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Coleco Telstar series

2025-08-07T22:45:31Z

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{{short description|Series of home video game consoles}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2021}}
{{Infobox information appliance
| title = Coleco Telstar series
| image = Coleco-Telstar-Colortron.jpg
| manufacturer = [[Coleco]]
| type = Series of [[Dedicated console|dedicated]] [[home video game consoles]]
| generation = [[First generation of video game consoles|First]]
| lifespan = 1976-1978
| successor = [[ColecoVision]]
| units sold = > 1 million (Coleco Telstar model only)
}}
The '''Coleco Telstar''' is a series of [[Dedicated console|dedicated]] [[First generation of video game consoles|first-generation]] [[home video game console]]s produced, released and marketed by [[Coleco]] from 1976 to 1978. Starting with Coleco Telstar's ''[[Pong]]'' clone-based [[video game console]] on [[General Instrument]]'s [[AY-3-8500]] chip in 1976,<ref>{{cite magazine|title=The Next Generation 1996 Lexicon A to Z: Coleco|magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|issue=15 |publisher=[[Imagine Media]]|date=March 1996|page=31}}</ref> there were 14 consoles released in the Coleco Telstar series. About one million units of the first model, called Coleco Telstar, were sold.<ref>{{cite book|last=Herman|first=Leonard|title=Phoenix: the fall & rise of videogames|year=1997|publisher=Rolenta Press|location=Union, NJ|isbn=0-9643848-2-5|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=duITAQAAIAAJ|edition=2nd|access-date=16 February 2012|page=20|quote=Like Pong, Telstar could only play video tennis but it retailed at an inexpensive $50 that made it attractive to most families that were on a budget. Coleco managed to sell over a million units that year.}}</ref>

Coleco sold over a million units at the price of $50 in 1976. Coleco was unaffected by a chip shortage that year, as their early orders meant it was entirely supplied.{{sfn|Wolf|2012|p=57}} The large product lineup and the impending fading out of the ''Pong'' machines led Coleco to face near-bankruptcy in 1980.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.colecovision.dk/history.htm|title=Coleco Industries. -ColecoVision History.|website=colecovision.dk|access-date=2019-11-05}}</ref>

