1983
Mitsubishi ML-8000 becomes the first MSX computer
The Mitsubishi ML-8000 went on sale in Japan on 21 October 1983, becoming the first MSX computer to reach the market. It used a Z80A-compatible processor, 32 KB RAM, 16 KB VRAM, TMS9918A-compatible graphics and an AY-3-8910A programmable sound generator. At ¥59,800, it was an early example of the new MSX standard, which aimed to provide compatibility between computers from different manufacturers.
The ML-8000 appeared after the ZX Spectrum, which had launched in Britain in 1982. Both used Z80-family processors, but the ML-8000 incorporated dedicated video hardware and three-channel PSG sound, whereas the original 48K Spectrum used Sinclair's simpler video system and a one-bit beeper. The later ZX Spectrum 128 would adopt the closely related AY-3-8912 sound chip.
Image: Mitsubishi ML-8000 — photograph by うぃき野郎, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped from the original.
CC licence link : https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/
The ML-8000 appeared after the ZX Spectrum, which had launched in Britain in 1982. Both used Z80-family processors, but the ML-8000 incorporated dedicated video hardware and three-channel PSG sound, whereas the original 48K Spectrum used Sinclair's simpler video system and a one-bit beeper. The later ZX Spectrum 128 would adopt the closely related AY-3-8912 sound chip.
Image: Mitsubishi ML-8000 — photograph by うぃき野郎, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped from the original.
CC licence link : https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/
