Difference between revisions of "SC-3000"

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{{ConsoleBob
 
{{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=
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| maker=[[Sega]]
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| maker=[[Sega Enterprises, Ltd.]]
 
| variants=SC-3000H
 
| variants=SC-3000H
 
| 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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| europe=1983
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| releases={{releasesSG
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| usa=
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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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| japan=1983
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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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| australia=1983
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| sc_date_jp_1=1983
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| benelux=
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| sc_rrp_jp_1=33,800
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| brazil=
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| sc_type_jp_1=H
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| germany=
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| sc_date_au=1983
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| scandinavia=
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| sc_rrp_au=299
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| southkorea=
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| 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
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| sc_rrp_sg=495
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| sc_date_fr=1984-04<ref>https://www.gamopat.com/2014/04/c-etait-il-y-a-30-ans-le-sega-yeno-sc-3000.html</ref>
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| sc_date_it=1984<ref>https://it.ign.com/sega-master-system/104753/feature/sega-master-system-la-storia-e-dei-perdenti</ref>
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| sc_date_fi=198x
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| sc_date_tw=198x
 
}}
 
}}
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The '''SC-3000''' is the computer equivalent of the [[SG-1000]] [[cartridge]]-based [[video game console|gaming console]] manufactured by [[Sega]]. Like how the SG-1000 was Sega's first home video game console, the SC-3000 was their first home computer, and in fact the only one developed by Sega on their own. The SC-3000 is backwards compatible with SG-1000 software, and likewise, assuming the software does not require the SC-3000's extra functions, SC-3000 software may be played on an SG-1000 (and keyboard functions can be taken care of by the [[SK-1100]] add on).
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}}
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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==
 +
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.  
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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.
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 +
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.
  
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The SC-3000 was launched in Japan in 1983 for the asking price of ¥29,800, being marketed as a computer for beginners. Since games were compatible with both the SC-3000 and SG-1000 and since the SC-3000 was also able to run computer applications, the SC-3000 outsold the SG-1000. The SC-3000 offered users the chance to create their own programs and games on the machine. It also received a variety of add-ons, including a [[Speech Synthesis Unit]], a [[Light Pen]], and several other third party accessories.
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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.
  
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Though it was an initial success in Japan, the SC-3000 inevitably lost out (as did many other computers of the era) to the rising MSX computer standard by the middle of the decade. As it happens, the SC-3000/SG-1000 and MSX share similar hardware, and so you often see many game conversions between the two. Like the MSX, the SC-3000 is to be plugged into a standard TV rather than a dedicated monitor.
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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.
  
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Like the SG-1000, the SC-3000 only saw a limited release outside of Japan. It was distributed in Australia by [[John Sands]] and in New Zealand by [[Grandstand]], and also saw a limited release within Europe (such as France, where it was distributed by [[Yeno]]). However at this point these markets were already oversaturated with cheap home computers so the SC-3000 was not a huge success.
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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.
  
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The '''SC-3000H''', which originally sold for ¥33,800, was an upgraded version of this system with more [[RAM]] and an upgraded keyboard (the original keyboard was of the low-end membrane type), so the upgrade was sorely needed.
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The SC-3000 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.
  
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=Models=
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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.
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==Japan==
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===SC-3000 Black Verison===
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===Models===
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The standard SC-3000, released in July of 1983. Sometime after the initial production the packaging was changed.
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{{MainArticle|SC-3000 computers}}
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<gallery>
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File:SC-3000 Black JP 1.jpg|The SC-3000
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====SC-3000====
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File:SC-3000 Black JP 2.jpg|Computer with original box
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<gallery widths="250px" heights="200px">
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File:SC-3000 Black JP 3.jpg|Computer with later box
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Sega SC3000 White model JP Front.jpg|Japanese white model
 +
John Sands Sega SC3000 AU Front.jpg|Australian model
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
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===SC-3000 White Verison===
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<gallery widths="105px" heights="80px">
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A white edition released in the same month. This color was exclusive to Japan, and matches the [[SG-1000 II]] and [[Sega Mark III]]
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Sega SC3000 White model JP Back.jpg|JP white model (back)
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<gallery>
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Sega SC3000 White model JP Side2.jpg|JP white model (left)
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File:SC-3000H JP 1.jpg|The unit
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Sega SC3000 White model JP Side1.jpg|JP white model (right)
−
File:SC-3000H JP 2.jpg|The box and contents of the box
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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>
 
</gallery>
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===SC-3000 Red Verison===
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Interestingly Japan got a red version of the unit as well. Even to this day the west usually sees computers only released in black or white shells, but in Japan, red was acceptable too (the Sharp X1 was bright red).
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====SC-3000H====
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<gallery>
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<gallery widths="250px" heights="200px">
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File:SC-3000 JP Red 1.jpg|The unit with its box
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Sega SC3000H AU Front.jpg|Australian model (front)
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File:SC-3000 JP Red 2.jpg|A close up
 
