Madaracs
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Posts posted by Madaracs
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And while the 7800 was not initially developed as a competitor for the NES
Oh I meant to address this too: Believe you me, Atari knew they would be competing with NES. Grab a copy of Retro Gamer Issue 78 or Issue 14 where they detail Atari's knowledge of the impending NES launch. At one point Atari had even planned to halt the release by simply hanging the NES in distribution legalities. Sneaky buggers!
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The 7800's controllers can be used on a 2600. So, the statement about the 7800's controllers being 2600-compatible is completely true.
The way the original description is worded oddly. It almost reads as though they used 2600 controllers rather than using new controllers that were 2600 compatible. That's the only reason I picked on that one. :-) Again. I'm just saying, I'm not trying to pick a fight. Heh heh.
And while the 7800 was not initially developed as a competitor for the NES, the NES is what drove Tramiel and company to release the 7800 after shelving it. So, for better or for worse, the 7800 was Atari's answer to the NES, even if it wasn't originally meant to be.
Yeeeeaaaahhh, but that's really not an answer... I'd say it was more of a knee-jerk reaction.
Only too late did they convince Jack that they needed a console in the market to compete with Atari. Before Tramiel came along everything at Atari had been put on hold except for the 7800. That's how important it was to the company. When Jack bought the home division he literally halted the production, shelved the unit and said computers were the way and the light. It was the beginning of the end for Atari. -
So you seem to be a bit insulted at the current description of the 7800 and your answer is to take a shot at the 5200 instead?
What "follies" did the 5200 suffer from that were corrected via the 7800? There's enough "in-fighting" between the two consoles. Is there really a need to add to that?
I agree, if I were a big 7800 fan I'd probably not care for the NES comparison, but I vote a resounding 'NO' to the poll.
I'm not insulted in the least. :-) I simply think the description is inaccurate. The 7800 was created in response to the very poor sales of the Atari 5200. The 5200 was indeed revolutionary in many ways--yet it suffered from just as many (if not more) shortcomings. Anyone at Atari would tell you the very same thing.
5200 Pros:
- Revolutionary controls design. No one had ever attempted a thin-film button/keypad design like this. It has been argued that the 5200 controller paved the way for the modern controllers you use today.
- Upgraded graphics and sound: Only Coleco would be able to come close to this baby's graphics! The main goal with the 5200 was to provide a better arcade experience! It did that... mostly.
- 4 controller ports!
5200 Cons:
- Controllers were often DOA or failed very shortly after.
- Missed the boat on backward compatibility. In fact, the 5200 prior to its release was advertised with the feature that it would be backward compatible. The Atari VCS Cartridge Adapter didn't come out in a timely fashion and was an extra cost to the consumer.
- The game library. At the time the 5200 was released, the games were already becoming less popular. The other consoles offered more variety. (This was also a shortcoming of the 7800, BTW.)
- The Monolith factor. This thing was HUGE. Some might say, "and rightly so!" but consumers then (and now) still wonder where to store the beast.
@Jetset: I certainly mean you no harm! Let it be clear I don't disrespect any console. I own a 5200. I bought the repair kits for the controllers and gave them the love they needed. In fact there are very few consoles I don't own. They all have their place in video gaming history. However, the fact remains that the 7800 was invented to supersede the 5200 and correct it's shortcomings. Atari made mistakes! *shrug* That's kinda why they don't exist today. :-)
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- Revolutionary controls design. No one had ever attempted a thin-film button/keypad design like this. It has been argued that the 5200 controller paved the way for the modern controllers you use today.
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Hey, I'm with you. That "answer to the NES" line puts me off every time I see it.
It's the proud American in me saying, "Wait! We almost invented the most important gaming console in history!" Heh heh.
Can you imagine if this thing had stayed in the market for a full year before the NES was released in North America? That would have been so cool. It likely would have bred a healthy competition between NES and Atari and we would have seen a lot more releases with the POKEY chip carts. We also would have probably saw the joypads released here in NA instead of only in Europe.
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I thought I'd post this... I don't remember these but perhaps a few of you will. This isn't mine, but is available in the Detroit area.
That is cool. I don't need it... but it's really cool and thanks for sharing!
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OK, so my anal-retentiveness is showing. I apologize folks, but every time I read the forum description for the 7800, I cringe a little. No offense to the author. (And I realize it's probably you, Al.)