{{Clear}}

==Model comparison==
{| border="1" class="wikitable sortable"
|+ Telstar models
! width="10%" scope="col"|Console
! width="10%" scope="col"|Model and chip
! width="10%" scope="col"|Release date
! width="10%" scope="col" class="unsortable"|Integrated games
! width="30%" scope="col" class="unsortable"|Description
! width="10%" scope="col" class="unsortable"|Size (height x wide x depth)
! scope="col" class="unsortable"|Cite
! width="10%" scope="col" class="unsortable"|Picture
|-
!Coleco Telstar
| No.6040, [[AY-3-8500]]
| 1976
|
*[[ice hockey|hockey]]
*[[American handball|handball]]
*[[tennis]]
| Two fixed [[paddle (game controller)|paddle]]s. Games are ''Pong'' variants.
|Unknown
| <ref>{{cite web |url=http://colecomuseum.com/colecotelstar.php |title=Archived copy |access-date=2009-09-30 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091004032902/http://colecomuseum.com/colecotelstar.php |archive-date=4 October 2009 }}</ref>
| [[File:Ctelstar.jpg|200px]]
|-
!Coleco Telstar Classic
| No.6045, [[AY-3-8500]]
| 1976
|
*hockey
*handball
*tennis
| Two fixed paddles. Deluxe wood case.
|Unknown
| {{citation needed|date=May 2015}}
| [[File:Coleco Telstar Classic (1976) 2.jpg|200px]]
|-
!Coleco Telstar Deluxe (a.k.a. "Video World of Sports")
| model number unknown, [[AY-3-8500]]
|1977
|
*hockey
*handballs
*tennis ball
| Two fixed paddles. Brown stand case with wood panel. Made for Canadian market with French and English text.
|Unknown
| {{citation needed|date=May 2015}}
|No picture available
|-
!Coleco Telstar Ranger
| No.6046, [[AY-3-8500]]
| 1977
|
*hockey
*handball
*tennis
*[[jai alai]]
*[[target shooting|target]]
*[[skeet shooting|skeet]]
| Black and white plastic case, includes [[Colt .45 Peacemaker|Colt 45]]-style [[light gun]] and separate paddle controllers. Four ball games, two target games. Special features of the four ball games include automatic [[Serve (tennis)|serve]] and variable paddle and speed control for three experience levels (beginner, intermediate, and professional). Uses six [[C battery|C batteries]] or an optional [[AC adapter]], light gun requires one [[nine-volt battery]].
| 4 lb. 17.5×6×8 in.
| <ref name=kaplan78>{{cite magazine |date= Winter 1978 |editor-last=Kaplan| editor-first=Deeny|title= The Video Games |magazine=[[Video (magazine)|Video]] |type=Buyer's Guide |publisher= Reese Communications|volume= 1|issue= 1|pages= 17–30|issn= 0147-8907}}</ref>{{rp|22}} <ref name=kaplan79>{{cite magazine |date= Winter 1979 |editor-last=Kaplan| editor-first=Deeny|title= Video Games |magazine=[[Video (magazine)|Video]] |type=Buyer's Guide |publisher= Reese Communications|volume= 2|issue= 1|pages= 33–42|issn= 0147-8907}}</ref>{{rp|35}}
| [[File:1977_Coleco_Telstar_Ranger_Front.jpg|200px]]
|-
!Coleco Telstar Alpha
| No.6030, [[AY-3-8500]]
| 1977
|
*hockey
*handball
*tennis
*squash
| Black and white plastic case, fixed paddles. The games feature an automatic serve function and variable settings for three skill levels (beginner, intermediate, and pro). Uses six C batteries or optional 9 volt AC adapter.
| 2.5 lb. 13.5×3.5×7.5 in.
| <ref name=kaplan78/>{{rp|17}} <ref name=kaplan79/>{{rp|34}}
| [[File:Coleco Telstar Alpha.jpg|200px]]
|-
!Coleco Telstar Colormatic
| No.6130, [[AY-3-8500]] [[Texas Instruments]] [[SN76499N]] (color)
| 1977
|
*hockey
*handball
*tennis
*jai alai
| Black and white plastic case, detached wired paddles. Color graphics - each game is a different color. The games feature an automatic serve function and variable settings for three skill levels (beginner, intermediate, and professional). Uses six C batteries.
| 2.5 lb. 13×6.5×7.5 in.
| <ref name=kaplan78/>{{rp|18}}
| [[File:Coleco Telstar Colormatic.jpg|200px]]
|-
!Coleco Telstar Regent
| No.6036, [[AY-3-8500]]
| 1977
|
*hockey
*handball
*tennis
*jai alai
| Black and white plastic case, detached wired paddles. The games feature an automatic serve function and variable settings for three skill levels (beginner, intermediate, and professional). Uses six C batteries.
| 2.5 lb. 13.5×4×8 in.
| <ref name=kaplan78/>{{rp|18}}
|[[File:Coleco Telstar Regent.jpg|200px]]
|-
!Coleco Telstar Sportsman
| model number unknown, [[AY-3-8500]]
| 1978
|
| Black and white plastic case, detached wired paddles, and light gun.
|Unknown
| {{citation needed|date=May 2015}}
|No picture available
|-
!Coleco Telstar Combat!
| No.6065, [[General Instrument]] [[AY-3-8700]] Tank chip
| 1977
|
*''Combat''
*''Night Battle''
*''Robot Battle''
*''Camouflage Combat''
| Four fixed joysticks (two per player). Games are variations on [[Kee Games]]' ''[[Tank (video game)|Tank]]''. Uses six [[C battery|C batteries]] or an optional [[AC adapter]].
| 5.5 lb. 15×8×10.5 in.
| <ref name=kaplan78/>{{rp|23}} <ref name=kaplan79/>{{rp|37}}
| [[File:Telstar Combat.jpg|200px]]
|-
!Coleco Telstar Colortron
| No.6135, [[AY-3-8510]]
| 1978
|
*Tennis
*Hockey
*Handball
*Jai-alai
| In color, built in sound, fixed paddles. Games are ''Pong'' variants and feature variable settings for three skill levels (beginner, intermediate, and pro). Uses two nine-volt batteries or an optional AC adapter.
| 1 lb. 2×11.25×4 in.
| <ref name=kaplan79/>{{rp|34}}
| [[File:Coleco-Telstar-Colortron.jpg|200px]]
|-
! [[Coleco Telstar Marksman]]
| No.6136, [[AY-3-8512]]
| 1978
|
*Tennis
*Hockey
*Handball
*Jai-alai
*Skeet
*Target
| In color, larger light gun with removable stock, fixed paddles. Four ''Pong'' variants and two gun games. Uses two nine-volt batteries or an optional AC adapter.
| 1 lb. 2×11.25×5 in.
| <ref name=kaplan79/>{{rp|36}}
| [[File:Coleco Telstar Marksman Tietokonemuseo.JPG|200px]]
|-
!Coleco Telstar Galaxy
| model number unknown, [[AY-3-8500#AY-3-8610|AY-3-8600]] (games) [[AY-3-8500#AY-3-8610|AY-3-8615]] (color encoder)
| 1977
|48 variations of:
*Tennis
*Hockey
*Handball
*Soccer
*Basketball
*Foosball
| Separate [[joystick]]s and fixed paddles
|Unknown
| {{citation needed|date=May 2015}}
|No picture available
|-
!Coleco Telstar Gemini
| model number unknown, [[MOS Technology]] [[MPS 7600|MPS 7600-004]]
| 1977
|
*Four [[pinball]] games
*Two light-gun games
| In color, light gun, two flipper buttons on left and right sides of case, pinball launch button and field adjustment sliders on top, light gun.
|Unknown
| {{citation needed|date=May 2015}}
|No picture available
|-
![[Coleco Telstar Arcade]]
| model number 6175, MOS Technology [[MPS-7600]] (each cart)
| 1977
|
*[[Pack-in game]] (Tennis, [[road racing]], [[Fast draw|quick draw]])
{{hidden begin|toggle=left|title=Others}}
*Eight-game ball and target cartridge
*Five-game pinball and shooting cartridge
*Battle game cartridge
*Twenty-five game driving maze cartridge
*Fifteen game action cartridge (including ''Break Thru'')
{{hidden end}}
| Cartridge-based, triangular case includes light gun, steering wheel with gear shift, and paddles, one on each side.
| 4 lb. 7.5×18×16 in.
| <ref name=kaplan78/>{{rp|28}} <ref name=kaplan79/>{{rp|37–38}}
| [[File:Coleco-Telstar-Arcade-Pongside-L.jpg|200px]]
|}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Works cited==
* {{cite book|editor-last=Wolf |editor-first=Mark |title=Before the Crash: Early Video Game History |publisher=[[Wayne State University Press]] |date=2012 |isbn=9780814337226}}

==External links==
* [https://www.fabtintoys.com/colecovision/ The ColecoVision, with 1982 TV commercial]
* [http://www.pong-story.com/coleco.htm Pong-Story: All Coleco Telstar systems, with photos]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20050208141623/http://www.classicgaming.com/gamingmuseum/museum.html Telstar and other systems]
* [http://thedoteaters.com/?bitstory=colecovision The Dot Eaters entry] on the history of Telstar and Coleco
* [http://pongmuseum.com/history/baer-theCOLECOstory.php The COLECO Story by Ralph H. Baer] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221150744/http://pongmuseum.com/history/baer-theCOLECOstory.php |date=21 December 2019 }}
* [https://www.svg.com/94780/bizarre-console-flops-gaming-history/ Feature titled "THE MOST BIZARRE CONSOLE FLOPS IN GAMING HISTORY"] by ADAM JAMES at SVG.com

