Xref: utzoo comp.os.os9:1249 comp.sys.m6809:1316 Newsgroups: comp.os.os9,comp.sys.m6809 Path: utzoo!utgpu!watserv1!maytag!watdragon!skeppeljones From: skeppeljones@watdragon.waterloo.edu (Stephen Keppel-Jones) Subject: Re: CoCo 4 (TC9) Message-ID: <1990Oct31.065258.23066@watdragon.waterloo.edu> Organization: University of Waterloo References: <2989.272c8e83@cc.nu.oz.au> Date: Wed, 31 Oct 90 06:52:58 GMT Lines: 653 ****** ANNOUNCEMENT ****** Kenneth-Leigh Enterprises in association with Interactive Media Systems, Inc. is pleased to announce the MM/1(tm), the next computer of choice for Color Computer users. The MM/1 is a stand-alone system that can also be used with a customer's existing Color Computer 3 for complete OS-9 Level 2 compatibility. It accepts existing RGB Analog monitors such as the Magnavox and Tandy models popular with CoCo users. Most Tandy drives and the Tandy Hi-Res mouse are also useable. Several solutions are being weighed that offer a level of RS-DOS (Disk Extended Color Basic) compatibility as well. Four fully-functional prototypes of the MM/1 were demonstrated at the Chicago RainbowFest April 6 - 8, 1990. Units are being shipped to developers in April in order to assure prompt availability of top-quality software. Planned software projects will make popular Color Computer(tm), Amiga(tm), and MS-DOS(tm) programs available to you on the MM/1. Kenneth-Leigh Enterprises and Interactive Media Systems, Inc. would like to thank the vendors and developers who have worked closely and quietly with us for the last six months to produce the MM/1 computer and its software. Their expertise and enthusiasm made the Chicago Rainbowfest an exciting debut for the MM/1. The Technical Specs =================== Signetics 68070 CPU (Motorola 68000 compatible) at 15 MHz Graphics resolution from 320x200 to 720x540 (interlaced) From 16 to 256 colors on-screen, depending on resolution mode Two serial ports: DB-9 and DB-25 (DB-25 configurable for MIDI -- the Musical Instrument Digital Interface) PC keyboard port for 101-key XT-style keyboard RGB-Analog output for your CM-8 or Magnavox monitor Operating system included Direct Memory Access (DMA) floppy disk controller 3.5" 1.44 MB floppy drive with 3 ms access track-to-track 1 MB RAM Technical Specs for Optional Input/Output Board =============================================== DMA SCSI host adapter built in -- supports hard drives, CD-ROM drives, and other 8-bit SCSI-compatible devices; transfer at 2 MBytes/sec or faster Memory upgradeable to 2 or 8 MB with SIMM memory Stereo 8-bit DMA port for sound sampling and playback Two parallel ports for parallel printer and OS/Gateway support CoCo joystick port with 8-bit resolution Hi-res Tandy mouse port Real-time clock, battery-backed with 56 bytes of non-volatile memory Technical Notes: ================ Graphics -------- The MM/1 can display up to 256 colors on screen simultaneously in each of two resolutions -- 320x200 and 320x400. It can also display 16 colors in each of the higher resolutions -- 640x200, 640x400, and 720x540. On the first board is a header for a palette controller that extends the palette of available colors to 16 million. Much of the graphics is controlled by a special graphics chip specifically designed to work with the MM/1's CPU. This chip executes graphics logic extremely fast and includes a pixel accelerator that substantially reduces CPU overhead. Both the CPU and the graphics chip were designed by Signetics, a Philips subsidiary, for the upcoming Compact Disk-Interactive devices. This is the first home system to our knowledge that has been based on this cutting-edge technology. The higher resolution modes are possible with an interlace mode. Unlike interlace mode on the Commodore Amiga, the MM/1 interlace mode displays virtually no flicker. In interlace mode and with a montitor that supports overscan (such as the multisynchronizing monitors from NEC), a customer can view up to 720x540 pixels on one screen. This is an ideal mode for previewing documents in desktop publishing applications or CAD. For comparison, this mode has three times the number of pixels as the Color Computer hi-res mode. It can show up to 60 lines of text. CPU --- The Signetics 68070 is a Motorola compatible CPU in a quad flat-pack design. Extra features support DMA. It runs at 15 MHz, providing an optimal system throughput of over 1000 Dhrystones (for comparison, the Atari ST running OS-9 logs in at around 750 Dhrystones). Optimal speed is reached when you have both the CPU board and the I/O board working together. The CPU is proving to be a very popular chip for embedded applications. I/O Support ----------- The MM/1 has unprecedented support for peripherals and sound. A fully-configured system has three serial ports, two parallel ports, PC keyboard port, RGB-A port, DMA sound (data acquisition port). Many of the ports are expressly designed to support your existing investment in hardware including MIDI and Tandy Hi-Res mouse support. You can also use a Logitech serial mouse on this system. It is trivial to use a terminal on the DB9 port, making a multiuser system both low cost and simple. On the first board, you will see two serial ports, one a DB9 and one a DB25. The DB25 can be modified (either at the factory or by the customer) to be a MIDI port with optional low-cost MIDI hardware. As mentioned, the DB9 can be used for a terminal. The PC keyboard port is designed for standard XT-style keyboards. Customers can take advantage of pricing competition in the PC market, where excellent keyboards are extremely affordable. Floppy disk controller is included at no extra charge. Also, a 1.4 Megabyte floppy drive is included. These drives are the popular 3.5" variety that provide fast and reliable performance. One disk contains as much data as nine (9) standard Tandy format disks, or four (4) double-sided disks. The MM/1 floppy controller uses DMA to access memory. This improves system performance and makes for smoother multitasking. DMA permits applications to play back sound while accessing large data or graphics files. The header for the daughterboard allows the factory or customer to easily add a palette chip that lets one choose any 256 colors from a palette of 16 million. (Graphics in the 320x400 mode are breathtaking with 256 colors.) The RGB-A port allows the use of your existing Tandy CM-8 or Magnavox 8515 monitor. RGB-A to composite converters are already available from Color Computer vendors if you wish to use an inexpensive monochrome composite monitor on the MM/1. DMA port -------- The DMA port on the MM/1 is a multifunction port that samples at line levels at 350 KHz or faster. This allows the sampling of sound from cassette decks or synthesizers for playback on cue. The DMA port uses dual (stereo) AD/DA converters. Sampling rate is variable so that the customer can select the optimum rate (faster rates use more memory but record and playback higher frequency sound). The DMA port can also be used for data acquisition. The MM/1 is already considered a viable platform for medical and industrial data acq applications. Joystick/mouse ports -------------------- The second board contains a CoCo joystick port with 8-bit resolution. This makes for smooth game playing. A port is provided for the Tandy Hi-res mouse, too. A powered DB-9 port allows the use of a professional Logitech serial mouse. These mice come in a wide variety of packaging and features, and are competitively priced. Miscellaneous ------------- The MM/1's second board contains a real-time clock that is battery backed and contains some memory for variable storage. This is included at the express request of the majority of respondents to the Kenneth-Leigh Enterprises/Interactive Media Systems, Inc. survey taken last October. The MM/1 comes with 1 Megabyte of RAM (256x4). The second board accepts modern, inexpensive SIMMs (1 Megabyte x 8) that can expand the system up to nine Megabytes total. The first Megabyte is used for video memory once the second board has been added. Otherwise, the system and video share the first Megabyte. Software support ---------------- Interactive Media Systems, Inc. is implementing a developers program. Titled The MM/1 Early Developers Program, it provides full MM/1s to developers, with operating system and languages, at about 20% off of list prices. Members in the program receive system software updates, information about the hardware that may be required, on-line and telephone support, and advance notice of many new products. At the end of the development, Interactive Media Systems, Inc. guarantees a purchase of finished units for reselling. This encourages developers to produce salable products and reduces the ultimate cost of the computer to them. For more information, please contact the address below. In addition to work that current developers are planning, Interactive Media Systems, Inc. is working with software engineers from the Color Computer, IBM, and Amiga markets. Planned projects include DOS emulation, versatile windowing system with a mainstream Graphical User Interface (GUI), hypertext, and multimedia support. Other plans include porting major DOS development environments over to the MM/1, allowing key players in the DOS world to simply recompile their source code on the MM/1. Interactive Media Systems, Inc. is aggressively supporting the MM/1 in order to provide an irresistable value to Color Computer owners who are ready to move up into the 680x0 world. Expandibility ------------- While the two-board MM/1 