Difference between revisions of "SC-3000"

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{{ConsoleBob
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| logos=[[File:SC-3000 logo.svg|320px]]
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| logo=SC-3000 logo.svg
 
| consoleimage=SC-3000.jpg
 
| consoleimage=SC-3000.jpg
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| imgwidth=320px
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| consoleimage2=SC-3000H AU 1.jpg
 
| name=
 
| name=
 
| maker=[[Sega]]
 
| maker=[[Sega]]
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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=
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| releases={{releases
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| releases={{releasesSG
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| sg_date_jp=1983-07
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| sc_date_jp=1983-07-15{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20180410135421/https://sega.jp/history/hard/sc3000/index.html}}
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| sg_rrp_jp=29,800
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| sc_rrp_jp=29,800{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20180410135421/https://sega.jp/history/hard/sc3000/index.html}}
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| sg_date_jp_1=198x
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| sc_date_jp_1=1983
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| sg_rrp_jp_1=33,800
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| sc_rrp_jp_1=33,800
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| sg_type_jp_1=H
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| sc_type_jp_1=H
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| sg_date_eu=1983
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| sc_date_au=1983
−
| sg_date_au=1983
+
| sc_rrp_au=299
 +
| sc_date_au_1=1984
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| sc_rrp_au_1=349
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| sc_type_au_1=H
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| sc_date_nz=1983
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| sc_rrp_nz=399
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| sc_date_sg=1983
 +
| sc_rrp_sg=495
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| sc_date_fr=1983-12
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| sc_rrp_fr=1950
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| sc_date_it=198x
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| sc_date_fi=1983
 +
| sc_date_tw=198x
 +
| 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 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 Sega's first and most popular home computer to be released to the general public. Other endeavours such as the rare [[Sega AI Computer]] saw only a small fraction of the success the SC-3000 received, and were built with very different aims. The company would partner with Amstrad and IBM for the [[Amstrad Mega PC]] and [[TeraDrive]] respectively in later years.
  
 
==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 knwon 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 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 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 and 16kB of VRAM. 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, as it has no built-in ROM. 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.
  
−
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).
+
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.
  
−
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]].
+
The SC-3000 hardware is comparable to the original MSX computer standard and the ColecoVision games console. Though in most regions the SC-3000 retailed at a cheaper price than many of its competitors, it was comparable from a technical perspective to more expensive home computers from the likes of Commodore.
  
−
Similar to video game consoles, the SC-3000 cannot run without a cartridge placed in its cartridge slot.
+
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.
  
−
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.
+
===Models===
 +
{{MainArticle|SC-3000 computers}}
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 +
====SC-3000====
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<gallery widths="250px" heights="200px">
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Sega SC3000 White model JP Front.jpg|Japanese white model
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John Sands Sega SC3000 AU Front.jpg|Australian model
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</gallery>
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<gallery widths="105px" heights="80px">
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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>
 +
 
 +
===Technical specifications===
 +
:''See [[SG-1000#Technical specifications|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:
 +
 
 +
* [[RAM]]: 18&nbsp;[[Byte|KB]] (2&nbsp;KB main RAM, 16&nbsp;KB [[VRAM]])
 +
* System [[ROM]]: 32&nbsp;KB{{fileref|SC-3000ServiceManual.pdf|page=11}}
 +
 
 +
''[[BASIC Level II B]]'' (1983) includes the following memory upgrade:{{fileref|SC-3000ServiceManual.pdf|page=11}}
 +
* RAM: 20&nbsp;KB (4&nbsp;KB main RAM, 16&nbsp;KB [[VRAM]])
 +
 
 +
''[[BASIC Level III A]]'' (1983) includes the following memory upgrade:{{fileref|SC-3000ServiceManual.pdf|page=11}}
 +
 
 +
* RAM: 34&nbsp;KB (18&nbsp;KB main RAM, 16&nbsp;KB [[VRAM]])
 +
 
 +
''[[BASIC Level III B]]'' (1983) includes the following memory upgrade:
 +
 
 +
* RAM: 48&nbsp;KB (32&nbsp;KB main RAM, 16&nbsp;KB [[VRAM]])
 +
 
 +
===Comparison===
 +
:''See [[SG-1000#Technical specifications|SG-1000 technical specifications]] for SG-1000 specifications''
 +
 
 +
The SC-3000 was roughly on par with the original [[wikipedia:MSX|MSX]] standard, which was largely identical in hardware. A key difference was that the original MSX standard had a higher amount of program [[RAM]]. However, both relied on the [[VRAM]] for graphics data, giving them largely identical graphical capabilities.
 +
 
