Difference between revisions of "SC-3000"
From Sega Retro
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| − | The '''SC-3000''' ('''S'''ega '''C'''omputer 3000) is the computer equivalent of the [[SG-1000]] [[cartridge]]-based | + | The '''SC-3000''' ('''S'''ega '''C'''omputer 3000) is the computer equivalent of the [[SG-1000]] [[cartridge]]-based video game console manufactured by [[Sega]]. It is an 8-bit home computer virtually identical to the SG-1000, but with a built-in keyboard and support for more hardware expansions. |
| + | |||
| + | Much like the SG-1000 was Sega's first home video game console, the SC-3000 was Sega's first home computer. It is also widely considered to be the only mass-market computer Sega have produced on their own - the company would partner with Amstrad and IBM for the [[Amstrad Mega PC]] and [[TeraDrive]] respectively in later years, but other endeavours such as the extremely rare [[Sega AI Computer]] saw only a small fraction of the success the SC-3000 received. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Depending on where you live, the SC-3000 was seen either as a market flop or one of the more successful home computers of the early 1980s. It did not see a worldwide release like later Sega systems, though is said to have fared better than the SG-1000 console. | ||
==Hardware== | ==Hardware== | ||
| − | + | There are two major models of the SC-3000 - the standard SC-3000 model, and an upgraded '''SC-3000H''' variant. Internally the two are identical, though the SC-3000H boasts more RAM and was therefore more expensive at launch. Perhaps more importantly, the SC-3000H has a more traditional and sturdier plastic keyboard, as opposed to the rubberised keys of the SC-3000. A third model, known as the [[SC-5000]] is also known to exist, but very little is known about this unit. | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | + | As a home computer, the internals of the system are 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. The hardware itself is comparable to the original MSX computer standard or the ColecoVision games console, again much like the SG-1000. | |
| − | Similar to video game consoles, the SC-3000 cannot run without a cartridge placed in its cartridge slot. | + | All SG-1000 software is compatible with the SC-3000, and and likewise, assuming the software does not rely on SC-3000-specific features, SC-3000 software may be played on an SG-1000 (with keyboard functions addressed by the [[SK-1100]] add on). Similar to video game consoles, the SC-3000 cannot run without a cartridge placed in its cartridge slot. |
| − | + | In line with most other hobbiest computers of the era, the SC-3000 can run programming language software such as BASIC, so it is therefore 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]]. | |
==History== | ==History== | ||
===Japan=== | ===Japan=== | ||
| − | The SC-3000 was launched in Japan in July 1983 for the asking price of ¥29,800, being marketed as an entry-level computer. It was released at the same time as the SG-1000, | + | The SC-3000 was launched in Japan in July 1983 for the asking price of ¥29,800, being marketed as an entry-level computer. It was released at the same time as the SG-1000, as it not entirely certain which sort of system would remain dominant - the cheaper, dedicated video game console, or the more expensive home computer. Possibily due to fears that one type of system would displace the other, Sega went with both. |
| − | + | Over time it was proved that Japanese consumers preferred the SC-3000 over the SG-1000 for its extra features, but neither device could compete with rival products. The more powerful Nintendo Famicom, released very close to the SG-1000/SC-3000 would go on to dominate the Japanese video game market for the best part of a decade, while the rise of the MSX standard would crush the SC-3000, along with a plethora of other systems. From day one Sega also found themselves under pressure from more established computers by [[NEC]], Fujitsu and [[Sharp]], and the SC-3000 failed to take off. | |
The SC-3000H, which originally sold for ¥33,800, does not appear to have fared much better. | The SC-3000H, which originally sold for ¥33,800, does not appear to have fared much better. | ||
| − | == | + | ===Europe=== |
| − | + | Unlike Sega's later endeavours, the SC-3000 was only distributed in select European countries, and again struggled due to the oversaturated market. It was distributed in France by [[ITMC]] (under the Yeno brand) and in Italy, where it was distributed by [[Melchioni]]. It was also seen in Finland, where it was distributed by [[Digital Systems]]. | |
| + | |||
| + | The full extent of European distribution is not currently known. In all cases, the SC-3000 is thought to have out-performed the SG-1000 by leaps and bounds. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===Australia and New Zealand=== | ||
| + | The SC-3000 was a big success for the Sega in Oceania. It was distributed in Australia by [[John Sands]] and in New Zealand by [[Grandstand]]. Both regions had comparitively less competition than in Japan, and so the SC-3000 (and SC-3000H) performed reasonably well as low-entry computers during the mid-1980s. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The SC-3000 once again decimated the SG-1000, and managed to make an impact on the educational and advertising markets too. Both John Sands and Grandstand strongly supported the system, releasing cassette-based software and building up third-party relations with local developers. | ||
A Speech Synthesis unit and a light pen were supposedly manufactured by third party companies in New Zealand. New Zealand also had its own Sega Computer magazine. | 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). | ||
| − | = | + | ===South Africa=== |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | ==South Africa== | ||
Also rumoured is a South African release of the console. | Also rumoured is a South African release of the console. | ||
Revision as of 13:46, 20 September 2012
 
| |||||
| SC-3000 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer: Sega | |||||
| Variants: SC-3000H | |||||
| Add-ons: Super Control Station SF-7000, SP-400, Data Recorder SR-1000 | |||||
|
The SC-3000 (Sega Computer 3000) is the computer equivalent of the SG-1000 cartridge-based video game console manufactured by Sega. It is an 8-bit home computer virtually identical to the SG-1000, but with a built-in keyboard and support for more hardware expansions.
Much like the SG-1000 was Sega's first home video game console, the SC-3000 was Sega's first home computer. It is also widely considered to be the only mass-market computer Sega have produced on their own - the company would partner with Amstrad and IBM for the Amstrad Mega PC and TeraDrive respectively in later years, but other endeavours such as the extremely rare Sega AI Computer saw only a small fraction of the success the SC-3000 received.