{{First generation game consoles}}
{{Dedicated consoles}}

[[Category:Coleco consoles]]
[[Category:Dedicated consoles]]
[[Category:First-generation video game consoles]]
[[Category:Home video game consoles]]
[[Category:Light guns]]
[[Category:Monochrome video game consoles]]
[[Category:Pong variations]]
[[Category:Products introduced in 1976]]
[[Category:1970s toys]]
[[Category:1976 in video gaming]]

Fairchild Channel F

2025-08-07T22:43:08Z

2600:1700:E5D0:A9A0:5D04:C19B:59C4:9C0A:

{{Short description|First ROM cartridge–based video game console}}
{{Infobox computer
| aka = Fairchild Video Entertainment System
| logo = Channel_F_Logo.svg
| image = Fairchild-Channel-F.jpg
| caption = Channel F and its two controllers
| developer = [[Jerry Lawson (engineer)|Jerry Lawson]]
| manufacturer = [[Fairchild Camera and Instrument]]
| type = [[Home video game console]]
| generation = [[Second generation of video game consoles|Second]]
| release date = {{vgrelease|NA|November 1976|JP|October 1977}}
| lifespan = 1976–1983
| price = {{USD|169.95|1976|round=-1}}
| discontinued = 1983
| units sold = {{circa| 310,000}} (as of 1979)<ref name="fc history"/>
| units shipped =
| media = [[ROM cartridge]]
| power =
| cpu = [[Fairchild F8]]
| memory = 64 bytes RAM 2 KB video buffer
| display = {{circa}} 104 × 60 pixels (of 128 x 64 VRAM)
| graphics =
| sound =
| controllers = Joystick/digital paddle, JetStik (has added fire button)
| dimensions =
| weight =
| topgame = Videocart-17: Pinball Challenge
| successor =
| related =
}}

The '''Fairchild Channel F''', short for "Channel Fun",<ref name="fc history" /> is a [[home video game console]], the first to be based on a [[microprocessor]] and to use [[ROM cartridge]]s (branded "[[Fairchild Channel F Videocarts|Videocarts]]") instead of having games built in. It was released by [[Fairchild Camera and Instrument]] in November 1976 across North America<ref name="Fndcollectables" /> at a retail price of {{USD|169.95|1976|round=-1}}. It was launched as the "Video Entertainment System", but Fairchild rebranded their console as "Channel F" the next year while keeping the Video Entertainment System descriptor.

The Fairchild Channel F sold only about 350,000 units before Fairchild sold the technology to Zircon International in 1979, trailing well behind the [[Atari 2600|Atari VCS]].<ref name="fc history" /> The system was discontinued in 1983.<ref name="Routledge" />

==History==
{{expand section|date=June 2020}}

In 1974, Alpex Computer Corporation employees Wallace Kirschner and Lawrence Haskel developed a [[Home video game console|home video game]] prototype consisting of a base unit centered on an [[Intel 8080]] microprocessor and interchangeable circuit boards containing ROM chips that could be plugged into the base unit. The duo attempted to interest several television manufacturers in the system, but were unsuccessful. Next, they contacted a buyer at Fairchild, which sent engineer [[Jerry Lawson (engineer)|Jerry Lawson]] to evaluate the system. Lawson was impressed by the system and suggested Fairchild license the technology, which the company did in January 1976.<ref name="fc history" /><ref name="Zell-Breier">{{cite web |title=The Untold Truth Of Jerry Lawson, The Father Of The Video Game Cartridge |url=https://www.looper.com/434774/the-untold-truth-of-jerry-lawson-the-father-of-the-video-game-cartridge |first=Sam |last=Zell-Breier |publisher=[[Looper_(website)|Looper]] |date=June 11, 2021 |access-date=June 17, 2021}}</ref>

Lawson worked with industrial designer Nick Talesfore and mechanical engineer Ronald A. Smith to turn the prototype into a viable project. Jerry Lawson replaced the 8080 with Fairchild's own [[Fairchild F8|F8]] [[Central processing unit|CPU]]; while Nick Talesfore and Ron Smith were responsible for adapting the prototype's complex keyboard controls into a single control stick, and encasing the ROM circuit boards into plastic cartridges reminiscent of 8-track tapes.<ref name="Zell-Breier" /><ref name="CRC Press" />{{sfn|US Patent|1978|p=1}} Talesfore and Smith collaborated on the styling and function of the 8 degrees of freedom hand controller. They were responsible for the design of the hand controllers, console, and video game cartridges. Talesfore also worked with graphic designer Tom Kamafugi, who did the original graphic design for the early video cartridges cartons.

John Donatoni, the marketing director of Fairchild's video games division, stated that the console followed the [[razor and blades model]] where they would sell the "hardware, and then we're going to make the profit on the cartridge sales". Their marketing campaign was conducted by [[Ogilvy (agency)|Ogilvy]].{{sfn|Bunch|2023}}

Fairchild announced the console at the [[Consumer Electronics Show]] on June 14, 1976, and the [[Federal Communications Commission]] approved it for sale on October 20.{{sfn|Fairchild|1977|p=6}}<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 15, 1976 |title=New Products |page=F45 |work=[[Oakland Tribune]] |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/oakland-tribune/154572449/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240903163956/https://www.newspapers.com/article/oakland-tribune/154572449/ |archive-date=September 3, 2024 |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=June 16, 1976 |title=Games TV viewers play |page=60 |work=[[San Francisco Examiner]] |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-san-francisco-examiner/154572488/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240903164128/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-san-francisco-examiner/154572488/ |archive-date=September 3, 2024 |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> It was released as the Video Entertainment System (VES) at the price of $169.95, but renamed to the Channel F the next year. Channel F was unable to compete against Atari's [[Atari 2600|Video Computer System]] (VCS) as the console only had 22 games compared to Atari's 187.{{sfn|Wolf|2012|p=62-64}} Marketing for the console included an event featuring [[Ken Uston]] playing Video Blackjack<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 10, 1977 |title=Meet Ken Uston author of "The Big Player" and watch him play blackjack on the Fairchild programable Channel F |page=43 |work=[[Reno Gazette-Journal]] |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/reno-gazette-journal/154342326/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240831040624/https://www.newspapers.com/article/reno-gazette-journal/154342326/ |archive-date=August 31, 2024 |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> and commercials starring [[Milton Berle]].{{sfn|Bunch|2023}}

