VideoBrain ? Anyone have Info

[FND]

Going through my strorage the other day I came across this item

It was made in 1977 by

VideoBrain Computer Co.

Sunnyvale CA 94086

 

The name sounds familiar but I cant find anything on it ?

 

Here is a Picture of the cart and box

 

 

[Tempest]

Do a search, I know I've posted something about the VB in the past. I wrote a whole little collectors guide type article on it, and I think I posted it here. If not I'll post it again.

 

Tempest

[christianscott27]

high on the rarity, low on the fun...

 

theres a lot of good stuff on it this way --

 

http://groups-beta.google.com/groups?hl=en&q=videobrain

[Tempest]

I'll post my VB write up tonight then. I thought I had already posted it once.

 

Tempest

[FND]

high on the rarity, low on the fun...

 

theres a lot of good stuff on it this way --

 

http://groups-beta.google.com/groups?hl=en&q=videobrain

873371[/snapback]

 

Thanks for the Google search, I thought I checked there but must not have selected

Groups search anyway Thanks

[FND]

I'll post my VB write up tonight then.  I thought I had already posted it once.

 

Tempest

873405[/snapback]

 

Thanks Tempest

 

Looking forward to reading it.

[Tempest]

As promised! I originally wrote this up for inclusion in a guide that never happened, hence the odd formating.

 

Tempest

 

 

 

VIDEOBRAIN

 

Ask any of your fellow gamers what they think of the VideoBrain and your likely to get a bunch of blank stares in return. The VideoBrain was an obscure and ultimately short-lived system, yet it holds a special place in computer history as the first cartridge based "computer system" (not video game system).

 

When it was released in 1977, the VideoBrain came with a sculptured 36 key keyboard (with 71 distinguishable input symbols), 1K of RAM, 4K of ROM, two joysticks and sold for $300. Built into the system where four programs: text editor, clock, alarm, and color bar generator. New programs could be loaded into the system via cartridges which sold from $20 to $40 each. The VideoBrain could be connected to a printer, cassette player, or a modem through special expansion modules. While it may not sound like much now, this was very impressive for 1977.

 

The VideoBrain library consists mostly of productivity and educational software, with few simulation strategy games mixed in. Most cartridges make liberal use of the keyboard even when it probably wasn't necessary. This was not by accident. The keyboard was one of the main features that separated the VideoBrain from pure video game consoles like the Atari 2600 and was one of its main selling points.

 

 

Unfortunately a number of problems plagued the VideoBrain from the start and it was never able to gain a sufficient market share. While most families own at least one computer today, back in 1977 they weren't well understood by the general public. Not helping win people over was the VideoBrain's confusing and non-user friendly keyboard which was poorly designed and makes even simple typing difficult. Another key to the VideoBrain's downfall was that it did not support the popular programming language BASIC. Instead users had to settle for APL/S, an obscure and quirky programming language used mainly by mathematicians. The VideoBrain also had trouble finding a target audience with it's poorly designed program library. Most of the available programs were either productivity or educational in nature with only a smattering of action titles. But what may have been the death nail in the VideoBrain's coffin was lack of advertising and availability. While game systems such as the Atari 2600 were sold in toy and department stores, the VideoBrian was mostly sold directly through the company (via mail order) or in specialty electronics stores.

 

While the VideoBrain may have been revolutionary for its time, its poorly planned and executed launch doomed the system to an early grave. It wouldn't be until two years later with the arrival of Atari's 400 and 800 computer systems that the public warmed up to the idea of a cartridge based computer system. Even if the VideoBrain had lasted awhile longer it's doubtful that it could have competed against the more powerful and advanced Atari 8-bit computer line.

 

 

 

 

 

GAME RELEASES

 

Blackjack

 

Catalog Entry: “One or two players try to beat the dealer in a real Nevada style game. Uses 1 – 2 joysticks.”

©1977. EN05

 

 

Checkers

 

Catalog Entry: “Written by Arthur Samuel, a Professor Emeritus at Stanford University who is world renowned for his experiments with artificial intelligence. It provides players with four computerized opponents of varying skills. Uses 1 joystick.”

 

Programmed by Dr. Arthur Samuel

©1977. EN04

 

 

Demonstration

 

While no actual Demonstration cartridge has been found, a cartridge sleeve for it has recently turned up. The cartridge sleeve was actually recycled for use with the Timeshare cartridge, with a sticker placed over the old name.

