1292 Advanced Programmable Video System (APVS) \ Interton VC 4000 Family

DW FACTS by Dark Watcher
Delving into history produces some interesting facts. It has been reported that the Amstrad GX4000 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.
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.

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

MESS

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