1292 APVS \ VC 4000 Family
Type Console Developer Radofin \ Interton Electronic
Release Date 1976 \ 1978 Region(s) Germany, Britain, France,  Australia
Initial Price $129 \ $99 USD Games Released 34 (1292) \ 40 (VC 4000)
  1. History & Reviews
  2. Models & Clones
  3. Console Ratings
  4. Games & Emulation
  5. Specs & Manuals
  6. Other Media
  7. Web Resources
DW FACTS
     by Dark Watcher
Delving into history produces some interesting facts.  It has been reported that the Amstrad GX400 was the first console to be designed in the United Kingdom.  Apparently the UK made contributions to the video game industry far earlier then the Amstrad.

The 1292 Advanced Programmable Video System was first made by a European company called Radofin in 1976.  The technology was licensed to other companies throughout the UK. Acetronic, Prinztronic, Fountain, Grandstand, Audiosonic, Hanimex and Lansay, each made consoles based on Radofin's console for different parts of the world.  Some of these variations were identical to the original but with different logos, while others varied the external design completely.

The Interton VC 4000 was also released in Europe.  The overall design and specs are similar to the 1292 APVS family, but it is unclear whether this unit was licensed by Radofin or developed before (as they claim).  The console was supposedly developed by Interton in 1974, but released in 1978.  Both Interton and Radofin were German based companies.		 Radofin 1292 APVS (picture credits unknown)
Another misconception is that these consoles are clones of the Emerson Arcadia 2001.  The Emerson Arcadia 2001, released in 1982, used the same CPU as the 1292 APVS.  The audio/visual co-processor in the Arcadia 2001 used a Signetics 2637N chipset while the 1292 APVS line incorporated a less powerful chipset, the Signetics 2636N, which is an earlier version of the 2637N.  The architecture is also quite similar which begs the question.  Is the Arcadia a modified 1292 APVS?

All the systems used 32-pin cartridges and 2 controllers (which are hard-wired to the system).  These controllers had 12 buttons and a 2-axis analogue control.  The pack-in games that came with most systems were Olympics and Invaders.  It was possible to play carts on the various models with or without use of an adaptor.  The numerous models also produced a large library of games.

FACT: Because of the similar architecture, it was believed that 1292 games could be played on the Emerson Arcadia with modifications.  However thanks to hardware gurus and emulation it has been proven that it cannot be done.
MODELS
     Officially licensed releases
Though the hardware is the same for these systems, the cartridge size differs which creates sub groups within this console family.  This basically means that consoles in the same sub group can play games from the other members without the need for the need for a cartridge converter.  Dale Hansen wrote an excellent FAQ on the differences within these systems.  Please check out his detailed article here.

The following are just a few of the releases for this system.  Pictures courtesy of our good friend Adrian Scheel.
1292 / 1392 Advanced Programming Video System (APVS) Family
Acetronic MPU 1000
 Acetronic MPU 2000
 Audiosonic PP-1292
Audiosonic PP-1392
 Fountain Programmable
 Fountain Force 2
Hanimex HMG-1292 APVS
 Hanimex HMG-1392 APVS
 Lansay Video System 1392
Lansay Video System 1292
 Prinztronic Tourney VC 6000
 Radofin 1292 APVS
Radofin 1392 Telesports APVS
    
Interton VC 4000 Family \ Database Family \ Other Compatible Systems
Interton Video Computer VC 4000
 Grundig Super Play 4000
 Karvan SOE 2000
Rowtron TV Computer
 ITMC MPT-05
 Occitane OC- 2000
Voltmace Database
 Videomaster Database
  
CLONES
     Non-licensed hardware releases
1292 APVS technology was licensed to a great many companies throughout Europe.  There are many, many licensed and unlicensed models that have not been listed on this page.
CONSOLE RATINGS
     by Marriott_Guy
Consoles are rated based upon the available technology at the time of its release.  A 10 point scale is utilized, with 10 being excellent.  The following describes my experience with the Radofin 1292 APVS and the Interton VC 4000 models. Radofin 1292 APVS system