The console was licensed in Europe to television manufacturers{{sfn|Fairchild|1977|p=15}} and led to the clone consoles of Ingelen Telematch Processor in Austria, Barco Challenger in Belgium, ITT Telematch-Processor and Nordmende Color Teleplay μP in Germany, Dumont Videoplay System and Emerson Videoplay System in Italy, Luxor TV-Datorspel and Luxor Video Entertainment Computer in Sweden, and Grandstand Video Entertainment Computer in the United Kingdom. Both models of the Saba Videoplay were sold in Germany and Italy.{{sfn|Wolf|2012|p=64}}<ref>{{Cite news |title=Fairchild Channel F Models & Clones |work=Video Game Console Library |url=https://www.videogameconsolelibrary.com/pg70-fairchild.htm#page=models |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240903161800/https://www.videogameconsolelibrary.com/pg70-fairchild.htm#page=models |archive-date=September 3, 2024}}</ref>

===Channel F System II===
[[file:Fairchild-Channel-F-System-II-Console.png|thumb|Channel F System II]]

Lawson moved on to form his own company, Video Soft in 1980.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/10/30/jerry-lawson-black-silicon-valley-pioneer-changed-video-games-forever.html |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030134338/https://www.cnbc.com/2021/10/30/jerry-lawson-black-silicon-valley-pioneer-changed-video-games-forever.html | title=Jerry Lawson is one of the most important Silicon Valley pioneers you've never heard of — here's why | website=[[CNBC]] |archivedate=October 30, 2021| date=30 October 2021 |accessdate=January 21, 2024}}</ref> Talesfore continued working on the system at Fairchild, and eventually a number of these improvements resulted in the improved System II. The major changes were that the controllers were now removable, using the [[Atari joystick port]] connector (not Atari compatible), and their storage was moved to the back of the machine. The sound was now mixed into the RF modulator so the user could adjust it on their TV set instead of a fixed volume internal speaker. The internal electronics were also simplified, with two custom logic chips replacing the standard TTL logic chips. This resulted in a much smaller motherboard which allowed for a smaller, simpler and more modern-looking case design.

Fairchild left the video game market in April 1979.{{sfn|Bunch|2023}} Zircon International acquired the rights to the system and related assets in 1979. The company redesigned the console into the Channel F System II. This featured removable controllers and audio coming from the TV rather than a speaker within the console. It was sold at the price point of $99.95 or $69.95 if the previous console was traded in. Zircon released an additional four games for a final library of 26 games on the console.{{sfn|Wolf|2012|pp=63-64}}

[[File:Nordmende_COLOR_TelePlay.jpg|thumb|Nordmende Color TelePlay μP]]
[[File:Adman_Grandstand_Fairchild.jpg|thumb|Adman Grandstand Video Entertainment Computer]]
[[File:LuxorVideoEntertainmentComputer.jpg|thumb|Luxor Video Entertainment Computer]]
[[File:Saba Video Play.jpg|thumb|SABA Videoplay]]

==Design==
{{More citations needed section|date=August 2019}}
[[File:Fairchild Channel F test picture.svg|thumb|The [[Palette (computing)|palette]] of the Channel F]]

The Channel F is based on the [[Fairchild F8]] microprocessor, which was innovative compared to other contemporary processors and integrated circuits.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.homecomputermuseum.nl/en/collectie/fairchild/fairchild-channel-f-saba/ | title=Fairchild Channel-F / Saba }}</ref> Because chip packaging was not initially available with enough pins, a few pins were used to communicate with other chips in the system. At least two chips were necessary to set up an F8 processor system to be able run any code. The savings from using standard pin layout enabled the inclusion of 64 bytes of internal scratchpad RAM in the CPU.
The VES/Channel F, as well as the System II, had one CPU and two storage chips (PSU:s).
(A single-chip variant of the F8 was used by the [[VideoBrain]] computer system).

The Channel F is able to use one plane of graphics and one of four background colors per line, with three plot colors to choose from (red, green, and blue) that turns white if the background is set to black, at a resolution of 128 × 64, with approximately 104 × 60 pixels visible on the TV screen. This [[VRAM]] or [[framebuffer]] was "write only" and not usable for anything else. 64 bytes of scratchpad RAM are available for general use - half the amount of the later [[Atari 2600]].<ref name="FVE100_schematic_sheet_1of3" /><ref name="FVE100_schematic_sheet_2of3" /> The Maze game (Videocart-10) and Hangman game (Videocart-18) used 1024 bits of on-cartridge static RAM connected directly to one PSU port - adding to the cost of manufacturing it. The Chess game contained considerably more on-cartridge RAM than that, 2048 Bytes accomplished by using an F8 memory interface circuit to be able to use industry standard ROM and RAM.
The F8 processor at the heart of the console is able to provide [[Artificial intelligence in video games|AI]] to allow for [[Player versus environment|player versus computer]] matches, a first in console history. All previous machines required a human opponent. ''Tic-Tac-Toe'' on Videocart-1 had this feature, it was only for one player against the machine. The same is true for the chess game, which could have very long turn times for the computer as the game progressed, depending on the set difficulty.{{cn|date=June 2020}}