system does not require a bus, one will be available in 1990. Designed as a single-master 96-pin 32-bit bus, it will provide performance and flexibility unmatched in home computers -- and in many office computers as well. When the customer wishes to purchase the bus, he or she can easily install it into the case, adding the two-board system on the bus card. The specification for the bus will be published to encourage third-party developers to create interesting and useful add-on boards. Possible boards may include digitizers, tape backup to streaming tape units or VCRs, networking support, additional I/O for more involved setups (more users, more printers, and so on), and even other processing units. When a customer wishes to upgrade to another CPU and graphics board, the two-board MM/1 can be removed from the case, inserted in another with its own power supply, and used as a graphics terminal. Graphics terminals such as this can be created at low cost to construct a multiuser/networking environment ideal for small offices and education. Pricing ------- In this price-sensitive market, Interactive Media Systems, Inc. is offering a low-cost machine with high functionality. To keep the price as low as possible, IMS is negotiating favorable contracts with software vendors to ensure the best value for our customers. As a result, all prices are preliminary. The preliminary list price is $899 for the base system, $1199 for the full system with more memory. Street prices in the Color Computer market will be much lower, with anticipated discounts of twenty percent off of list price. Availability ------------ The MM/1 and all other home computer systems must be FCC approved to be sold legally. (Many products are sold illegally without FCC approval. Interactive Media Systems, Inc. will not sell illegal products.) As a result, the MM/1 may not be generally available until late summer, with an anticipated debut date of August 1, 1990. Plans for debuting the MM/1 include VIP parties in North Carolina, Chicago, New York, Quebec, and Washington, DC. Interested potential customers should be sure to send in their name and address to Kenneth-Leigh Enterprises to be invited to these celebrations. Kenneth-Leigh Enterprises is handling the marketing for Interactive Media Systems, Inc. For more information contact: Kenneth-Leigh Enterprises 1840 Biltmore Avenue NW Suite 10 Washington, DC 20009 Interested parties can subscribe to The Insider(c), a publication of Interactive Media Systems, covering the MM/1 and other multimedia topics. Cost is $9.95 for four quarterly issues. Stay tuned for the video of the MM/1! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ >>>>>>>> ANNOUNCEMENT <<<<<<<< Frank Hogg Laboratory is pleased to announce the TC70, the 68K computer of choice for Tomcat/Color Computer/68K users. The TC70 is the latest in our line of K-Bus compatible products, providing the greatest flexibility and expansion for the OS9/OSK community. The TC70 is a stand-alone system that can also be used with the TC9 Tomcat for complete OS-9 Level 2 compatibility. It is fully expandable via the K-Bus to over 14+ megabytes of RAM and 60+ ports and is the lowest cost of any system available. These TC70 in conjunction with the TC9 provides both CoCo compatibility as well as OS9/68K. The Tomcat is the most flexible and expandable of any computer system available today. The TC70 has 50% more built in RAM, a better AT keyboard interface, is more cost effective, and is more standard with K-Bus compatibility than other 68070 based single board computers announced or on the market. The Technical Specs ------------------ Signetics 68070 CPU (Motorola 68000 compatible) at 15 MHz 1.5 MB RAM (1,536K) Memory upgradeable to 14+ MB via K-Bus Graphics resolution from 320x200 to 720x540 (interlaced) From 16 to 256 colors on-screen, depending on resolution mode Three serial ports expandable to 60 via K-Bus PC keyboard port for 101-key AT-style keyboard RGB-Analog output for CM-8 Style monitor and RGB TTL for PC monitors OS9/68K Professional Version with C and Basic included Direct Memory Access (DMA) floppy disk controller DMA SCSI host adapter built in for hard drives and tape K-Bus compatible TC9 compatible (CoCo 3) 8-bit D to A port 8-bit port A to D (CoCo joystick) 1 parallel port for parallel printer expandable to 60 via K-Bus Serial mouse port Real-time battery-backed clock CPU --- The Signetics 68070 is a Motorola compatible CPU running at 15 MHz I/O Support ----------- The PC keyboard port is designed for standard AT-style keyboards. The AT-style keyboards are available in a better quality than XT keyboards and also provide bi-directional control of the keyboard LEDs from the computer. This way CAPS lock etc can be tied into each window. Floppy