 +
The SG-1000 and SC-3000 were technically comparable to the [[Commodore 64]] (C64). The SC-3000's [[Z80]] CPU and [[SRAM]]/[[ROM]] bus are clocked at 3.579545 MHz ([[NTSC]]) or 3.546893 MHz ([[PAL]]), while the C64's [[wikipedia:MOS Technology 6502|6502]] CPU and [[wikipedia:Dynamic random access memory|DRAM]]/ROM bus are clocked at 1.022727 MHz (NTSC) or 0.985248 MHz (PAL).{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20111126183551/digitalaudioconcepts.com/vanessa/hobbies/commodore-info.html}} The SC-3000's Z80 processes instructions at 0.519034 [[wikipedia:Instructions per second|MIPS]] (NTSC) or 0.514299 MIPS (PAL), while the C64's 6502 processes 0.439772 MIPS (NTSC) or 0.423656 MIPS (PAL).{{ref|[http://drolez.com/retro/ Obsolete Microprocessors]}} The SC-3000's SRAM/ROM bus has an access time of 279 ns (NTSC) or 281 ns (PAL),{{fileref|SC-3000ServiceManual.pdf|page=12}} while the C64's DRAM/ROM bus has an access time of 978 ns (NTSC) or 1015 ns (PAL).
 +
 
 +
The SC-3000's VRAM write [[Byte|bandwidth]] during active display is 174.794 [[Byte|KB/s]] (NTSC) or 181.112 KB/s (PAL), while the C64's DRAM write bandwidth is 50 KB/s.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20111126183551/digitalaudioconcepts.com/vanessa/hobbies/commodore-info.html}} This gives the SC-3000 a write [[fillrate]] of 1.398352 [[Pixel|MPixels/s]] (NTSC) or 1.448896 MPixels/s (PAL) during active display, while the C64's write fillrate is 400,000 [[Pixel|pixels/s]] (1-color) or 200,000 pixels/s (3-color). The SC-3000's higher bandwidth and write fillrate allow it to transfer more [[sprite]]/[[wikipedia:Tile-based video game|tile]] graphics at a faster rate than the C64. The SC-3000's [[TMS9918]] graphics chip supports 32 hardware sprites on screen, while the C64's [[wikipedia:MOS Technology VIC-II|VIC-II]] graphics chip supports 8 hardware sprites.
 +
 
 +
In terms of 3-color sprites, the TMS9918 supports 10 sprites (combining 30 sprites) and the VIC-II supports 8 sprites. The TMS9918 displays 4 sprites (or 9 flickering sprites) per scanline and 20 sprites per 21 scanlines, while the VIC-II displays up to 8 sprites per scanline and 8 sprites per 21 scanlines.{{ref|[https://www.msx.org/forum/msx-talk/development/new-sprite-record New sprite record (MSX Research Center)]}} The TMS9918 lacks hardware scrolling, but the Z80 can program smooth per-pixel software scrolling, while the VIC-II supports 7-pixel coarse scrolling but not smooth per-pixel scrolling, which the 6502 could also program in software.
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
−
===Japan===
+
===Release===
−
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.
+
====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 was 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 rest of the 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.
  
−
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.
+
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.
 
The SC-3000H, which originally sold for ¥33,800, does not appear to have fared much better.
  
−
==Australia and New Zealand==
+
Sega's advertising saw comic duo Tunnels (とんねるず) advertise the computer.
−
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.
+
 
 +
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 often struggling due to the oversaturated market.
 +
 
 +
The SC-3000 was distributed in France by [[ITMC]] (under the Yeno brand), achieving mild success in 1983/1984 as it competed with computers from Atari, Commodore, Oric, Sinclair and the home-grown Thomson M05 and T07, among others. Despite gaining some traction, by the middle of 1984 ITMC were advertising an [[MSX]] machine as the SC-3000's "bigger sister"; the DPC-64 (adapted from the South Korean DPC-200 machine by Daewoo). With more memory, an AZERTY keyboard and wider software compatibility, the DPC-64 became the firm's main computer going into 1985, with the SC-3000 presumably being retired.
 +
 
 +
In Italy, the SC-3000 was distributed by [[Melchioni]].
 +
 
 +
The computer was also seen in Finland, where it was distributed by [[Digital Systems]].
 +
 
 +
====Australia and New Zealand====
 +
The SC-3000 was a big success for 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 outsold the SG-1000 in the market, 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.
 
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.
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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).
 