The Channel F is also the first video game console to feature a pause function; There is a 'Hold' button on the main unit of the console which allows players to freeze inside the two built-in games and change several game settings in the meantime. Button is controlled through code so it was used for other things in other games.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Hanson|first=Christopher|title=Game Time: Understanding Temporality in Video Games|publisher=[[Indiana University Press]]|year=2018|pages=61}}</ref>

===Controllers===
The controllers for the system were conceived by Lawson and built by Nicholas Talesfore.{{sfn|Wolf|2012|p=67}}

Unlike the Atari 2600 [[joystick]], Channel F controllers lack a base. Instead, the main body is a large handgrip with a triangular "cap" on top, which can move in eight directions. It could be used as both a joystick and paddle (twist), and not only could it be pushed down to operate as a fire button, it could be pulled up as well.<ref name="Vinciguerra" /> The model 1 unit contained a small compartment for storing the controllers when moving it or when not in use. The System II featured detachable controllers with two holders at the back to wind the cable around and to store the controller in. [[Zircon (company)|Zircon]] later offered a special controller that featured an action button on the front of the joystick. It was marketed by Zircon as "Channel F Jet-Stick" in a letter sent out to registered owners before Christmas 1982.<ref name="Jet-Stick" />

One feature, unique to the console, is the 'hold' button, which allows the player to freeze the game, change the time or speed of the game.<ref name="Old-computers-1" /> The hold function is however not universal (like the hardwired reset) as the four buttons are set up in code. The programmer can choose their function/purpose. The text labels explains the button functions in the built-in games (and some of the Videocarts).

Despite the failure of the Channel F, the joystick's design was so popular—''[[Creative Computing]]'' called it "outstanding"— that Zircon also released an [[Atari joystick port]]-compatible version, the Video Command Joystick,<ref name="ccvag1983spring" /> first released without the extra fire button. Before that, only the downwards plunge motion was connected and acted as the fire button; the pull-up and twist actions were not connected to anything.{{citation needed|date=August 2019}}

===Technical specifications===
{{More citations needed section|date=February 2020}}
[[File:Grandstand-video-entertainment-computer-pcb.jpg|thumb|PCB Scan of the Grandstand Video Entertainment Computer (UK Channel F II variant)]]

* [[Central processing unit|CPU]] [[microprocessor]]: [[Fairchild F8]] ([[8-bit computing|8-bit]]){{sfn|Fairchild|1977|pp=10}} [[Clock rate|operating]] at 1.7897725 [[megahertz|MHz]] ([[NTSC]] [[colorburst]]/2). [[PAL]] gen. 1: 2.0000 MHz, gen. 2: 1.9704972 MHz (PAL [[colorburst]]*4/9)
* [[Random-access memory|RAM]]: 2 [[kilobyte|KB]] [[VRAM]] (128 × 64 × 2 bits){{sfn|US Patent|1978|p=8}} for the write only [[framebuffer]] (four Mostek MK4027 or MK4015 4Kx1bit [[DRAM]]s), plus 64 [[bytes]] of [[scratchpad memory]].<ref name="Old-computers-2" />
* Additional [[Static random-access memory|SRAM]] supported via add-in cartridges. Maze and Hangman has 1K x 1 bit, expanded with [[Fairchild_F8|3853 SMI]] Chess has 2048 Bytes.
* [[Display resolution|Resolution]]: Approximately columns 3-107 and rows 2-62 are visible, depending on [[TV]]. (Columns 125 and 126 controls palette per row). Although [[VRAM]] could cover 128 × 64 [[pixel]]s,<ref>{{Cite news |title=Fairchild Channel F Specs & Manuals |work=Video Game Console Library |url=https://www.videogameconsolelibrary.com/pg70-fairchild.htm#page=specs |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240903161800/https://www.videogameconsolelibrary.com/pg70-fairchild.htm#page=specs |archive-date=September 3, 2024}}</ref>
* [[Refresh rate]]: 60 Hz<ref name="MAME" />
* [[List of color palettes|Colors]]: 8 colors{{sfn|Wolf|2012|p=65}} (either black/white lines or lines using background grey/blue/green with red, green or blue pixels)
* Audio: 120 Hz, 500 Hz and 1 kHz beeps (can be [[Pulse-frequency modulation|modulated]] to produce different tones). Audio quality is quite superior on the System II, versus the original model.
* Input: two custom game controllers, hardwired to the console (original release) or removable (Channel F System II)
* Output: [[RF modulator|RF modulated]] composite video signal, cord hardwired to console in original release, detachable in System II.

== Games ==
{{main|Fairchild Channel F Videocarts}}
{{More citations needed section|date=August 2019}}

Twenty-seven cartridges, termed "Videocarts", were officially released to consumers in the [[United States]] during the ownership of Fairchild and Zircon, the first twenty-one of which were released by Fairchild. Several of these cartridges were capable of playing more than one game and were typically priced at {{inflation|US|19.95|1976|2020|fmt=eq|orig=yes}}.<ref name="1976 commercial" />{{Inflation/fn|US}} The Videocarts were yellow and approximately the size and overall texture of an [[8 track cartridge]].<ref name="Kent" /> They usually featured colorful label artwork. The earlier artwork was created by nationally known artist Tom Kamifuji and art directed by Nick Talesfore.{{Citation needed|date=February 2011}} The console contained two built-in games, Tennis and Hockey, which were both advanced ''[[Pong]]'' clones. In Hockey, the reflecting bar could be changed to different diagonals by twisting the controller knob and could move all over the playing field. Tennis was much like the original Pong.

A sales brochure from 1978 listed "Keyboard Videocarts" for sale. The three shown were ''K-1 Casino Poker'', ''K-2 Space Odyssey'', and ''K-3 Pro-Football''. These were intended to use the Keyboard accessory, which is displayed on the Channel F II box. All further brochures, released after Zircon took over from Fairchild, never listed this accessory nor anything called a Keyboard Videocart.