disk controller is included at no extra charge. Supports both 3.5 and 5.25 drives and ALL OS9-OSK disk formats including CoCo, Mizar, Atari, Motorola etc etc. Also supports our PC Utility for using PC DOS disks. The TC70 floppy controller uses separate DMA from the SCSI port allowing very fast transfer from hard disk to floppy, great for backups. Our SCSI drivers, proven by over 6 years of use supports all SCSI hard drives, tape drives and most SASI/SCSI controllers including XEBEC, OMTI, Adaptec, Western Digital etc. Software support ---------------- Microwares OS9/68000 Professional version with C and BASIC is included. Our port of OS9/68K is a mature port with over 6 years of proven reliability. Additional utilities only available for the Tomcat system extend OS9/68K to the utmost. Expansion --------- The TC70 can be expanded with K-Bus cards. Physical specs -------------- The TC70 is 5.25 X 8 (The same size as a 5.25 disk drive) and has mounting holes that allow mounting to a 5.25 drive. This allows very flexible mounting. The TC70 will fit in and is an upgrade to the QT, QT Plus and QT 00x. The TC70 also mounts in the K-Bus and will work with the TC9 board and other K-Bus cards. Pricing ------- The preliminary price is $999.99 for the TC70 board and software. Complete system prices and final specifications will be uploaded later. Consult the Tomcat brochure for TC9 pricing. Availability ------------ The TC70 will be available late July 1990. For more information or to be placed on the waiting list for any of our Tomcat computers contact: Frank Hogg 70310,317 Frank Hogg Laboratory, Inc. 204 Windemere Rd. Syracuse NY 13205 315/469-7364 FAX 315/469-8537 Prices and specifications are of course subject to change without notice. Date of this notice: 5/29/90 Thanks Frank May 25, 1990 Washington DC ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HyperTech Software of Las Vegas announces its support of the Interactive Media System, Inc. MM/1. Michael Haaland of HyperTech, the author of the OS-9 graphics package MVCanvas(tm), said today that a graphics editor will be bundled at no charge in the MM/1 package. HyperTech has become one of the leading graphics vendors for the Color Computer. "The greatest thing about the MM/1 is that it is fast, colorful, and standardized," said Haaland today. "A programmer knows exactly what to program for. With the color and resolution support of the MM/1, I know I'll just be the first of many graphics programmers to jump over to the MM/1." The MM/1 personal multimedia computer offers five resolution modes up to 720 x 540. Several modes are interlaced, giving high resolution with cost-effective hardware. Paul Ward, President of IMS, said, "We are honored to have Mike's work bundled for free with the MM/1. It's a symbol of the enthusiasm that the Tandy Color Computer market has for our product." Haaland said he's supporting the MM/1 as the obvious next choice for Color Computer owners. "CoCo owners bought their CoCo because they wanted a great computer, great color, and a great value. The MM/1 is all these, too." Ward added, "HyperTech has always been one of our favorite Color Computer software vendors. We are pleased to add HyperTech to the list of vendors from the OSK and CoCo worlds who have lined up behind our MM/1." For more information, please call 202/232-4246. May 25, 1990 Washington DC ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Interactive Media Systems, Inc. of North Carolina, announced the hiring of A. Max Bryant as Vice President of Operations and Finance. Mr. Bryant has an Masters of Business Administration from George Washington University in Washington DC and an undergraduate degree in Chemistry from Henderson State University in Arkansas. For 14 years he was active in research and development at Texas Instruments where he used early mainframe computers for data aquisition in development of semiconductor materials including pioneering work with Gallium Arsenide. As senior engineer at TI, Mr. Bryant took a variety of products from the research and development phase to manufacturing and sales. Mr. Bryant most recently worked at ARS where he managed operations in this microcomputer firm with 400+ employees. Specializing in MS-DOS computers and networking, ARS used Mr. Bryant's talents in manufacturing management to coordinate a large PC clone manufacturing business. Mr. Bryant reached the rank of Army Colonel in active duty, and is now is in Retired Reserve. Mr. Bryant is active in his community and church, prividing advice and counseling in the areas of finance and family issues. Paul K. Ward, the President of Interactive Media Systems, Inc., said, "Max is a great asset for Interactive Media Systems. We have some exciting projects that require a