Description

The VG-8000 is the first MSX computer released by the Dutch company Philips. It has been manufactured in France (at the Mans by La Radiotechnique).

In 1982-83, Philips was working with Thomson on a European computer standard. As the project didn't make any progress, Philips left the project and joined the MSX standard.

The VG-8000 is a result. It is a very poor MSX computer and is not 100% compliant with the standard: no Centronics port, no expansion bus, no separate audio out, a poor keyboard and a non-standard PAL connector. It was pretty expensive and didn't have any success.

This machine has an 'International' QWERTY keyboard, the GRAPH and CODE keys work as toggles, just like the KANA key on Japanese machines.

The VG-8000 was officially available only in Belgium, Finland and Germany but was also released in Italy as the Phonola VG-8000. It's the rarest Philips MSX computer with only 16kb RAM (not 32kB RAM as indicated on the box and the machine by adding the VRAM). The external power supply was provided with the computer - see Philips VU-0022.

It is possible to connect a printer, by first inserting the Philips VU 0040 cartridge.

Pictures

Philips VG-8000

Philips VG-8000 box

Philips VG-8000 manual + demo tapes

Philips VG-8000 cartridge slots

Philips VG-8000 back

Philips VG-8000 label

Philips VG-8000 PCB

Specifications

The VG-8000 is a MSX1 with a Z80 from SGS and without printer port. The cartridge slots are on top, hidden under a panel.

Slot Map

Connections

• RF output
• CVBS connector for monitor
• Data Recorder connector
• 2 general connectors (Joysticks, Mice, Paddle controllers, etc)
• 2 cartridge slots
• DC power connector for the Philips VU-0022

External links

• Philips VG-8000 on Generation-MSX
• VG-8000 Service Manual