John Sands Sega SC3000H AU Box Side.jpg
 
| front=SC3000H AU Box Front.jpg
 
| spine=John Sands Sega SC3000H AU Box Side2.jpg
 
| back=John Sands Sega SC3000H AU Box Back.jpg
 
| top=John Sands Sega SC3000H AU Box Top.jpg
 
| topbottomwidth=118
 
| square=yes
 
| item2=SC-3000H AU 1.jpg
 
| item2name=Computer
 
| topmarginleft=120
 
}}
 
====Photos====
 
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
File:Sega SC3000H AU Front.jpg | Front
+
SC3000 JP PrintAdvert 1983-07.jpg|JP (1983-07)
File:Sega SC3000H AU Back.jpg | Back
+
SC3000 JP PrintAdvert 1983-08.jpg|JP (1983-08)
File:Sega SC3000H AU Side2.jpg | Left Side
+
SC3000 JP PrintAdvert 1983-09.jpg|JP (1983-09)
File:Sega SC3000H AU Side1.jpg | Right Side
+
SC3000 JP PrintAdvert 1984-12.jpg|JP (1984-12)
 +
SC3000 JP PrintAdvert 1985-01.jpg|JP (1985-01)
 +
SC3000H FR PrintAdvert 1984-11.jpg|FR (1984-11)
 +
SC3000H FR PrintAdvert 1984-12.jpg|FR (1984-12)
 +
SC3000H FR PrintAdvert 1985-01.jpg|FR (1985-01)
 +
SC3000 IT PrintAdvert.jpg|IT (1)
 +
SC3000 IT PrintAdvert 2.jpg|IT (2)
 +
SC3000 AU PrintAdvert 1.jpg|AU (1)
 +
SC3000 AU PrintAdvert 2.jpg|AU (2)
 +
Grandstand Sega Special Offer.jpg|NZ (Grandstand Sega Special Offer)
 +
Brains Of The Family, The (1984).pdf|NZ (The Brains of the Family)
 +
SC3000 SG PrintAdvert.jpg|SG (1983)
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
===SC-3000H (Compulink)===
+
{{gallery
During the 1980s, [[Compulink Corporation]] distributed their own brand of SC-3000Hs for use as an advertising system. It is identical to a regular SC-3000H bar a sticker, and would come equipped with specalist software which could be configured by the user.
+
|{{galleryPrintAd
{{Scanbox
+
|AMLife JP 0809.pdf|amlife|8|110
| console=SC-3000
+
|AMLife JP 10.pdf|amlife|10|110
| region=AU (SC-3000H, Compulink)
+
|AMLife JP 11.pdf|amlife|11|15
| front=
 
| item1=SC3000 AU Compulink.jpg
 
| item1name=Computer
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
==New Zealand==
+
|{{GalleryPrintAd
===SC-3000===
+
|Tilt FR 012.pdf|tilt|12|37
The New Zealand SC-3000 was distributed by [[Grandstand]]. It uses packaging similar to the Japanese model.
 
{{Scanbox
 
| console=SC-3000
 
| region=NZ (SC-3000)
 
| front=SC3000 NZ Box Front.jpg
 
| back=SC3000 NZ Box Back.jpg
 
| spinemissing=yes
 
| square=yes
 
| item1=
 
| item1name=Computer
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
==Europe==
+
|{{GalleryPrintAd
===SC-3000 (G-PAL)===
+
|ComputerInput NZ 1983-11.pdf|computerinput|1983-11|36
A mysterious "G-PAL" (PAL-G?) SC-3000 model is known to exist.
+
|ComputerInput NZ 1983-12.pdf|computerinput|1983-12|52
{{Scanbox
+
|ComputerInput NZ 1984-05.pdf|computerinput|1984-05|52
| console=SC-3000
+
|ComputerInput NZ 1984-09.pdf|computerinput|1984-09|50
| region=EU (SC-3000, G-PAL)
 
| front=
 
| spinemissing=
 
| square=yes
 
| item1=
 
| item1name=Computer
 
 
}}
 
}}
 
==France==
 
===SC-3000 (ITMC)===
 
The French SC-3000 was distributed by [[ITMC]], who put their name on the system in the place of Sega's.
 
{{Scanbox
 
| console=SC-3000
 
| region=FR (SC-3000, ITMC)
 
| front=
 
| spinemissing=
 
| square=yes
 
| item1=
 
| item1name=Computer
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
===SC-3000 (Yeno)===
+
===Television advertisements===
{{Scanbox
+
<gallery>
| console=SC-3000
+
SC3000 AU TVAdvert.mp4|AU
| region=FR (SC-3000, Yeno, older)
+
SC3000H JP TVAdvert.mp4|JP (SC-3000H)
| front=SC3000 FR Box Front Yeno.jpg
+
</gallery>
| back=
 
| spinemissing=
 
| square=yes
 
| item1=SC3000 FR Yeno.jpg
 
| item1name=Computer
 
}}
 
 
 
===SC-3000 (Yeno) (Newer)===
 
At some point, the packaging was changed.
 
