Elektor TV Games Computer
A kit computer with console roots and expandable sound.
The Elektor TV Games Computer (TVGC) was a programmable computer sold as a kit by Elektor starting in April 1979. It relied on the Signetics 2650 CPU and the Signetics 2636 PVI for graphics and sound—the same chips found in the Interton VC 4000 console family. Its key differences from that console family were a 2K monitor ROM written by Philips and a cassette interface. Most TVGC games were simple due to the system’s limited capabilities, and many VC 4000 games were actually adapted from TVGC titles. The TVGC can be fitted with cartridge slots to run console games, and the Acetronic console’s Hobby Module essentially turns that console into a basic TVGC. The computer’s RAM and sound could be expanded; the expanded version used two General Instruments AY-3-8910 Programmable Sound Generators, giving it the most powerful sound capabilities available at the time. Other expansions included a noise generator, random number generators, and cartridge ports. Hardware and software were offered by Elektor and Locosoft. The October 2008 issue of Elektor magazine featured the TVGC in its "Retronics" section.
Quick Facts
- Manufacturer
- Elektor
- Cpu
- Signetics 2650
- Storage
- Cassette
- Graphics
- Signetics 2636
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The TVGC was sold as a kit by Elektor starting in April 1979. It shared its core chips—the Signetics 2650 CPU and Signetics 2636 PVI—with the Interton VC 4000 console family, but differed primarily by including a 2K monitor ROM written by Philips and a cassette interface. Many VC 4000 games were adapted versions of TV Games Computer games, though most games were basic due to the TVGC's limited capabilities. It is possible to add cartridge slots to the TVGC to enable it to play console games, and the Hobby Module of the Acetronic console effectively transforms it into a basic TVGC.
The RAM and sound capabilities of the computer can be expanded. An expanded version uses a pair of General Instruments AY-3-8910 Programmable Sound Generators, giving this machine the most powerful sound capabilities of the time. Other expansions described include a noise generator, random number generators, and cartridge ports. Hardware and software were available from Elektor and Locosoft.
The October 2008 issue of Elektor magazine features the TVGC in its 'Retronics' section.
Reader's Guide
The Elektor TV Games Computer occupies a unique niche as a programmable computer system sold in kit form that bridged the gap between home consoles and hobbyist computing. Its significance lies in its shared architecture with the Interton VC 4000 console family, allowing cross-compatibility through cartridge slots and the Acetronic Hobby Module. The TVGC's most notable legacy is its expandable sound system: with two General Instruments AY-3-8910 Programmable Sound Generators, it achieved the most powerful sound capabilities of its era, a rare distinction for a kit computer. The availability of hardware and software from Elektor and Locosoft supported a small but active community. The machine's reappearance in Elektor's 2008 'Retronics' section underscores its enduring interest among retrocomputing enthusiasts. While its games were basic due to limited graphics and sound in the base configuration, the TVGC demonstrated how a kit system could be adapted from console hardware and later enhanced beyond its original design.
Did You Know?
- The TVGC uses the same Signetics 2650 CPU and 2636 PVI as the Interton VC 4000 console family.
- An expanded version of the TVGC uses two General Instruments AY-3-8910 Programmable Sound Generators for the most powerful sound capabilities of the time.
More in Video Game Consoles by Generation, Part 6 1-24
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced