Sinclair zx spectrum rom set software#
Sinclair zx spectrum rom set plus#

To conserve memory, color is stored separate from the pixel bitmap in a low resolution, 32Р вЂњРІР‚вЂќ24 grid overlay, corresponding to the character cells. The image resolution is 256Р вЂњРІР‚вЂќ192 with the same color limitations.

Sinclair zx spectrum rom set plus#

Text can be displayed using 32 columns Р вЂњРІР‚вЂќ 24 rows of characters from the ZX Spectrum character set or from a set provided within an application, from a palette of 15 shades: seven colors at two levels of brightness each, plus black. The original model has 16 KB (16Р вЂњРІР‚вЂќ1024 bytes) of ROM and either 16 KB or 48 KB of RAM.Р вЂ™Р’В Video output is through an RF modulator and was designed for use with contemporary television sets, for a simple color graphic display. The Spectrum is based on a Zilog Z80, a CPU running at 3.5 MHz (or NEC D780C-1 clone). External 32 KB RAM packs that mounted in the rear expansion slot were available from third parties. Later revisions contained 64 KB of memory but were configured such that only 48 KB were usable. Users could mail their 16K Spectrums to Sinclair to be upgraded to 48 KB versions. Later issue machines required the fitting of 8 dynamic RAM chips and a few TTL chips. Owners of the 16 KB model could purchase an internal 32 KB RAM upgrade, which for early Р Р†Р вЂљРЎС™Issue 1Р Р†Р вЂљРЎСљ machines consisted of a daughterboard. These prices were later reduced to Р вЂ™Р в‚¬99 and Р вЂ™Р в‚¬129. It was originally released on 23 April 1982 with 16 KB of RAM for Р вЂ™Р в‚¬125 (equivalent to Р вЂ™Р в‚¬348.92 in 2019) or with 48 KB for Р вЂ™Р в‚¬175 (equivalent to Р вЂ™Р в‚¬488.48 in 2019). The original ZX Spectrum is remembered for its rubber keyboard, diminutive size and distinctive rainbow motif. Either socket could be connected to headphones or an amplifier as an audio output, although this would not disable the internal speaker.

Sinclair zx spectrum rom set software#

An external tape recorder was needed to load the majority of software released, or the ZX Microdrive. The Sinclair models featured audio line in and out, in the form of an Р Р†Р вЂљРЎС™earР Р†Р вЂљРЎСљ and Р Р†Р вЂљРЎС™micР Р†Р вЂљРЎСљ socket. The machines was officially discontinued in 1992. The Commodore 64, Dragon 32, Oric-1, Oric Atmos, BBC Micro and later the Amstrad CPC range were rivals to the Spectrum in the UK market during the early 1980s.

Licensing deals and clones followed, earning Clive Sinclair a knighthood for services to British industry. The popularity of the ZX Spectrum led to many companies producing software and hardware for the machine. The Spectrum was among the first home computers in the UK aimed at a mainstream audience.