deft hand at management and finances. In addition to our new MM/1 multimedia personal computer, we have major software projects underway. We've slated several new hardware add-ons to the computer. Max is perfectly suited for all this activity." The MM/1 is the first personal computer in the United States to be designed around the two chief processors found in Compact Disk-Interactive devices. The CPU is a Signetics 68070, a Motorola 68000-compatible "brain" that includes an on-board serial port and direct-memory access capabilities. The Signetics VSC graphics chip works in tandem with the 68070 to create vivid graphics effects such as dissolves and scrolls. It runs at 15 Mhz, the fastest rated speed for the 68070. Other products in development are a software user interface for the MM/1 that will sport a UNIX-style appearance. This interface will be based on Open Look, the standard interface for the new UNIX System V, Revision 4 endorsed by AT&T, Sun, Sony, Motorola, Toshiba, and Xerox, among others. Mr. Bryant said, "Open Look is key to our strategy for the MM/1. It'll make it a sure bet in the education market. We think a good number of engineers will want the system, too. The MM/1 runs at 15 MHz, so it should be powerful enough for many engineering applications." Networking is also in the R & D plans for the MM/1. Says Ward, "Max's previous job had 80 computers hooked up to an ethernet network. He knows what the standards of performance are for this kind of computer." "We look forward to working closely with Max to ensure that Interactive Media Systems gets its professional products to our customer quickly and at low cost." Interactive Media Systems, Inc. was established in North Carolina to provide modern small systems for multitasking and multimedia applications. May 25, 1990 Washington DC ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE "Computer system manufacturer hires sales director from IBM/Siemens" In Washington, DC today, Interactive Media Systems, Inc. announced that M. K. Weglein of Baltimore MD would become Sales Director in June 1990. Ms. Weglein previous position was as account representative at IBM/Siemens. Ms. Weglein sold state-of-the-art phone and data systems to corporate and federal clients. "One of our systems lets you put computer data and voice on the same lines, so that you can hook up a terminal to your telephone. It's convenient, cost-effective, and easy to install." Familiar with high technology and with providing solutions to customers, Ms. Weglein will begin marketing IMS computer products to computer franchises, education, and value-added-resellers. Ms. Weglein was a top sales person to the US Government and to commercial clients before deciding to leave IBM/Siemens for Interactive Media Systems, Inc. "High-dollar phone systems are no longer a growth market. Multitasking PCs will be the growth market for the Nineties." According to Paul K. Ward, President of IMS, "Higher education institutions have already been receptive to our MM/1," referring to the IMS multimedia personal computer. "The proliferation of workstations is increasing students' demands on their own personal computers. The MM/1 meets that demand nicely. Mark Sheffield, a principal at IMS, adds, "I think there is growing concern about our economy, so universities have to spend more carefully when buying computer solutions. But they can't ignore the recent push for better engineers and programmers. The MM/1 is perfect for that. We also feel that Ms. Weglein will be instrumental in getting the MM/1 to undergraduate students around the United States." Weglein has been involved in sales for eight years in telecommunications and high-technology fields. She anticipates a busy time ahead marketing the IMS MM/1 personal computer. "With the MM/1 and OS-9/68000, we've got a winning combination," she states. The MM/1 has analog-to-digital conversion capability that makes it a natural choice for university science labs. Weglein will also be in charge of placing the MM/1 in strategic computer franchises. These franchises will provide local support to purchasers of the MM/1, and will add value to the sale with special promotions and aggressive customer relations. "We see the MM/1 as being available in about twenty to forty franchise stores across the United States very soon." These stores will be selected based on proximity to major universities and to clusters of Tandy Color Computer owners. "The CoCo market is our bread and butter for now. They are a great group of people, and we truly enjoy supporting them," said Ward. Interactive Media Systems, Inc. was established in North Carolina and is dedicated to small multitasking computer systems for office, education, and home use. -- Brian White (Using a friends account)