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2 MSX User, free with Computing Today September 1984 Editor FREE Peter Green ITH COMPUTING

Managing Editor .- Ron Harris TODAY

Advertisement Manager Malcolm Wynd

Divisional Advertisement Manager Beverley McNeil

Chief Executive Jim Connell I

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MSX User, free with Computing Today September 1984 3 •

And Mr Margolis said the . ...;.•... · .; ..· computer would be sold -:· ...... ·,·,· . :::. ·. . ·:. through dealers who are ·:· ..:· · . . ··.•. · . . ·.. ·. i . . currently selling Sony ·.·:·. · ·, ·, .·.� . :. : �:< ·I, products.

. ;:: ; ... •'• Answering criticisms that .·· . the MSX standard could delay computer development, he said: "The way we see home :· ;. computers is that they have traditionally been developed by '• boffins, reviewed by boffins and bought by boffins. "They are people who are interested in computers for their own sakes. We believe Yamaha's MSX micro, due there are a lot of people who here in November, will also be are interested in home enter­ a musical instrument, with its . . . tainment, not only to do their own remote piano-style key­ -; . own programming. · .it :: .;. . board. :::;:<:>·.· . : ::::. ;:::: ;:; : - �:: .. . "There is a large number of · The system will cost about : -:/·· \. \.. : : . :. (.} . . : •;: . people who are afraid of , ,.;;. . and will comprise . · . . • . > . · £600 . · .·. ... · ·: buying home computers. They ; · ::::. . .;:;'· Yamaha's CX5 computer with . • : . :·; . . : . / -·: .• ..'•. are not sure what to buy and a built-in sound module and : -: .. .·.· .::: they have a whole list of fears:' added keyboard. The only reason for inno­ Jerry Uwins, marketing vation was to bring benefits to manager for the company's U K the consumer - which would arm, Kemble-Yamaha, said continue to be done with MSX 11With preset sounds it can 48 - but there was no point in sound like a piano, trumpet, putting the latest chip into a violin... any instrument you to sort care to name. 10 megabytes of information "Composing is going to be more quickly. one particular feature. /lOne of the important Speed of games was import­ points to stress is that the ant, though. And the format various squeaks and squawks allowed considerable sophis­ that you get out of Commo­ tication, not only with discs dore and Sinclair are not in the and the CP I M business same league. to come, but ''The sound is very similar to also the possibility of a second our DX9 synthesiser, which is processor - increasing speed by a proper, pedigree musical two to three times - within instrument using proper "We thought: 'Why call it a expect the same unique about three years. classical notation:# silly name like Walkman... it's approach. The uniqueness of He stressed, however, that The MSX computer from ridiculous: We thought long the name has been an the comptJters would always Sony will probably be called and hard about it. But it's now advantage to the Walkman and be upward-compatible. The the Hit Bit. part of the language. lt has a it would be the same for the companies making them were Sony's new business mana­ personality and it's part of a computer�' highly competitive and their ger, Mike Margolis, explained: lifestyle. Sony's present range of only common ground was ��until a week before we ''A lot of the thinking behind products in the U K include hi­ compatibility. launched the Walkman we the computer was done by the fi, audio, video, TV and broad­ Mr Margolis said Sony would be bringing out its own were in two minds about same people who are behind casting equipment for both TV whether to use the name. the Walkman, so we would and radio. MSX User, free with Computing Today September 1984 4 He felt that in the beginning be running training courses for peripherals, like disc drive and there may be some confusion dealers before the launch�' joystick, but probably not a in the minds of buyers about There would also be training standard joystick. which MSX computer to for service engineers at the He said: "We pride our­ choose. But this would be same centres, as well as in selves on being innovative�' cleared up as each manu­ Scotland and Ireland. Toshiba expects to have its facturer advertised and pro­ Mr Michaelis said: "I don't computer in the shops in moted its additional features. see many problems on that September I October. Product He said: 11At the end of the side - video recorders are far manager Chris Greet said: day the machines are more complex and our dealer "We're been ahead of the field completely different. Some network can service them in Japan, so we will possibly have cassettes built in, some already. Computers are a piece be one of the first in the U K�' have got built-in joysticks�' of cake�' U K buyers had the advan­ JVC' s computer, made in JVC, short for the Japan tage that they would be the town of Ewai, 50 miles Victor Company, is the getting the second generation north of Tokyo, will also have inventor of the VHS video of MSX computers, advanced 64K of RAM and cost will be recorder format - which now on what first went on sale in about £250. The company also had a claimed 80 per cent of Japan. plans to offer a monitor, 3% in the market - and makes video Talking of computer devel­ disc drive and a data recorder. recorders, TVs, hi-fi, including opment, he said that the JVC' s assistant marketing compact disc players, as well problem with boffins and manager, Step hen Michaelis, as other products. lt employs research staff was that they said his company was also 1,200 people worldwide. always wanted to wait for the thinking of introducing a 5 �in Mr Michaelis expected JVC next advance before bringing drive because that format was to export its computer to most out a computer. quite popular. of Europe, starting with France