Interton VC 4000 flyer - Page 1
CRITERIA RATING NOTES & COMMENTS
Console Design 06 The large, simple system buttons are located directly in the center of the main console, enabling quick access to game\system functions. The cartridge slot can be rather finicky at times, especially on the 1292 APVS due to its slide-in design (think Texas Instruments TI/99-4A)
Console Durability 08 Considering the age, both the 1292 APVS and VC 4000 still fire up to this very day without any issues. 
Controllers 06 Though very responsive, the small controller buttons are jam-packed making selection sometimes difficult, especially for those with big mitts.
Graphics 04 Even with the limited palette (4 colors on screen), games are presented well and at first glance are visually appealing.  Unfortunately, when compared to the competition at the time (Fairchild Channel F, Atari 2600), both systems fall well short.
Audio 03 The single channel 'Beeps' can get annoying and repetitive.
Media 08 The cartridges housing is constructed of a sturdy plastic that is extremely durable.
Game Library 04 Rather limited, with many games simply being watered down clones of existing titles offered on more advanced systems.
Gamer Value 03 Though the games are rather easy to acquire, there is very little to offer the gamer that has already delved into the Atari 2600, Fairchild Channel F, Bally Astrocade, et al.
Collector Value 05 Overall, these consoles are inexpensive due to the plethora of models that were available.  None of the systems are truly remarkable, so adding one of these to flesh out your collection should not set you back a great deal of coin.
FORMAT, PACKAGING & GENERAL INFO
     Interesting facts on software for this system
Games for both the 1292 APVS and VC 4000 line utilized number sequencing \ identification for their cartridges.  This varied between the two, as well as minor changes to title were common.  Many of manufacturers released games under their own brand name.  Below shows some examples of title variations for the game Soccer.

Overall the games are somewhat scarce in the USA, due to the limited success of the 1292 APVS family of consoles.  The European market, on the other hand, are flooded with these titles (similar to loose Atari 2600 carts in North America).

The rare bird is the Dual Cartridge release by Fountain.  This gem features Shoot Out and Electronic Pinball on one cartridge (hence the title).
Sample Game Play (Interton VC 4000)
Examples of Game Box Variations (Soccer)
SCREENSHOTS
     Captured in-game images
Air \ Sea Attack
 Blackjack
 Challenge!
Circus
 Electronic Pinball
 Golf
Grand Prix
 Horse Racing
 Invaders
Math
 Math Two
 Musical Games
Olympics
 Prize Fight
 Shooting Gallery
Shoot Out
 Soccer
 Space War
Super Knockout
 Super Maze
 Tank \ Plane Battle
EMULATION
     First and third party system emulators
M.E.S.S.

MESS (Multi-Emulator Super System) is a DOS based emulator capable of running many
 systems including this one.  It has a Windows based GUI and is extremely user friendly.
SPECS & MANUALS
     For the hardware enthusiasts out there - all the detail you\we love.
Processor Type  Processor Speed  Other Processor Information RAM \ Video RAM
Signetics 2650A (8-bit) 4.43 MHz Video Controller: Signetics 2636N 32 KB \ None
Screen Resolution Color Palette Polygons \ Sprites Audio
208 x 108 8 Colors (4 on screen) N\A \ 4 (on screen) Single Channel (beep)
Media Format Media Capacity Games Released Other Supported Formats
Cartridge 2048 to 6144 bytes 34 None
Internal Storage External \ Removable Storage Game Controllers Other Game \ Peripheral Devices
43 bytes None 12 buttons, 2 Fire buttons, joystick (analog) None
Controller Ports Network Ports Other Ports Audio \ Video
Two (most hardwired) None None RF
Power Supply - External Other Outputs  Other Details \ Notes
Input: 250V, 50Hz
Output: 9.5V, 0.4A \ 15V, .11A 		None 1292 systems have an external power supply while 1392 models have this integrated within the hardware. Other than that, there are not any differences.
Manuals
Radofin Telesports Programmable Owners Manual (PDF) - 0.50 MB
OTHER MEDIA
     Peripherals, Promotions, Commercials, Brochures, Etc.
Game catalogue for the Radofin 1292 APVS
 
Advertisements \ Flyers for the Interton VC 4000
WEB RESOURCES
     Highly recommended websites for this system
Emerson Arcadia 2001 Central

Great site for the 1292 APVS and Arcadia		 Pong Picture Page

Check all of the variations of the game cartridges		  
DISCUSS
     Visitor insights and feedback
Do you have a unique perspective on this system?  Maybe an interesting fact or experience?  Please share your thoughts using the form below.  Postings must abide by our Terms of Use & Policies.  Basically be nice, keep it clean and don't spam or be a troll.  Thank you in advance!
comments powered by Disqus