 

©1977. ST01

 

 

Financier, The

 

This title was renamed “Money Minder” and re-released with a new part number. Other than the name change, the programs are identical.

 

Catalog Entry: “A fully prompting program for personal financial use and general household calculations with color graphics display.”

 

Programmed by Robert G. Brown

©1978. VB-81

 

 

Gladiator

 

Catalog Entry: “A total of 384 action-packed games for Ancient Gladiators, Modern Gladiators, and Future Gladiators. Uses 1 – 2 joysticks.”

©1977. EN01

 

 

Lemonade Stand

 

Catalog Entry: “Uses exciting graphics and sounds to teach everyone the essentials of economics and business management. A must for young tycoons.”

 

Catalog Entry: ”An entertaining simulation of a neighborhood business, which subjects the players to price/demand competition.”

©1978. ED06

 

 

Math Tutor 1

 

Catalog Entry: “Personalized instruction in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. The first electronic teaching aid that allows students work out all the steps in math problems right on their TV screen.”

©1977. ED02

 

 

Money Minder

 

Also released as "The Financier", but the name was changed to “Money Minder” a short time later. While new labels were printed up for the cartridges, a large sticker was placed over the old name on the cartridge sleeves. Only one Money Minder cart has turned up so far, so this re-release was very limited. Part of the Money Management series.

 

Catalog Entry: “A personal “cash register” that records and analyzes your expenditures to help you fight back against inflation and high taxes. Uses Expander 1.”

©1978. VB-1000

 

 

Music Teacher 1

 

An early catalog called this title “Music 1”.

 

Catalog Entry: “Teaches how to read and write music. Play your own tunes – VideoBrain will play them back to you.”

 

Catalog Entry: “Turns the computer into a musical instrument (much like an electric organ) to teach the basics of reading music.”

©1977. ED01

 

 

Pinball

 

Catalog Entry: “Programmed by pinball fanatics to provide players with a challenging assortment of exciting color, movement, and sound. Uses 2 joysticks.”

©1977. EN02

 

 

Programmable, The

 

An early sell sheet called this title “APL/S: The Computational Language”.

 

APL stands for "A Programming Language." APL was created by IBM in the 1960’s as a powerful executable notation for mathematical algorithms. It’s unknown why VideoBrain decided to go with APL instead of the more popular and easier to use BASIC, but this may have been one of the downfalls of the system. Programs can be saved onto a standard cassette using Expander 1.

 

Catalog Entry: “Provides the user with a computational language that’s easy to use. It features row computations, “structures”, control words to organize and simplify your programs, and a large library of business, mathematical, and scientific functions. Ideal for students or professionals. Uses Expander 1”

©1977. VB-59

 

 

Tennis

 

Catalog Entry: “Like the real thing – with realistic players, spectators, and an animated ball boy. Uses 2 – 4 joysticks.”

©1978. EN03

 

 

Timeshare

 

So far the only known Timeshare cart came in a recycled Demonstration cartridge sleeve. A sticker with the Timeshare name was placed on the old sleeve. It's doubtful many of these cartridges were made.

 

Catalog Entry: “Changes VideoBrain into a timeshare terminal so that you can “access” the data banks and computer power of a large timeshare system. Uses Expander 1 and 2”

©1977. CM01

 

 

Vice Versa

 

Catalog Entry: “Another Dr. Samuel creation – This board game provides the player with a choice of computerized opponents for an update of the oriental game “Go”. You can even get the computer to act as referee and scorekeeper while you play. Uses 1 –2 joysticks.”

 

Programmed by Dr. Arthur Samuel

©1978. EN06

 

 

Video Artist

 

Catalog Entry: “Create your own original designs in 16 electronic colors. Quadruple your designs into a kaleidoscope. Select some special effects and then put your entire design into motion. Uses 1 – 4 joysticks.”

©1978. ED05

 

 

Wordwise 1

 

Catalog Entry: “An exciting program that builds vocabulary and spelling skills by challenging players to find words in blocks of random letters.”

©1977. ED03

 

 

Wordwise 2

 

Catalog Entry: “Brings touch typing into the computer age with three exercises designed to teach beginning typists. Includes “CYPHER” a fascinating new word game.”