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==
+
====Africa====
−
The SC-3000 saw a limited release within Europe, but was faced with an oversaturated home computer market where struggled to compete. Most notably is is efforts in France, where it was distributed by [[Yeno]]. It is also said to have been released in Spain and Italy, though details are sketchy.
+
The computer was released in Egypt by [[Cactus International]]. Also rumoured is a South African release of the console.
 +
 
 +
====Asia====
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The SC-3000 was distributed in Singapore by [[Ocean Radio]]. In Taiwan, it was sold under the [[Aaronix]] brand.
 +
 
 +
===Decline===
 +
By the end of 1983, the SC-3000 had sold 120,000 units worldwide{{fileref|JeuxetStrategie FR 29.pdf|page=24}}.
  
−
==South Africa==
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==Production credits==
−
Also rumoured is a South African release of the console.
+
{{creditstable|
 +
*'''Designer:''' [[Hideki Sato]]
 +
| source=Developer mentions{{fileref|Sega_Consumer_History_JP_EnterBrain_Book.pdf|page=23}}
 +
| console=SC
 +
}}
  
−
=Models=
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==Magazine articles==
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==Japan==
+
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Magazine articles}}
−
===SC-3000 (Black)===
+
 
−
The standard SC-3000, released in July 1983. Sometime after the initial production, the packaging was changed.
+
==Promotional material==
 +
===Print advertisements===
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
−
File:SC-3000 Black JP 1.jpg|The SC-3000
+
SC3000 JP PrintAdvert 1985-01.jpg|JP (1985-01)
−
File:SC-3000 Black JP 2.jpg|Computer with original box
+
SC3000H FR PrintAdvert 1984-11.jpg|FR (1984-11)
−
File:SC-3000 Black JP 3.jpg|Computer with later box
+
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-3000 (White)===
+
 
−
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>
+
|{{galleryPrintAd
−
File:SC-3000H JP 1.jpg|The unit
+
|amlife|8|110
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File:SC-3000H JP 2.jpg|The box and contents of the box
+
|amlife|10|110
−
</gallery>
+
|amlife|11|15
−
===SC-3000 (Red)===
+
}}
−
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>
+
|{{galleryPrintAd
−
File:SC-3000 JP Red 1.jpg|The unit with its box
+
|io|1983-07|156-157
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File:SC-3000 JP Red 2.jpg|A close up
+
}}
−
</gallery>
+
 
−
===SC-3000H (Black)===
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|{{galleryPrintAd
−
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.
+
|io|1983-08|158-159
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<gallery>
+
}}
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File:Sc3000h.jpg|SC-3000H, black version
+
 
−
</gallery>
+
|{{galleryPrintAd
−
===SC-3000H (White)===
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|io|1983-09|156-157
−
The SC-3000H also came in white and is otherwise identical to the black system.
+
}}
 +
 
 +
|{{GalleryPrintAd
 +
|computerinput|1983-11|36
 +
|computerinput|1983-12|52
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|computerinput|1984-05|52
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|sc|1|28
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|computerinput|1984-09|50
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}}
 +
 
 +
|{{galleryPrintAd
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|votreordinateur|4|3
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|lordinateur|58|3
 +
|tilt|12|37
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}}
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|{{galleryPrintAd
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|votreordinateur|7|10
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|svm|9|32
 +
|micro7|20|110
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}}
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|{{galleryPrintAd
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|votreordinateur|9|2
 +
|lordinateur|65|12
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|votreordinateur|10|16
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}}
 +
 
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|{{galleryPrintAd
 +
|tilt|17|232
 +
|lordinateur|66|70
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|lordinateur|67|192
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
|{{galleryPrintAd
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|io|1984-12|78
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}}
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}}
 +
 
 +
===Television advertisements===
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
−
File:SC-3000 White JP 1.jpg|SC-3000H, white version
+
SC3000 AU TVAdvert.mp4|AU
−
File:SC-3000 White JP 2.jpg|Contents of box
+
SC3000H JP TVAdvert.mp4|JP (SC-3000H)
−
</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
 
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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>
 
−
File:SC-3000H FR 1.jpg|The SC-3000H, French version
 
−
File:SC-3000H FR 2.jpg|"YENO" branding
 
−
File:SC-3000H FR 3.jpg|"Manufactured by Sega"
 
−
File:SC-3000H FR 4.jpg|Label on the underside of unit
 
−
File:SC3000H FR Box Front.jpg|Front of box
 
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
 
==External links==
 
==External links==
 +
* [https://sega.jp/history/hard/sc3000/index.html Sega of Japan catalogue page (Japanese)]
 