The description:
The Atari 7800 was Atari's answer to the NES, originally slated to be released in 1984. Sharing more in common with the 2600 than the 5200, the 7800 plays 2600 games and uses 2600 compatible controllers.I take issue with it for the following reasons:
- The Atari 7800 was not the answer to the NES. It was being developed at the same time. In fact, at the time that Atari and NES were in negotiations for distribution of the NES in North America, not only was Atari bidding to be the NES distributor but they had even discussed using the NES tech instead of the newly designed TIA/MARIA system! (And there is more to that story too!)
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"Originally slated to be released in 1984." is a true statement... though the fact is that the 7800 was released in 1984 to a limited market. Uncle Jack came along and killed that though. Thus, the late release in 1986.
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"Sharing more in common with the 2600 than the 5200, the 7800 plays 2600 games and uses 2600 compatible controllers." True, true and sort of true. Yes, it was backward compatible with the 2600. Yes, you can play your 2600 games. But the controllers were new with independently functional dual fire buttons. So in my humble opinion, that last statement is almost correct.
I'm not trying to offend anyone here so I hope that everyone's cool. And since I'm nitpicking, I offer a new header description for the 7800 forum:
In 1984, the Atari 7800 was to be the company's flagship game console. Correcting the follies of the 5200, the 7800 sported a new chipset capable of more powerful graphics, backward compatibility with the Atari 2600 and brand new controllers.Since most of us know this history, I think this description is more appropriate to the forum. If you don't agree that's fine with me, too. The 7800 happens to be one of my favorite consoles. Although I didn't own one back in 1984/1986--It's tainted history and technological capabilities and accomplishments at the time of its early release command my respect.
Thanks for listening, gang.
-Madaracs (Mad-er-axe)
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- The Atari 7800 was not the answer to the NES. It was being developed at the same time. In fact, at the time that Atari and NES were in negotiations for distribution of the NES in North America, not only was Atari bidding to be the NES distributor but they had even discussed using the NES tech instead of the newly designed TIA/MARIA system! (And there is more to that story too!)
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Bump. Only one left. Details updated in top post.
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Have you looked on the front right next to the joystick ports?
...If there was an "embarrassed" smiley for this forum, I would definitely be using it right about now.
Heh. Don't feel bad. I just bought that game... your question has reminded me that those switches are there too. If I hadn't read this--I might have bumped into the same problem. Thanks!
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***Update***
Sold one for a 450.
Still have the larger model (22ER9141) and one smaller model (22ER9956).
***Update***
According to this page: http://www.freetimeweb.nl/home/electro/video/cdi/cdi_220.html
The older CDI220s will take the 22ER9141. If this is a case, you will see a long access panel on the back of your unit.
And yet another page indicates that there are only two versions:
Two versions: There are two versions of the digital video cartridge. The first version was 22ER9141: This was the 'large' version. This cartridge has a 100 pins connection. Feeds decoded video as an analogue signal into the player. It was used in the first generation of consumer CD-i players: 210/220/200/910. The second version was 22ER9956: This was the 'small' version. This cartridge has a 120 pins connection. Feeds decoded video as a digital signal into the player. It was used in the second generation consumer CD-i players: 450/470/490 http://cdii.blogspot.com/2009/05/digital-video-cartridge.html
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I need to double check the model number but I -=think=- the two I have out of the Mag 450s are 22ER9956. If this is the case they are also compatible with: Philips CDI450, CDI210*, CDI220 if they were made in 1994 or afterward. I'll update this thread tonight around 18:00 CST with photos and model numbers.
As I suspected the two Philips Digital Video Cartridges I pulled from the Magnavox machines are the 22ER9956 model. So here is what I have:
Philips DVC Model 22ER9956/37 (I believe the /37 indicates the firmware version):
Philips DVC Model 22ER9956/40 (Again, I believe the /40 indicates the firmware version):
Magnavox (Again Philips Brand--I think Philips must've made all of the DVCs) CDV Model 22ER9141/37:
As previously stated, they all work. They were pulled from a Magnavox units. The last one was from a full size model and I don't have the model number of the original unit. The first two were pulled from Magnavox CDI-450s and 550s which have interchangeable cards. According to the interwebs the 22ER9956/XX should work in the following models:
Magnavox CDI450
Magnavox CDI550
Philips CDI450
Philips CDI210*
Philips CDI220*
*If manufactured in 1994 or later.