{{Scanbox
 
| console=SC-3000
 
| region=FR (SC-3000, Yeno, newer)
 
| front=SC3000 FR Box Front Yeno Alt.jpg
 
| back=
 
| spinemissing=
 
| square=yes
 
| item1=SC3000 FR Yeno.jpg
 
| item1name=Computer
 
}}
 
 
 
===SC-3000H===
 
{{Scanbox
 
| console=SC-3000
 
| region=FR (SC-3000H)
 
| front=SC3000H FR Box Front.jpg
 
| back=SC3000H FR Box Back.jpg
 
| spinemissing=yes
 
| square=yes
 
| item1=SC-3000H FR 1.jpg
 
| item1name=Computer
 
}}
 
  
 
==External links==
 
==External links==
 
* [http://www.consoledatabase.com/consoleinfo/segasc-3000/index.html SC-3000 Console Database]
 
* [http://www.consoledatabase.com/consoleinfo/segasc-3000/index.html SC-3000 Console Database]
* [http://membres.lycos.fr/mavati/sf7000/ Page on SC-3000 and SF-7000]
+
* [http://sites.google.com/site/mavati56/sega_sf7000 Technical Information page on SC-3000 and SF-7000 by MaVaTi]
 +
 
 +
==References==
 +
<references />
  
 
{{SG1000}}
 
{{SG1000}}
  
[[Category:SG-1000| ]]
+
[[Category:SG-1000]]

Revision as of 00:06, 30 September 2016

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
SC-3000
JP
¥29,80029,800
SC-3000
JP
(H)
¥33,80033,800
SC-3000
FR
1950F1950
SC-3000
FI
1295 mk1295
SC-3000
IT
SC-3000
AU
$299299
SC-3000
AU
(H)
$349349
SC-3000
NZ
$399399
SC-3000
SG
$495495

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 almost all 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 intended 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.

Models

Main article: SC-3000 computers.

SC-3000

SC-3000H

Technical specifications

See SG-1000 specifications for further specifications

The SC-3000's technical specifications are largely the same as the SG-1000, with the following memory differences:

BASIC Level II B (1983) includes the following memory upgrade:[1]

  • RAM: 20 KB
    • Main RAM: 4 KB
    • VRAM: 16 KB

BASIC Level III A (1983) includes the following memory upgrade:[1]

  • RAM: 34 KB
    • Main RAM: 18 KB
    • VRAM: 16 KB

BASIC Level III B (1983) includes the following memory upgrade:

  • RAM: 48 KB
    • Main RAM: 32 KB
    • VRAM: 16 KB

History

Release

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. Possibly 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 home computing market was already saturated, with numerous similar machines vying for public attention.

From day one Sega also found themselves under pressure from more established computers from technology giants NEC, Fujitsu and Sharp, the so called "big three" in the Japanese computing market. Each had entered the sector in the late 1970s, offering multiple tiers of hardware and attracting significant amounts of third-party software - Sega were much smaller players with a background in arcade machines and could not effectively compete. The low screen resolution and comparatively slow processing power of the SC-3000 made it unsuitable for business, while third-parties already had well established relationships with other players in the market.

Another issue was that of the MSX standard, divised by Microsoft's Japanese arm to unify what had become a fractious market between 1978 and 1982. While Sega were trying to market their bespoke computing standard, companies which had already tried and failed with this strategy had switched their alliegence to MSX machines, the first wave of converts including Canon, Fujitsu, Hitachi, JVC, Mitsubishi, National, Sanyo, Sony, Toshiba and Yamaha. A typical MSX machine is not too dissimilar from an SC-3000 in terms of hardware, but this vast amount of support is thought to have been the biggest factor in the SC-3000's failure to take off.

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

It is thought that support for the SC-3000 largely dried up in the first few months of 1985 as Sega began to concentrate on the Sega Mark III.

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 comparatively less competition than in Japan, and so the SC-3000 (and SC-3000H) performed reasonably well as low-entry computers during the mid-1980s, fighting primarily against the Commodore VIC-20.

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. At least 15,000 SC-3000s had been sold in Australia by 1986.

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.

Decline

By the end of 1983, the SC-3000 had sold 120,000 units worldwide[2].

Magazine articles

Main article: SC-3000/Magazine articles.

Promotional material

Print advertisements

Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Amusement Life (JP) #8: "No.8, 9" (1983-08-20)
also published in:
Logo-pdf.svg
Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Tilt (FR) #12: "Mai 1984" (1984-xx-xx)
Logo-pdf.svg
Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Computer Input (NZ) #1983-11: "November 1983" (1983-xx-xx)
also published in:
Logo-pdf.svg

Television advertisements

External links

References

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