* [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}}
 +
{{Sega Consoles}}
  
−
[[Category:SG-1000| ]]
+
[[Category:SG-1000]]

Latest revision as of 00:29, 3 December 2023

SC-3000 logo.svg
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[1]
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
SC-3000
TW

The SC-3000 (Sega Computer 3000) is the first 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 Sega's first and most popular home computer to be released to the general public. Other endeavours such as the rare Sega AI Computer saw only a small fraction of the success the SC-3000 received, and were built with very different aims. The company would partner with Amstrad and IBM for the Amstrad Mega PC and TeraDrive respectively in later years.

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 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 and 16kB of VRAM. 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, as it has no built-in ROM. 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 and the ColecoVision games console. Though in most regions the SC-3000 retailed at a cheaper price than many of its competitors, it was comparable from a technical perspective to 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

  • Japanese white model

  • Australian model

  • JP white model (back)

  • JP white model (left)

  • JP white model (right)

  • AU model (back)

  • AU model (left)

  • AU model (right)

SC-3000H

  • Australian model (front)

  • Australian model (back)

  • Australian model (left)

  • Australian model (right)

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:[2]

  • RAM: 20 KB (4 KB main RAM, 16 KB VRAM)

BASIC Level III A (1983) includes the following memory upgrade:[2]

  • RAM: 34 KB (18 KB main RAM, 16 KB VRAM)

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

  • RAM: 48 KB (32 KB main RAM, 16 KB VRAM)

Comparison

See SG-1000 technical specifications for SG-1000 specifications

The SC-3000 was roughly on par with the original MSX standard, which was largely identical in hardware. A key difference was that the original MSX standard had a higher amount of program RAM. However, both relied on the VRAM for graphics data, giving them largely identical graphical capabilities.

The SG-1000 and SC-3000 were technically comparable to the Commodore 64 (C64). The SC-3000's Z80 CPU and SRAM/ROM bus are clocked at 3.579545 MHz (NTSC) or 3.546893 MHz (PAL), while the C64's 6502 CPU and DRAM/ROM bus are clocked at 1.022727 MHz (NTSC) or 0.985248 MHz (PAL).[3] The SC-3000's Z80 processes instructions at 0.519034 MIPS (NTSC) or 0.514299 MIPS (PAL), while the C64's 6502 processes 0.439772 MIPS (NTSC) or 0.423656 MIPS (PAL).[4] The SC-3000's SRAM/ROM bus has an access time of 279 ns (NTSC) or 281 ns (PAL),[5] while the C64's DRAM/ROM bus has an access time of 978 ns (NTSC) or 1015 ns (PAL).

The SC-3000's VRAM write bandwidth during active display is 174.794 KB/s (NTSC) or 181.112 KB/s (PAL), while the C64's DRAM write bandwidth is 50 KB/s.[3] This gives the SC-3000 a write fillrate of 1.398352 MPixels/s (NTSC) or 1.448896 MPixels/s (PAL) during active display, while the C64's write fillrate is 400,000 pixels/s (1-color) or 200,000 pixels/s (3-color). The SC-3000's higher bandwidth and write fillrate allow it to transfer more sprite/tile graphics at a faster rate than the C64. The SC-3000's TMS9918 graphics chip supports 32 hardware sprites on screen, while the C64's VIC-II graphics chip supports 8 hardware sprites.

In terms of 3-color sprites, the TMS9918 supports 10 sprites (combining 30 sprites) and the VIC-II supports 8 sprites. The TMS9918 displays 4 sprites (or 9 flickering sprites) per scanline and 20 sprites per 21 scanlines, while the VIC-II displays up to 8 sprites per scanline and 8 sprites per 21 scanlines.[6] The TMS9918 lacks hardware scrolling, but the Z80 can program smooth per-pixel software scrolling, while the VIC-II supports 7-pixel coarse scrolling but not smooth per-pixel scrolling, which the 6502 could also program in software.

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 was 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 rest of the 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.

Sega's advertising saw comic duo Tunnels (とんねるず) advertise the computer.

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 often struggling due to the oversaturated market.

The SC-3000 was distributed in France by ITMC (under the Yeno brand), achieving mild success in 1983/1984 as it competed with computers from Atari, Commodore, Oric, Sinclair and the home-grown Thomson M05 and T07, among others. Despite gaining some traction, by the middle of 1984 ITMC were advertising an MSX machine as the SC-3000's "bigger sister"; the DPC-64 (adapted from the South Korean DPC-200 machine by Daewoo). With more memory, an AZERTY keyboard and wider software compatibility, the DPC-64 became the firm's main computer going into 1985, with the SC-3000 presumably being retired.