There was one cartridge released outside the numbered series, listed as Videocart-51 and simply titled "Demo 1". This Videocart was shown in a single sales brochure released shortly after Zircon acquired the company. It has not been seen listed for sale after this single brochure which was sent out in the winter of 1979.

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ List of physical Videocart releases
|-
! Title
! Release date
! Genre
|-
| ''Hockey'' (integrated)
| 1976
| Sports
|-
| ''Tennis'' (integrated)
| 1976
| Sports
|-
| Videocart-1: ''Tic-Tac-Toe, Shooting Gallery, Doodle, Quadra-Doodle''
| 1976
| Trivia, shooter
|-
| Videocart-2: ''Desert Fox, Shooting Gallery''
| 1976
| Action, shooter
|-
| Videocart-3: ''Video Blackjack''
| 1976
| Gambling
|-
| Videocart-4: ''Spitfire''
| 1977
| Action, shooter
|-
| Videocart-5: ''Space War''
| 1977
| Action, shooter
|-
| Videocart-6: ''Math Quiz I (Addition & Subtraction)''
| 1977
| Educational
|-
| Videocart-7: ''Math Quiz II (Multiplication & Division)''
| 1977
| Educational
|-
| Videocart-8: ''Magic Numbers (Mind Reader & Nim)''
| 1977
| Trivia
|-
| Videocart-9: ''Drag Race''
| 1977
| Racing
|-
| Videocart-10: ''Maze, Jailbreak, Blind-Man's-Bluff, Trailblazer''
| 1977
| Maze
|-
| Videocart-11: ''Backgammon, Acey-Deucey''
| 1977
| Trivia
|-
| Videocart-12: ''Baseball''
| 1977
| Sports
|-
| Videocart-13: ''Robot War, Torpedo Alley''
| 1977
| Platform, action
|-
| Videocart-14: ''Sonar Search''
| 1977
| Strategy
|-
| Videocart-15: ''Memory Match 1, Memory Match 2''
| 1978
| Puzzle
|-
| Videocart-16: ''Dodge' It''
| 1978
| Platform, action
|-
| Videocart-17: ''Pinball Challenge''
| 1978
| Pinball
|-
| Videocart-18: ''Hangman''
| 1978
| Puzzle
|-
| Videocart-19: ''Checkers''
| 1978
| Trivia
|-
| Videocart-20: ''Video Whizball''
| 1978{{sfn|Wolf|2012|p=70}}
| Miscellaneous
|-
| Videocart-21: ''Bowling''
| 1978
| Sports
|-
| Chess (Schach)
| 1979 (SABA Videoplay, German-exclusive)
| Board
|-
| Videocart-22: ''Slot Machine''
| 1980
| Gambling
|-
| Videocart-23: ''Galactic Space Wars''
| 1980
| Action, shooter
|-
| Videocart-24: ''Pro Football''
| 1981
| Sports
|-
| Videocart-25: ''Casino Poker''
| 1981
| Gambling
|-
| Videocart-26: ''Alien Invasion''
| 1981{{sfn|Wolf|2012|p=70}}
| Action, shooter
|-
| Videocart-27: ''Pac-Man''
| 2009<ref name="ConsoleCity" />
| Maze, Homebrew
|-
| ''Kevin vs Tomatoes''
| 2018
| Maze, Homebrew
|-
| Videocart-28: ''Tetris''
| 2019
| Puzzle, Homebrew
|-
| ''trimerous''
| 2020
| Sports, Shooter, Homebrew
|-
| Videocart-29: ''The Arlasoft Collection''
| 2022
| Puzzle, Shooter, Homebrew
|}

* Democart (was briefly available to the general public)
* Democart 2

Unreleased carts:
* Keyboard Videocart-1: ''Casino Poker''
* Keyboard Videocart-2: ''Space Odyssey''
* Keyboard Videocart-3: ''Pro-Football''

German electronics manufacturer [[SABA (electronics manufacturer)|SABA]] also released a few compatible carts different from the original carts: translation in Videocart-1 ''Tic-Tac-Toe'' to German words, Videocart-3 released with different abbreviations (German), and Videocart-18 changed graphics and has a German word list.

In 2021, a number of new 'Homebrew' games were released on [https://itch.io/c/1611179/fairchild-channel-f itch.io] by retro developer Arlasoft. These included ports of mobile puzzle games Tents & Trees, 2048 and Threes, as well as a port of the classic arcade shooter ''[[Centipede (video game)|Centipede]]''. Through a secret button combination a hidden game could also be started, the box and instruction booklet has multiple hints about the needed code. 
These were released on cartridge as Videocart-29.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Fairchild Channel F - Collection by Arlasoft|url=https://itch.io/c/1611179/fairchild-channel-f|access-date=2021-06-04|website=itch.io|language=en}}</ref>

== Reception ==
[[File:Two people playing a Fairchild Channel F.jpg|thumb|Gamers playing on a Fairchild Channel F]]
The Channel F had beaten the Atari VCS to the market, but once the VCS was released, sales of the Channel F fell, attributed to the types of games that were offered. Most of the Channel F titles were slow-paced educational and intellectual games, compared to the action-driven games that launched with the VCS. Even with the redesigned Channel F II in 1978, Fairchild was unable to meet the sales that the VCS and its games were generating. By the time Fairchild sold the technology to Zircon in 1979, around 350,000 total units had been sold.<ref name="fc history"/>

[[Ken Uston]] reviewed 32 games in his book ''[[Ken Uston's Guide to Buying and Beating the Home Video Games]]'' in 1982, and rated some of the Channel F's titles highly; of these, ''Alien Invasion'' and ''Video Whizball'' were considered by Uston to be "the finest adult cartridges currently available for the Fairchild Channel F System".<ref name="Uston-605" /> The games on a whole, however, rated last on his survey of over 200 games for the Atari, Intellivision, Astrocade and Odyssey consoles, and contemporary games were rated "Average" with future Channel F games rated "below average".<ref name="Uston-20" /> Uston rated almost one-half of the Channel F games as "high in interest" and called that "an impressive proportion" and further noted that "Some of the Channel F cartridges are timeless; no matter what technological developments occur, they will continue to be of interest." His overall conclusion was that the games "serve a limited, but useful, purpose" and that the "strength of the Channel F offering is in its excellent educational line for children".<ref name="Uston-23" />

