Sega-Vision
From Sega Retro
File:Sega-Vision1.jpg
The Sega-Vision (left) when compared to a normal mid-1970s television (right) in a TV advert airing in 1977.
The Sega-Vision (not to be confused with the handheld Sega Vision system) was a US television set created by Sega and was the company's first product meant for the home. It was designed by Earl "Madman" Muntz in 1976, a businessman known for wacky television adverts and for coining the phrase "TV" in America. The Sega-Vision was notable for being significantly bigger than most TV sets at the time (featuring between 44" and 50" diagonal-inch screens and cabinets standing between five and six feet.) Sega used then-Los Angeles Dodgers' first baseman Steve Garvey to promote the television set in TV advertisements.
Three models of Sega-Vision were produced:
- Model DCR-530 (MSRP $2395): The flagship model of the Sega-Vision, the television has a 50" diagonal-inch screen and a solid oak roll-top cabinet that covers the screen when not in use. The model comes with a remote control and displays the current channel and time when adjusting volume or switching channels.
- Model C-401 (MSRP $1495): As the budget model, the C-401 has a smaller 44" diagonal-inch screen and lacks the roll-top covering of the DCR-530.
- Model CR-511 (MSRP $1895): An upgraded version of the C-401, the model features a larger 50" diagonal-inch screen and remote control unit.
Aside from a US Patent and a TV commercial, very little is known about the Sega-Vision.