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
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===SC-3000H Black Verison===
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<gallery widths="105px" heights="80px">
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With the SC-3000H, gone were the rubber keys in favour of the traditional plastic keyboard setup.
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Sega SC3000H AU Back.jpg|Australian model (back)
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<gallery>
+
Sega SC3000H AU Side2.jpg|Australian model (left)
−
File:Sc3000h.jpg|SC-3000H, black version
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Sega SC3000H AU Side1.jpg|Australian model (right)
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
−
===SC-3000H White Verison===
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−
The SC-3000H also came in white. Otherwise it's identical to the above.
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===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:
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 +
* [[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}}
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 +
''[[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]])
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 +
''[[BASIC Level III A]]'' (1983) includes the following memory upgrade:{{fileref|SC-3000ServiceManual.pdf|page=11}}
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 +
* RAM: 34&nbsp;KB (18&nbsp;KB main RAM, 16&nbsp;KB [[VRAM]])
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 +
''[[BASIC Level III B]]'' (1983) includes the following memory upgrade:
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 +
* RAM: 48&nbsp;KB (32&nbsp;KB main RAM, 16&nbsp;KB [[VRAM]])
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 +
===Comparison===
 +
:''See [[SG-1000#Technical specifications|SG-1000 technical specifications]] for SG-1000 specifications''
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 +
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.
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 +
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).
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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.
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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.
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==History==
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===Release===
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====Japan====
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The SC-3000 was launched in Japan in July 1983 for the asking price of ¥29,800, being marketed as an entry-level computer. It was released at the same time as the SG-1000, as it 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.
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Over time it was proved that Japanese consumers preferred the SC-3000 over the SG-1000 for its extra features, but neither device could compete with rival products. The more powerful [[Nintendo Famicom]], released very close to the SG-1000/SC-3000 would go on to dominate the Japanese video game market for the rest of the decade, while the home computing market was already saturated, with numerous similar machines vying for public attention.
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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.
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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.
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The SC-3000H, which originally sold for ¥33,800, does not appear to have fared much better.
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Sega's advertising saw comic duo Tunnels (とんねるず) advertise the computer.
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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]].
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====Europe====
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Unlike Sega's later endeavours, the SC-3000 was only distributed in select European countries, and often struggling due to the oversaturated market.
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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.
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In Italy, the SC-3000 was distributed by [[Melchioni]].
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The computer was also seen in Finland, where it was distributed by [[Digital Systems]].
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====Australia and New Zealand====
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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 Leisure]]. 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.
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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.
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A Speech Synthesis unit and a light pen were supposedly manufactured by third party companies in New Zealand. New Zealand also had its own Sega Computer magazine.
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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).
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====Africa====
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The computer was released in Egypt by [[Cactus International]]. Also rumoured is a South African release of the console.
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====Asia====
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The SC-3000 was distributed in Singapore by [[Ocean Radio]] and in Thailand by [[Tavon Computer Company]]. In Taiwan, it was sold under the [[Aaronix]] brand.
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 +
===Decline===
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By the end of 1983, the SC-3000 had sold 120,000 units worldwide{{fileref|JeuxetStrategie FR 29.pdf|page=24}}.
 +
 
 +
==Production credits==
 +
{{creditstable|
 +
*'''Designer:''' [[Hideki Sato]]
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| source=Developer mentions{{fileref|Sega_Consumer_History_JP_EnterBrain_Book.pdf|page=23}}
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| console=SC
 +
}}
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 +
==Magazine articles==
 +
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Magazine articles}}
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 +
==Promotional material==
 +
===Print advertisements===
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
−
File:SC-3000 White JP 1.jpg|SC-3000H, white version
+
SC3000 JP PrintAdvert 1985-01.jpg|JP (1985-01)
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File:SC-3000 White JP 2.jpg|Contents of box
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SC3000H FR PrintAdvert 1984-11.jpg|FR (1984-11)
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</gallery>
+
SC3000H FR PrintAdvert 1984-12.jpg|FR (1984-12)
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==Australia==
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SC3000H FR PrintAdvert 1985-01.jpg|FR (1985-01)
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===SC-3000===
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SC3000 IT PrintAdvert.jpg|IT (1)
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John Sands quickly brought the system to Australia, and it too was released within 1983. There is little difference between the two aside from the removal of Japanese characters and slight tweaks to the hardware for PAL television sets. Also unlike Japan, there was only one color - black.
+
SC3000 IT PrintAdvert 2.jpg|IT (2)
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<gallery>
+
SC3000 AU PrintAdvert 1.jpg|AU (1)
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File:SC-3000 AU 1.jpg|The contents of the box
+
SC3000 AU PrintAdvert 2.jpg|AU (2)
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File:SC-3000 AU 2.jpg|The keys
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Grandstand Sega Special Offer.jpg|NZ (Grandstand Sega Special Offer)
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File:SC-3000 AU Box Front.jpg|Front of box
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Brains Of The Family, The (1984).pdf|NZ (The Brains of the Family)
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File:SC-3000 AU 3.jpg|Label on the underside of unit
+
SC3000 SG PrintAdvert.jpg|SG (1983)
−
</gallery>
 
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===SC-3000H===
 
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The SC-3000H was given the English treatment also. Again, this was the only color available.
 
