SV-328

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Spectravideo SV-328
SV328.jpg
Developer Spectravideo
Product familySpectravideo
Type Home computer
Release date1983 (Summer CES, Chicago)
Operating system Microsoft Extended BASIC
CP/M
CPU Zilog Z80A @ 3.6 MHz
Memory64  KB
Removable storage ROM Cartridge, Cassette tape, floppy disc
Display256 × 192, 16 colours; TV or composite monitor
Graphics TMS9918 (16 KB VRAM)
Sound AY-3-8910
Input Keyboard
Successor SV-728
Related SV-318

The SV-328 is an 8-bit home computer introduced by Spectravideo in June 1983. [1] It was the business-targeted model of the Spectravideo range, sporting a compact full-travel keyboard with numeric keypad. [2] It had 80 KB RAM (64 KB available for software, remaining 16 KB video memory), [3] a respectable amount for its time. Other than the keyboard and RAM, this machine was identical to its little brother, the SV-318.

Contents

The SV-328 is the design on which the MSX standard was based. [4] Spectravideo's MSX-compliant successor to the 328, the SV-728, looks almost identical, [5] the only immediately noticeable differences being a larger cartridge slot in the central position (to fit MSX standard cartridges), lighter shaded keyboard and the MSX badging.

Reference to the operating system Microsoft Extended BASIC is not to be confused with MSX BASIC, although some marketing at the time claimed that Microsoft Extended is what MSX stood for. More than 130 games were released for the system. [6]

System specs

Peripherals

SV-328 connected to a tape drive (left) and a SV-601B Super Expander. Spectravideo SVI 328 SuperExpander DSC00035.JPG
SV-328 connected to a tape drive (left) and a SV-601B Super Expander.
SV-328 screen immediately after booting. SV328boot.jpg
SV-328 screen immediately after booting.

The standard ports of a SV-318 / SV-328 support only a few peripherals such as the SV-903 tape drive, a CVBS monitor (or external RF modulator for TV), and two joysticks. However the Super Expander edge connector offered more options: [5]

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References

  1. "O microcomputador Spectravideo SV-328 de 1983". MCC - Museu Capixaba do Computador (in Brazilian Portuguese). 2023-06-05. Retrieved 2024-11-03.
  2. 1 2 Samdal, Roger. "Spectravideo SV-328". Roger's Spectravideo Page.
  3. Spectravideo (1983). SVI-328 Personal Computer User's Manual (GB). pp. 9, 10.
  4. Samdal, Roger (2008). "The history of Spectravideo". Roger's Spectravideo Page. Retrieved 2009-07-17.
  5. 1 2 "Spectravideo SV-328". www.oldcomputermuseum.com. Retrieved 2024-11-03.
  6. "Listing of all Spectravideo SVI 318 / 328 games - Page 1". The Video Games Museum. Retrieved 2023-01-01.

Emulators