In Italy, the SC-3000 was distributed by Melchioni.

The computer was also seen in Finland, where it was distributed by Digital Systems.

Australia and New Zealand

The SC-3000 was a big success for 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 outsold the SG-1000 in the market, 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).

Africa

The computer was released in Egypt by Cactus International. Also rumoured is a South African release of the console.

Asia

The SC-3000 was distributed in Singapore by Ocean Radio. In Taiwan, it was sold under the Aaronix brand.

Decline

By the end of 1983, the SC-3000 had sold 120,000 units worldwide[7].

Production credits

Source:
Developer mentions[8]


Magazine articles

Main article: SC-3000/Magazine articles.

Promotional material

Print advertisements

  • JP (1985-01)

  • FR (1984-11)

  • FR (1984-12)

  • FR (1985-01)

  • IT (1)

  • IT (2)

  • AU (1)

  • AU (2)

  • NZ (Grandstand Sega Special Offer)

  • NZ (The Brains of the Family)

  • SG (1983)

Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Amusement Life (JP) #8: "No.8, 9" (1983-08-20)
also published in:
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Print advert in I/O (JP) #1983-07 (1983-xx-xx)
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Print advert in I/O (JP) #1983-08 (1983-xx-xx)
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Print advert in I/O (JP) #1983-09 (1983-xx-xx)
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Print advert in Computer Input (NZ) #1983-11: "November 1983" (1983-xx-xx)
also published in:
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Print advert in Votre Ordinateur (FR) #4: "Mars 1984" (1984-03-xx)
also published in:
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Print advert in Votre Ordinateur (FR) #7: "Septembre 1984" (1984-09-xx)
also published in:
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Print advert in Votre Ordinateur (FR) #9: "Novembre 1984" (1984-11-xx)
also published in:
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Print advert in Tilt (FR) #17: "Novembre/Décembre 1984" (1984-xx-xx)
also published in:
Logo-pdf.svg
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Print advert in I/O (JP) #1984-12 (198x-xx-xx)
Logo-pdf.svg

Television advertisements

  • AU

  • JP (SC-3000H)

External links

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 https://sega.jp/history/hard/sc3000/index.html (Wayback Machine: 2018-04-10 13:54)
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 File:SC-3000ServiceManual.pdf, page 11
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 htt (Wayback Machine: 2011-11-26 18:35)
  4. ↑ Obsolete Microprocessors
  5. ↑ File:SC-3000ServiceManual.pdf, page 12
  6. ↑ New sprite record (MSX Research Center)
  7. ↑ File:JeuxetStrategie FR 29.pdf, page 24
  8. ↑ File:Sega_Consumer_History_JP_EnterBrain_Book.pdf, page 23
  9. ↑ Amusement Life, "No.10" (JP; 1983-09-20), page 110
  10. ↑ Amusement Life, "No.11" (JP; 1983-10-20), page 15
  11. ↑ Computer Input, "December 1983" (NZ; 1983-xx-xx), page 52
  12. ↑ Computer Input, "May/June 1984" (NZ; 1984-xx-xx), page 52
  13. ↑ Sega Computer, "xxxx xxxx" (NZ; 1984-xx-xx), page 28
  14. ↑ Computer Input, "September 1984" (NZ; 1984-xx-xx), page 50
  15. ↑ L'Ordinateur_Individuel, "Avril 1984" (FR; 1984-04-xx), page 3
  16. ↑ Tilt, "Mai 1984" (FR; 1984-xx-xx), page 37
  17. ↑ Science & Vie Micro, "Septembre 1984" (FR; 198x-09-xx), page 32
  18. ↑ Micro 7, "Octobre 84" (FR; 1984-10-xx), page 110
  19. ↑ L'Ordinateur_Individuel, "Decembre 1984" (FR; 1984-12-xx), page 12
  20. ↑ Votre Ordinateur, "Janvier 1985" (FR; 1985-01-xx), page 16
  21. ↑ L'Ordinateur_Individuel, "Janvier 1985" (FR; 1985-01-xx), page 70
  22. ↑ L'Ordinateur_Individuel, "Fevrier 1985" (FR; 1985-02-xx), page 192
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
Sega Home Video Game Systems
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SG-1000 SG-1000 II Mega Drive Mega Drive II
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Master System Master System II
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Saturn
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