©1977. ED04

 

 

 

 

 

NON-CARTRIDGE ITEMS

 

 

Expander 1

 

Only one Expander 1 unit has turned up so far (serial number 078!). With such a low serial number it's doubtful many units were ever made.

 

Catalog Entry: “Provides the interface with audio tape cassette recorders for mass data storage as well as compatibility with RS-232-C standard printers, acoustic couplers, and modems.”

 

Catalog Entry: “Used with ordinary audio cassette recorders, gives you mass memory capability so that you can permanently store the programs you write or the data you use.”

 

 

Expander 1 Audio Cable

 

 

Expander 2

 

Catalog Entry: “An acoustic coupler for use with the household telephone for communication with other computers.”

 

Catalog Entry: “Connects VideoBrain to timesharing networks though your telephone to give you communications capability – allowing you to use VideoBrain as a home computer terminal.”

 

 

Expander 2 Cable

 

 

Joystick, Standard

 

 

Printer Cable

 

For use with Expander 1

 

 

System 100 (The Basic)

 

This was the lowest priced VideoBrain package. It contained the VideoBrain console and Financier cartridge. Originally retailed for $500.

 

Catalog Entry: “Provides users with financial and general calculation capability at the lowest entry cost into computer systems.”

 

 

System 200 (The Family)

 

This package was geared towards families, and contained a mix of educational and productivity software. It contained the VideoBrain console, Financier, Math Tutor, Music Teacher 1, Wordwise 1, and Checkers. Originally retailed for $600.

 

Catalog Entry: “Gives a family a balanced mix of capabilities in the areas of Home Management, Education, and Entertainment. It manages family finances, tutors the kids, and challenges everyone to checkers. It’s the perfect entry level machine for the family that wants to be part of the computer revolution.”

 

 

System 300 (The Manager)

 

This package was designed for home productivity. It contained the VideoBrain console, Financier, Money Minder, and Expander 1. Originally retailed for $700.

 

Catalog Entry: “Is a complete financial manager for the home. It will make complex financial and general calculations, manage cash accounts, and it will store and retrieve information from an audio tape mass memory. It is the ideal system for those who want to use a computer to manager their monetary affairs.”

 

 

System 400 (The Super Manager)

 

This package was designed for users who wanted to use the VideoBrain for home programming. It contained the VideoBrain console, Money Minder, The Programmable, and Expander 1. Originally retailed for $800.

 

Catalog Entry: “Contains all the features of System 300, and in addition gives sophisticated users the ability to write their own programs with our powerful VB-59 array manipulation language. In terms of user computer power, this system outperforms machines selling for twice the price.”

 

 

System 500 (The Professional)

 

This was the top of the line VideoBrain package, specially designed for users who needed to log into timeshare mainframe systems. It contained the VideoBrain console, Money Manager, Financier, Timeshare, Expander 1, and Expander 2. Originally retailed for $1100.

 

Catalog Entry: “Provides the ultimate system for those who need to use the resources of larger computers at home. It features the financial management and analysis power of System 300, plus telecommunications capability. System 500 is complete and ready to hook up via telephone to any outside computer the user needs to access.”

 

 

VideoBrain Computer System

 

Originally retailed for $300.

VB-101

 

 

 

Possible Titles

 

Budget System

©1977. VB-1100

 

 

Cash Management 1

 

This may have been an early title for Financer.

 

 

Challenge Racer

 

Listed in early instruction manuals, but dropped from later versions.

©1977. EN07

 

 

Computer Life

 

Catalog Entry: “This Dr. Samuel program lets you stretch your mind and VideoBrain’s with experiments and games that follow your own rules for cellular birth, life, death, and interaction.”

 

Programmed by Dr. Arthur Samuel

©1977. EN10

 

 

Finance

 

Listed in early instruction manuals, this title may have been released as Financier. Finance was supposed to be part of the Home Management series, which probably became the Money Management series.

©1977. HM01

 

 

Historical Simulation - France in the Old Regime

 

Catalog Entry: “Designed by a history professor to teach history in a realistic new way. Students Strive for wealth and status while absorbing the economics, events, and richness of France in the early 1700’s.”

©1977. ED09

 

 

Information Manager

 

Catalog Entry: “Allows you to define data banks and keep track of information such as credit accounts, appliance warranties, magazine subscriptions, etc. Uses Expander 1.”

©1977. VB-1200

 

 

Musicianship 1

 

An early catalog called this title “Music Teacher 2”.