Depending on where you live, the SC-3000 was seen either as a market flop or one of the more successful home computers of the early 1980s. It did not see a worldwide release like later Sega systems, though is said to have fared better than the SG-1000 console.
Contents
Hardware
There are two major models of the SC-3000 - the standard SC-3000 model, and an upgraded SC-3000H variant. Internally the two are identical, though the SC-3000H boasts more RAM and was therefore more expensive at launch. Perhaps more importantly, the SC-3000H has a more traditional and sturdier plastic keyboard, as opposed to the rubberised keys of the SC-3000. A third model, known as the SC-5000 is also known to exist, but very little is known about this unit.
As a home computer, the internals of the system are 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. The hardware itself is comparable to the original MSX computer standard or the ColecoVision games console, again much like the SG-1000.
All SG-1000 software is compatible with the SC-3000, and and likewise, assuming the software does not rely on SC-3000-specific features, SC-3000 software may be played on an SG-1000 (with keyboard functions addressed by the SK-1100 add on). Similar to video game consoles, the SC-3000 cannot run without a cartridge placed in its cartridge slot.
In line with most other hobbiest computers of the era, the SC-3000 can run programming language software such as BASIC, so it is therefore 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.
History
Japan
The SC-3000 was launched in Japan in July 1983 for the asking price of ¥29,800, being marketed as an entry-level computer. It was released at the same time as the SG-1000, as it not entirely certain which sort of system would remain dominant - the cheaper, dedicated video game console, or the more expensive home computer. Possibily due to fears that one type of system would displace the other, Sega went with both.
Over time it was proved that Japanese consumers preferred the SC-3000 over the SG-1000 for its extra features, but neither device could compete with rival products. The more powerful Nintendo Famicom, released very close to the SG-1000/SC-3000 would go on to dominate the Japanese video game market for the best part of a decade, while the rise of the MSX standard would crush the SC-3000, along with a plethora of other systems. From day one Sega also found themselves under pressure from more established computers by NEC, Fujitsu and Sharp, and the SC-3000 failed to take off.
The SC-3000H, which originally sold for ¥33,800, does not appear to have fared much better.
Europe
Unlike Sega's later endeavours, the SC-3000 was only distributed in select European countries, and again struggled due to the oversaturated market. It was distributed in France by ITMC (under the Yeno brand) and in Italy, where it was distributed by Melchioni. It was also seen in Finland, where it was distributed by Digital Systems.
The full extent of European distribution is not currently known. In all cases, the SC-3000 is thought to have out-performed the SG-1000 by leaps and bounds.
Australia and New Zealand
The SC-3000 was a big success for the Sega in Oceania. It was distributed in Australia by John Sands and in New Zealand by Grandstand. Both regions had comparitively less competition than in Japan, and so the SC-3000 (and SC-3000H) performed reasonably well as low-entry computers during the mid-1980s.
The SC-3000 once again decimated the SG-1000, and managed to make an impact on the educational and advertising markets too. Both John Sands and Grandstand strongly supported the system, releasing cassette-based software and building up third-party relations with local developers.
A Speech Synthesis unit and a light pen were supposedly manufactured by third party companies in New Zealand. New Zealand also had its own Sega Computer magazine.
Distribution in both countries stopped in 1986 for different reasons. It is said that Grandstand wanted to focus efforts on distributing Amstrad products instead (namely the Amstrad CPC).
South Africa
Also rumoured is a South African release of the console.
Models
Japan
SC-3000 (Black)
The standard SC-3000, released in July 1983. Sometime after the initial production, the packaging was changed.
The SC-3000
- SC-3000 Black JP 2.jpg
Computer with original box
- SC-3000 Black JP 3.jpg
Computer with later box
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.
The unit
- SC-3000H JP 2.jpg
The box and contents of the box
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.
- SC-3000 JP Red 1.jpg
The unit with its box
A close up
SC-3000H (Black)
With the SC-3000H's release in 1984, the original rubber keys were replaced with full-travel plastic keys and the system received an increased amount of RAM.
SC-3000H, black version
SC-3000H (White)
The SC-3000H also came in white and is otherwise identical to the black system.
SC-3000H, white version
- SC-3000 White JP 2.jpg
Contents of box
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.
- SC-3000 AU 1.jpg
The contents of the box
- SC-3000 AU 2.jpg
The keys
Front of box
Label on the underside of unit
SC-3000H
The SC-3000H was released in Australia as well. Again, black was the only color available.
- SC-3000H AU 2.jpg
The SC-3000H, Australian version
Close up of the unit
SC-3000H (Compulink)
During the 1980s, Compulink Corporation distributed their own brand of SC-3000Hs for use as an advertising system. It is identical to a regular SC-3000H bar a sticker, and would come equipped with specalist software which could be configured by the user.
France
SC-3000H
The French SC-3000H was distributed by Yeno, who put their name on the system in the place of Sega's.
The SC-3000H, French version
"YENO" branding
"Manufactured by Sega"
Label on the underside of unit
Front of box
External links
| Sega SG-1000 Hardware | |
| SG-1000 Variations | SG-1000 | SG-1000 II | SC-3000 | SC-5000 | Othello Multivision | Pasocom Gakushuudzukue | SD-G5 | Arcade |
|---|---|
| Add-ons | Super Control Station SF-7000 | 4 Color Plotter Printer | Data Recorder SR-1000 | Sega Keyboard |
| Game Controllers | Joystick (SJ-200) | Joystick (SJ-300) | Joypad (SJ-150) | SJ-151 | Handle Controller | Bike Handle | Sega Graphic Board | Pasoko-1000 |
| 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 |