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<gallery>
 
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File:SC-3000H AU 2.jpg|The SC-3000H, Australian version
 
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File:SC-3000H AU 1.jpg|Close up of the unit
 
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</gallery>
 
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==France==
 
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===SC-3000H===
 
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The French SC-3000H was distributed by Yano, who put their name on the system in the place of Sega's.
 
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<gallery>
 
−
File:SC-3000H FR 1.jpg|The SC-3000H, French version
 
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File:SC-3000H FR 2.jpg|"YENO" branding
 
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File:SC-3000H FR 3.jpg|"Manufactured by Sega"
 
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File:SC-3000H FR 4.jpg|Label on the underside of unit
 
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File:SC3000H FR Box Front.jpg|Front of box
 
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
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{{gallery
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|{{galleryPrintAd
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|amlife|8|110
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|amlife|10|110
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|amlife|11|15
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}}
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|{{galleryPrintAd
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|io|1983-07|156-157
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}}
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|{{galleryPrintAd
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|io|1983-08|158-159
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}}
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|{{galleryPrintAd
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|io|1983-09|156-157
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}}
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|{{GalleryPrintAd
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|computerinput|1983-11|36
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|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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}}
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|{{galleryPrintAd
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|votreordinateur|4|3
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|lordinateur|58|3
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|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
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|micro7|20|110
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}}
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|{{galleryPrintAd
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|votreordinateur|9|2
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|lordinateur|65|12
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|votreordinateur|10|16
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}}
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|{{galleryPrintAd
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|tilt|17|232
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|lordinateur|66|70
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|lordinateur|67|192
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}}
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|{{galleryPrintAd
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|io|1984-12|78
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}}
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}}
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===Television advertisements===
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{{gitem|SC3000 AU TVAdvert.mp4|AU}}
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{{gitem|SC3000H JP TVAdvert.mp4|JP (SC-3000H)}}
  
 
==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]
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* [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}}
  
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[[Category:SG-1000| ]]
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[[Category:SG-1000]]

Latest revision as of 08:02, 16 November 2024

SC-3000 logo.svg
SC-3000.jpgSC-3000H AU 1.jpg
SC-3000
Manufacturer: Sega Enterprises, Ltd.
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
SC-3000
FI
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:[4]

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

BASIC Level III A (1983) includes the following memory upgrade:[4]

  • 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).[5] 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).[6] The SC-3000's SRAM/ROM bus has an access time of 279 ns (NTSC) or 281 ns (PAL),[7] 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.[5] 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.[8] 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 Leisure. 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 and in Thailand by Tavon Computer Company. In Taiwan, it was sold under the Aaronix brand.

Decline

By the end of 1983, the SC-3000 had sold 120,000 units worldwide[9].

Production credits

Source:
Developer mentions[10]


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)

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

External links

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 https://sega.jp/history/hard/sc3000/index.html (Wayback Machine: 2018-04-10 13:54)
  2. ↑ https://www.gamopat.com/2014/04/c-etait-il-y-a-30-ans-le-sega-yeno-sc-3000.html
  3. ↑ https://it.ign.com/sega-master-system/104753/feature/sega-master-system-la-storia-e-dei-perdenti
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 File:SC-3000ServiceManual.pdf, page 11
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 htt (Wayback Machine: 2011-11-26 18:35)
  6. ↑ Obsolete Microprocessors
  7. ↑ File:SC-3000ServiceManual.pdf, page 12
  8. ↑ New sprite record (MSX Research Center)
  9. ↑ File:JeuxetStrategie FR 29.pdf, page 24
  10. ↑ File:Sega_Consumer_History_JP_EnterBrain_Book.pdf, page 23
  11. ↑ Amusement Life, "No.10" (JP; 1983-09-20), page 110
  12. ↑ Amusement Life, "No.11" (JP; 1983-10-20), page 15
  13. ↑ Computer Input, "December 1983" (NZ; 1983-xx-xx), page 52
  14. ↑ Computer Input, "May 1984" (NZ; 1984-xx-xx), page 52
  15. ↑ Sega Computer, "xxxx xxxx" (NZ; 1984-xx-xx), page 28
  16. ↑ Computer Input, "September 1984" (NZ; 1984-xx-xx), page 50
  17. ↑ L'Ordinateur_Individuel, "Avril 1984" (FR; 1984-04-xx), page 3
  18. ↑ Tilt, "Mai 1984" (FR; 1984-xx-xx), page 37
  19. ↑ Science & Vie Micro, "Septembre 1984" (FR; 198x-09-xx), page 32
  20. ↑ Micro 7, "Octobre 84" (FR; 1984-10-xx), page 110
  21. ↑ L'Ordinateur_Individuel, "Decembre 1984" (FR; 1984-12-xx), page 12
  22. ↑ Votre Ordinateur, "Janvier 1985" (FR; 1985-01-xx), page 16
  23. ↑ L'Ordinateur_Individuel, "Janvier 1985" (FR; 1985-01-xx), page 70
  24. ↑ L'Ordinateur_Individuel, "Fevrier 1985" (FR; 1985-02-xx), page 192
Sega SG-1000 Hardware
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