MSX

MSX is a standard of microcomputers to domestic vocation (general public) of origin mainly Japan ease, dating from the Années 1980. Contrary to the majority of the computers of the time, the MSX were produced by various manufacturers, and compatible between them, as well for the material as for the software. Several versions of the standard followed one another.

Description

The initials MSX mean Machines with Software eXchangeability (but he is often interpreted like Microsoft extension )   ; the standard was created in 1983 and was produced by several tens of companies like Canon, Casio, Panasonic, Philips, Sanyo, Sony, Toshiba or Yashica. Yamaha in particular produced a version of the MSX1 with a sound processor 8 ways and catches MIDDAY.

A version supporting the Arab language was marketed by the company Al Alamia. This variation bore the name of Sakher (Arabic rock).

The MSX2 of Sony had already a mouse and a graphic office.

There were 4 generations of MSX: MSX (or MSX1), MSX2, MSX2+ and MSX Turbo-R. They were very popular with the Japan and in Europe, especially at the time of the MSX1. The MSX2+ officially marketed forever in Europe, although it was available in the form of kit of update (on the basis of MSX2), like in importation, especially with the Netherlands. The Turbo-R MSX was even rarer in Europe, only available in importation, officially launched to Japan only.

Standards

MSX 1

Standard MSX 1 was defined starting from an existing machine, the Spectravideo 318:

  • microprocessor Z80 given rhythm to 3,58 MHz

  • ROMANIAN: 32 Kio container MSX BASIC 1.0
  • random access memory: 8 to 64 Kio of RAM
  • video memory: 16 Kio
    • text in 40×24 or 32×24, graphics in 64×48 Pixel S or 256×192 pixels
  • its on 3 ways, 7 octaves

MSX 2

In 1985, standard MSX-2 was defined:

  • Z80 microprocessor to 3,58 MHz

    • ROMANIAN
  • : 48 Kio containing MSX BASIC 2.0
  • RAM: 64 minimum Kio
  • video processor: Yamaha V9938
    • video memory: 64 minimum Kio
    • graphics until 512×212 pixels, 16 or 256 colors among 512
  • its on 3 ways, 7 octaves

NB: There existed for this standard, a sound cartridge of extension to 8 channels and a sound library, this named cartridge FM-PAC was compatible with several plays MSX2 by several editors of different plays.

MSX 2+

In 1988, standard MSX2+ was defined:

  • Z80 microprocessor to 3,58 MHz (as well as given rhythm versions with 5,37 MHz)

    • ROMANIAN
  • : 48 Kio containing MSX BASIC 3.0
  • RAM: 64 minimum Kio
  • video processor: Yamaha V9958
    • video memory: 128 minimum Kio
    • graphics until 512×212 pixels, 16 or 256 colors among 512, and 256×212 (: 19,268 colors)
    • material accelerating functions integrated “scrolling” (run) vertical and horizontal, of copy and area fill, etc
  • its on 3 ways, 7 octaves via AY-3-8910 (PSG)
    • in option: Yamaha YM2413 (OPLL) (MSX-Music), offering an extension to 9 channels FM

MSX turbo R

In 1990, standard MSX turbo R was defined:

  • R800 microprocessor to 7,16 MHz

  • Z80 microprocessor to 3,58 MHz ensuring compatibility with old software
    • ROMANIAN
  • or BIOS: 96 Kio containing MSX BASIC 4.0
  • RAM: 256 Kio (FS-A1ST) or 512 Kio (FS-A1GT)
  • video processor: Yamaha V9958
    • video memory: 128 minimum Kio
    • graphics until 512×212 pixels, 16 or 256 colors among 512, and 256×212 (: 19,268 colors)
    • integrated material accelerating functions “scrolling” (run) vertical and horizontal, of copy and filling of zones, etc
  • the sound is dealt with by several components:
    • AY-3-8910 (PSG) offering the sound on 3 ways, 7 octaves (present for reasons of compatibility)
    • Yamaha YM2413 (OPLL) (MSX-Music), offering an extension to 9 channels FM
    • PCM for a sound “MSX-Audio” monocanal, 8 bits, with maximum 16 Khz
    • Microphonous integrated

Some famous plays

Emulation

Computers MSX belong to the platforms most emulated today. Versions exist on the majority of the platforms, including the mobile phones. The majority of emulators MSX are based on the code of the pioneer fMSX, a portable emulator created by Russian Marat Fayzullin. The license of the source code of fMSX not being free, of many emulators removed in their last versions the code which emulates Z80 de Fayzullin to avoid any legal problem.

  • BlueMSX is regarded as best emulator MSX for Windows platform.

It is available here.

  • In 2001, Kazuhiko Nishi, inventor of standard MSX, initiated a rebirth of the MSX around an official emulator called MSXPLAYer. It is only official emulator MSX. All the rights are maintained by association MSX.

  • Nintendo Japan announced in 2006 and confirmed in February 2007 concerned video that plays MSX will be available on the virtual Console of the Wii as from the summer 2007 to Japan.

See too

  • Plays MSX

External bonds

  • MSX Coffee - the site of community MSX in France. Do-it-yourself, discussions, repairs and organization of conventions.
  • Passion MSX - Site Community in French and treating English of the MSX, only MSX.
  • MSX Resource Center Foundation - the site of community MSX in Europe. Forum in English, Dutch, Russian, Portuguese and Spanish, most active of all.

Random links:Pumas UNAM | Stalin price | Gaëtan de Rosnay | Plaster Rock'n'roll | Paro