In 1983, after Zircon announced its discontinuation of the Channel F, ''Video Games'' reviewed the console. Calling it "the system nobody knows", the magazine described its graphics and sounds as "somewhat primitive by today's standards". It described ''Space War'' as "may be the most antiquated game of its type still on the market", and rated the 25 games for the console with an average "interest grade" of three ("not too good") on a scale from one to ten and "skill rating" at an average 4,5 of 10. The magazine stated, however, that Fairchild "managed to create some fascinating games, even by today's standards", calling the poker game ''Casino Royale'' (actually Videocart-25, ''Casino Poker'') "the best card game, from blackjack to bridge, made for ''any'' TV-game system". It also favorably reviewed ''Dodge-It'' ("simple but great"), ''Robot War'' ("Berzerk without guns"), and ''Whizball'' ("thoroughly original ... hockey ''with'' guns"), but concluded that only those interested in nostalgia, [[video game collecting]], or card games would purchase the Channel F in 1983.<ref name="dionne198303" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Video Games Vol.1 #6 -83 |url=https://archive.org/stream/Video_Games_Volume_1_Number_06_1983-03_Pumpkin_Press_US#page/n71/mode/2up |website=Archive.org |date=March 1983 |access-date=29 January 2023}}</ref>

==See also==
*''[[TV Powww]]''

==References==
{{refs|refs=
<ref name="fc history">{{ cite web | url = https://www.fastcompany.com/3040889/the-untold-story-of-the-invention-of-the-game-cartridge | title = The Untold Story Of The Invention Of The Game Cartridge | first = Benj | last = Edwards | date = January 22, 2015 | access-date = July 29, 2020 | work = [[Fast Company]] }}</ref>
<ref name="Fndcollectables">{{ cite web | url = http://www.fndcollectables.com/CHANNEL_F_INFO/U_S_/Time_Line/time_line.html | title = Fairchild Channel F Patent, FCC Approval, & Launch Brochure | website = Fndcollectables.com }}</ref>
<ref name="Routledge">{{ cite book | last = Wolf | first = Mark J. P. | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=oYZ-DwAAQBAJ&q=fairchild+channel+f+production+end&pg=PT851 | title = The Routledge Companion to Media Technology and Obsolescence | date = 2018-11-21 | publisher = Routledge | isbn = 978-1-315-44266-2 | language = en }}</ref>
<ref name="CRC Press">{{ cite book | title = They Create Worlds: The Story of the People and Companies That Shaped the Video Game Industry, Volume I | last = Smith | first = Alexander | publisher = [[CRC Press]] | year = 2019 | isbn = 9781138389908 | pages = 318–320 | ref = refSmith2019 }}</ref>
<ref name="FVE100_schematic_sheet_1of3">{{ cite web | url = http://classicdev.org/images/thumb/3/31/FVE100_schematic_sheet_1of3.gif/1280px-FVE100_schematic_sheet_1of3.gif | title = Archived copy | access-date = February 5, 2016 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110725180144/http://classicdev.org/images/thumb/3/31/FVE100_schematic_sheet_1of3.gif/1280px-FVE100_schematic_sheet_1of3.gif | archive-date = July 25, 2011 }}</ref>
<ref name="FVE100_schematic_sheet_2of3">{{ cite web | url = http://classicdev.org/images/thumb/5/55/FVE100_schematic_sheet_2of3.png/1280px-FVE100_schematic_sheet_2of3.png | title = Archived copy | access-date = February 5, 2016 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110725180151/http://classicdev.org/images/thumb/5/55/FVE100_schematic_sheet_2of3.png/1280px-FVE100_schematic_sheet_2of3.png | archive-date = July 25, 2011 }}</ref>
<ref name="Vinciguerra">{{ cite web | last = Vinciguerra | first = Robert | title = Fairchild Channel F Video Entertainment System: The first modern game console | url = http://www.revrob.com/sci-a-tech-topmenu-52/66-fairchild-channel-f-video-entertainment-system-the-first-modern-game-console | publisher = The Rev. Rob Times | access-date = January 6, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150314024817/http://www.revrob.com/sci-a-tech-topmenu-52/66-fairchild-channel-f-video-entertainment-system-the-first-modern-game-console |archive-date=2015-03-14 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
<ref name="Jet-Stick">{{ cite web | url = http://fndcollectables.com/CHANNEL_F_INFO/U_S_/Adds___Offers/LETTERS/x82fr1f.jpg | format = JPG | title = Channel F Jet-Stick Advert | website = Fndcollectables.com | access-date = January 7, 2019 }}</ref>
<ref name="Old-computers-1">{{ cite web | url = http://www.old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?c=890 | title = OLD-COMPUTERS.COM : The Museum | website = Old-computers.com | access-date = January 7, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180630162108/http://www.old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?c=890 | archive-date = June 30, 2018 | url-status = dead }}</ref>
<ref name="ccvag1983spring">{{ citation | first1 = David H. | last1 = Ahl | author-link = David H. Ahl | first2 = Randi J. | last2 = Rost | author2-link = Randi J. Rost | title = Blisters And Frustration: Joysticks, Paddles, Buttons and Game Port Extenders for Apple, Atari and VIC | journal = Creative Computing Video & Arcade Games | volume = 1 | issue = 1 | pages = 106ff | year = 1983 | url = http://www.atarimagazines.com/cva/v1n1/joysticks.php }}</ref>
<ref name="Old-computers-2">{{ cite web | url = http://www.oldcomputers.it/parts/f/fairchild/f8s/docs/channelf_bis.html | title = Fairchild Channel F | website = www.oldcomputers.it | access-date = 2020-02-29 }}</ref>
<ref name="MAME">As emulated by [[MAME]]; see source code at {{ cite web | url = https://github.com/mamedev/mame/blob/master/src/mame/drivers/channelf.cpp#L219 | title = MAME | work = GitHub | access-date = July 7, 2019 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190707123659/https://github.com/mamedev/mame/blob/master/src/mame/drivers/channelf.cpp#L219 | archive-date = July 7, 2019 }}</ref>
<ref name="1976 commercial">{{cite web| url = https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jXvpsmanhsk| title = 1976 commercial trailer| website = [[YouTube]]| date = 10 November 2011}}</ref>
<ref name="Kent">{{ cite book | last = Kent | first = Steven L. | authorlink= Steven L. Kent | title = [[The Ultimate History of Video Games]] | year = 2001 | publisher = Three Rivers Press | isbn = 0-7615-3643-4 }}</ref>
<ref name="ConsoleCity">{{cite web | url = http://www.consolecity.com/games/action-game_info/game_id-29406.html | title = Channel F – Videocart 27: Pac-Man (USC) | website = ConsoleCity | access-date = January 7, 2019 | archive-date = February 1, 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170201090835/http://www.consolecity.com/games/action-game_info/game_id-29406.html | url-status = dead }}</ref>
<ref name="Uston-605">Uston, Ken. ''Ken Uston's Guide to Buying and Beating the Home Video Games'' (Signet, 1982) p.605</ref>
<ref name="Uston-20">Uston, Ken. ''Ken Uston's Guide to Buying and Beating the Home Video Games'' (Signet, 1982) p.20.</ref>
<ref name="Uston-23">Uston, Ken. ''Ken Uston's Guide to Buying and Beating the Home Video Games'' (Signet, 1982) p.603 and p.23.</ref>
<ref name="dionne198303">{{ cite news | url = https://archive.org/stream/Video_Games_Volume_1_Number_06_1983-03_Pumpkin_Press_US#page/n71/mode/2up | title = Channel F: The System Nobody Knows | work = Video Games | date = March 1983 | access-date = May 26, 2014 | author = Dionne, Roger | pages = 73–75 }}</ref>
}}