They may also work in other models but I'm not privy to that information.
$20/per Shipped.
PM me if you're still interested. (P.S. Sorry, I didn't get the photos up right away... been super busy.)
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No they're not quite universal. The 450/550 use a special smaller version. The larger "home unit" one he makes reference to should fit in the large, drawer loading Philips machines as well.
I have two models, have to check which ones they are.
I need to double check the model number but I -=think=- the two I have out of the Mag 450s are 22ER9956. If this is the case they are also compatible with: Philips CDI450, CDI210*, CDI220 if they were made in 1994 or afterward. I'll update this thread tonight around 18:00 CST with photos and model numbers.
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***Update Jul 31, 2010***
Both 22ER9956 models have been sold and shipped.
Still have the larger model (22ER9141).
***Original Post***
I've got two one Digital Video Card modules for CD-I machines (Magnavox 450 550) and a third second for a Magnavox home unit (larger card module.)
Does anyone have CD-I machines that they want to slap one of these cards in? They all have been tested and are working.
Purchase or trade?
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I have a couple of newbie questions:
1. Is there a place where we can see the upcoming HSC game so we can purchase it before the contest begins?
2. Is there a thread where I can post questions about such things in the future?
Your help is appreciated!
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Thought I'd share that I've thrown some stuff up on the eBay for the taking.
Included are:
- 1 NES with accessories, a couple of games and a new 72-Pin connector.
eBay Auction -- Item Number: 300445793021
- 1 SNES model 2 with a couple of controllers and a couple of games.
eBay Auction -- Item Number: 300445793123
- 1 Vader 2600 with a bunch of accessories and a pile of so-so games.
eBay Auction -- Item Number: 300445794306
Free shipping on everything.
Thanks for having a look.
Bump. Just a few hours left so I thought I'd throw a reminder out there.
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PM sent.
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Anyone have a ColecoVision board that they want to part with? Doesn't have to have a case... the case can be damaged. Don't need anything except the board.
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Thought I'd share that I've thrown some stuff up on the eBay for the taking.
Included are:
- 1 NES with accessories, a couple of games and a new 72-Pin connector.
eBay Auction -- Item Number: 300445793021
- 1 SNES model 2 with a couple of controllers and a couple of games.
eBay Auction -- Item Number: 300445793123
- 1 Vader 2600 with a bunch of accessories and a pile of so-so games.
eBay Auction -- Item Number: 300445794306
Free shipping on everything.
Thanks for having a look.
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I was never any good at this game, but I suck at most games and that doesn't stop me from playing
Amen, brother.
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PM Sent
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I received this set from Yurkie yesterday afternoon. (Very -=FAST=- shipping.)
The controllers look as great as they do in the photo. It's my first time using the ball knob instead of the Coleco disc so it will take some getting used to--but I quite like it. They're perfect for my latest project too.
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An easy way to identify a heavy 6 from a picture like this is the trim to the left and right of the ridged horizontal surface. The pictured unit shows that the trim extends about, what, 1/8" out to the sides whereas on a heavy sixer this trim is closer to 1/2" thick.
Maybe it's just a bad photo.
I've been looking for an inexpensive Heavy Sixer. I don't need anything except the unit and the power supply... and I'd prefer it to be a grey wall-wart. I see them pop up for fairly reasonable prices these days. The one in the listing above just seemed odd. The shape is wrong in the front for a normal sixer... but the more I look at the photo the more I think it's probably just a bad photo. The switch heads almost look square.
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I'm having trouble with this one. It kind of -looks- like a Heavy Sixer... but it isn't? Unless they made some in Hong Kong... There is no Atari logo on the woodgrain. But the plastic appears to be curved at the bottom and thicker than a normal sixer.
eBay Auction -- Item Number: 370133754625
Can someone put this into the Atari history timeline for me?
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Yes sir, it is indeed turkeylicious and spamariffic.
Heheh. It's the little things in life...
I think I'm ready to tackle an AV mod now.
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Thought you guys might enjoy this. I just put a new power switch in my Atari! :-) It's ham dandy! I was going to embed the video here, but you can see it over here instead:
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Atari 7800 Forum Description
in Atari 7800
Posted
Not really. More like they intended to be first to the market. /HISTORY LESSON You're just responding to argue now. And that's not really what I was after. Thanks for playing.
That was the point of my post, exactly. I have your opinion and I appreciate it. :-)