 

 

Catalog Entry: “Designed by a Stanford University professor of music, it is the equivalent of a major portion of a college level music course yet interactive enough to allow very young students to learn music theory.”

©1977. ED07

 

 

Music Programmer

 

Catalog Entry: “Provides the user with an application language specially designed to program musical experiments. Capabilities include: first and second endings, subroutines, speed and volume changes, and even playing the song backwards.”

©1977. EN08

 

 

Number Cross

 

Catalog Entry: “An original competitive exercise designed to teach young children basic math skills. Advanced variations make it challenging older children and adults.”

©1977. ED08

 

 

Programmable Football

 

Catalog Entry: “A do-it-yourself cartridge for designing offensive and defensive formations and plays using the power of the computer and an easy football programming language. You can even have practice sessions before competing in a head-to-head game.”

©1977. EN09

 

 

Voice Response Module

 

 

Home Controller

 

 

 

 

 

Technical Specs.

 

VideoBrain Specifications

CPU: F-8 Microprocessor 8-bit

Memory: 1K Byte RAM/4K Byte ROM

Inputs: 36 key keyboard (with 71 distinguishable input symbols), 2 X/Y joysticks (capability of up to 4 X/Y analog controls) with hit buttons; cartridge programs (up to 12K bytes of memory each)

Outputs: Standard TV signal (RF) including 16 colors and sound, receivable on either channel 3 or 4 (user option).

Expansion Socket: Includes lines for data transmission, reset, interrupts, bi-directional sound, and power for add-on products.

Power: 120 VAC, 10 watts typical power consumption. FCC and UL approved.

 

 

Expander 1 specifications

CPU: 3870 single chip microprocessor

Memory: 2K ROM

Inputs/Outputs: Cable with plug to VideoBrain expansion socket; two cables with plugs to control and exchange data with two standard cassette tape recorder sockets for communication with "RS232" standard printers and modems.

 

Expander 2 specifications

An acoustic coupler for connection to your household telephone.

 

 

 

1978 Address

VideoBrain Computer Company

2950 Patrick Henry Dr.

Santa Clara, CA. 95050

(408) 988-3020

 

1977 Address

VideoBrain Computer Company

150 South Wolfe Road

Sunnyvale, CA. 94086

[glitch]

Wow I didn't know it had all of the expansion modules. We had one back in the day shortly after they went under. They guy that ran Cursor (it may have been Arcadian) was selling a stockpile he picked up for about 30 or 40 dollars each. We bought one but didn't use it much. I remember Lemonade stand as being my favorite but did little else with it. Alas, I lost it somewhere through the years (and many moves). I don't remember ever throwing it out but we did have a couple of flooded basements so that's probably where I lost it

 

Great review BTW

Edited June 14, 2005 by glitch

[Tempest]

Wow I didn't know it had all of the expansion modules.  We had one back in the day shortly after they went under.  They guy that ran Cursor (it may have been Arcadian) was selling a stockpile he picked up for about 30 or 40 dollars each.  We bought one but didn't use it much.  I remember Lemonade stand as being my favorite but did little else with it.  Alas, I lost it somewhere through the years (and many moves).  I don't remember ever throwing it out but we did have a couple of flooded basements so that's probably where I lost it

 

Great review BTW

874220[/snapback]

 

I'm not sure all those modules were released. I have an Expander 1, and I've seen pictures of Expander 2. Most of that stuff is Rumor Mill filler.

 

Tempest

[Atari Rescue Group]

USER ERROR!

See next post or can a moderator delete this posting?

Edited August 20, 2005 by Atari Rescue Group

[Atari Rescue Group]

I just found a pile of VideoBrain stuff, a bunch of sealed software and a console sans controllers and a power supply.

 

Here's pictures of the Demonstration and Timeshare packages. The Timeshare one is bigger and in a plastic tray and the others are all in sleeve covers.

 

Edited August 20, 2005 by Atari Rescue Group

[bodkinz]

Wow! this only just got added to the CHaF NonGood dat files... As it used the Fairchild rom... taken 7 years to get added to anywhere... anyway.. i collect computer and console rom files.. yes yes... i'm mad... huge collection....

[Tempest]

You should check out the VideoBrain newsgroup on Yahoo. That's where all the serious VB discussion takes place.

[high voltage]

First cartridge based computer, first 4-port (joysticks) computer