==Works cited==
* {{cite journal|last=Bunch |first=Kevin |title=Selling the First Programmable Game Console: An Interview with John Donatoni about the Channel F |journal=ROMchip: A Journal of Game Histories |date=2023 |volume=5 |issue=2 |url=https://www.romchip.org/index.php/romchip-journal/article/view/195}}
* {{cite book|editor-last=Wolf |editor-first=Mark |title=Before the Crash: Early Video Game History |publisher=[[Wayne State University Press]] |date=2012 |isbn=9780814337226}}
*{{cite press release |date=1977 |title=Fairchild Annual Report to Employees 1976 |volume= |issue=45 |publisher=[[Fairchild Camera and Instrument]] |url=http://fndcollectables.com/CHANNEL_F_INFO/U_S_/TimeLine/fairannualreport76.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190510112515/http://fndcollectables.com/CHANNEL_F_INFO/U_S_/TimeLine/fairannualreport76.pdf |archive-date=2019-05-10 |ref={{harvid|Fairchild|1977}}}}
*{{cite web |date=June 20, 1978 |title=U.S Patent 4,095,791 |publisher=[[United States Patent and Trademark Office]] |url=http://fndcollectables.com/CHANNEL_F_INFO/U_S_/TimeLine/us4095791.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190510110809/http://fndcollectables.com/CHANNEL_F_INFO/U_S_/TimeLine/us4095791.pdf |archive-date=2019-05-10 |ref={{harvid|US Patent|1978}}}}

==External links==
{{commonscat}}
* [http://thedoteaters.com/?bitstory=channel-f The Dot Eaters article] with a history of the Channel F and games
* [http://www.vintagecomputing.com/index.php/archives/545 Interview with designer Jerry Lawson]
* [http://www.mobygames.com/browse/games/channel-f/ MobyGames list] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200126123134/https://www.mobygames.com/browse/games/channel-f/ |date=2020-01-26 }} of Channel F games
* [http://channelf.se/ Channel F wiki] programming and electronics as well as a gallery of labels, instructions, and boxes.
* [https://patents.google.com/patent/US4095791 Patent: Cartridge programmable video game apparatus US 4095791 A]
* [http://www.fastcompany.com/3040889/the-untold-story-of-the-invention-of-the-game-cartridge The Untold Story of the Invention of the Video Game Cartridge]—how the Channel F's video game cartridge was created (January 22, 2015).
* [https://www.avclub.com/channel-f-was-1977-s-top-game-system-before-atari-wiped-1798260297 Channel F was 1977's top game system—before Atari wiped it out] at ''[[The A.V. Club]]''{{'}}s AUX (4/09/2017)
* [https://archive.org/details/channelf_library Channel F games] playable for free in the browser at the [[Internet Archive]] Console Living Room
* [https://veniamin-ilmer.github.io/fairchild_ves/?bios=https://archive.org/download/Fairchild_Video_Entertainment_System_Fairchild_Channel_F/BIOS%20(GoodChaF%20V3.13)/Fairchild_Channel_F_BIOS_(1976)_(Fairchild).7z/Fairchild%20Channel%20F%20BIOS%20(With%20Hockey%2BTennis).bin Channel F emulation of the BIOS]

{{Second generation game consoles}}
{{Home video game consoles}}
{{Fairchild Industries}}

[[Category:Computer-related introductions in 1976]]
[[Category:Home video game consoles]]
[[Category:Second-generation video game consoles]]
[[Category:Fairchild Corporation]]
[[Category:Products introduced in 1976]]
[[Category:1976 in video gaming]]
[[Category:Discontinued video game consoles]]