What MSX will mean MSX will cure the major headache for home com­ puter users and dealers: software for one micro won't generally work on another maker's range. Several Japanese com­ panies have got together to He said: "At some stage you He said: "We are aiming at and Germany next year. bring out computers which have to put something on the the audio and video dealer who But supplies for the U K all use the same BASIC and marketplace. we are already supplying. would at first be limited. He operating system. And ''The technology behind the ��some of the dealers, about said: lilt's very critical coming European and American MSX standard is not unique - per cent, are already selling into the market in October. 10 computer makers are think­ it uses standard components. computers and they know a This year I don't think we will ing of doing the same. But we know the reliability and fair bit about them. We have be able to meet demand lt means that all software we know how to develop soft­ two training centres, in because it's coming too late�' ware for the computers. London and in Leeds, and we'll and peripherals will run on 11lf you look at the problems any computer using the other computer manufacturers same standard, designed by are having you can see the the U.S. company Micro­ advantages of existing soft. MSX stands for Micro­ technology, That isn't to say soft Extended. that our computers are MSX computers are due absolutely fixed. There's a lot in the shops in September of things coming from Japan:' from, among other com­ The general manager of panies, Hitachi, Teleton, Canon's systems division, Sanyo, Mitsubishi, Sony, Richard Kennedy, expected his Toshiba, Canon and company's computer to start Yamaha. arriving in October. He was cautious, however, saying: ��we are taking a very advised view of the market. We are very enthusiastic about the product and the market and we are trying very hard to get it right from the point of view of availability of software. From the past, we know that software can be a little late:' He expected Canon's 64K computer, costing about £250, to get a major marketing push in the spring of next year. By, then, he said, it would be on sale in every major high street retailer. He expected tremendous competition between the makers of MSX computers.

MSX User, free with Computing Today September 1984 4 5 1 Mugsy Melbourne House Spectrum <1) 1 Sabre Wulf Ultimate Spectrum w ) ( 3 Flight Path 737 Anlrog CBM 64 (2) Beach Head us Cold CBM 2 \ (2) 3 Lords of 3 LOCO Alllgata CBM 64 (3) Midnight Beyond Spectrum <4> 4 Psytron Beyond Spectrum <5> 4 Sphinx Adventure Acornsoft BBC 5 omega Race commodore CBM 64 <4> (3) The 1 nferno R. Shepherd Spectrum 6 Trashman Ouicksllva CBM 64 <7> 5 <6> Mastermind commodore CBM 7 Oblivion Bug-Byte Spectrum <6) 6 64 (5) valhalla Legend CBM 8 son of Blagger Alllgata CBM 64 <9> 7 64 (7) The Fall of Rome APS Spectrum 9 Trashman New 8 <9) Generation Spectrum <1 0) 9 Quizmaster commodore CBM 64 (10) 1 o Munch Mania Mastertronlc CBM 64 (-) 1 o Solo Flight us Cold CBM 64 (8)

1 sabre wulf Ultimate<1 > 1 Manic Miner Software ProJs <-> 1 Buzzard Bait Mlcrodeal H 2 Jet Set WIIIY Software ProJs H 2Beachhead centresoft H 2cuthbert In space MlcrodealH 3 stop the Express Slnclalr <9> 3 Solo Flight centresoft H 3 Hungry Horace Melbourne Hse H 4Match Point Slnclalr H 4 Colossus Chess cos(-) 4Bug Diver Mastertronlc <·> 5Mugsy Melbourne Hse H 5 ChUCkle Egg A&FH 5 Dragon Chess oasis software H 6Atlc Atac UltimateH 6Snooker VIsionsH 6Mr Dig Mlcrodeal <-> 7Scuba Dive Martech H 7 superplpellne Tasket<·> 7 Sprite Magic Knight H 8Fighter Pilot Dlgltal lntegratn H 8Megawarz Paramount H 8 Chuckle Egg A&FH 9 Night cunner Olgltallntegratn<-> 9Chinese Juggler H 9Transylvanlan Twr R. Shepherd H 10Manlc Miner Software ProJs H 1 o Revelation Softek H 1 o Hunchback ocean H

1 computer war creative sparks H 1 Aviator Acornsoft H 1 Krypton Ordeal Novus <4> 2Tank commander creative sparks H 2JCB Digger Acornsoft H 2 Black Crystal carnell <9> 3 Chariot Race Mlcroantlcs H 3 Llnkwood French Acornsoft H 3 Planet Raider NOVUS (8) 4 snooker VIsions H 4 Llnkwood cerman Acornsoft H 4 Walk the Plank Novus 5Flight 015 Ferrantlcralg H 5ChOUIS H 5Sabotage Slnclalr <10) 6 cames Designer Galactic H 6Fortress Pace<-> 6 space Raiders Slnclalr <·> 7 Wizard and the Melbourne 7Snooker Acornsoft H 7Flight Simulation Slnclalr<·> Princess House<·> 8Snooker VIsions H 8Chess 1K Slnclalr H 8Crandmasterchess Audiogenic<-> 9Twin Kingdom 9Reversl Slnclalr H 9 ouck Sl1oot Mastertronlc H Valley Bug-Byte H 1 o CitY Patrol Slnclalr H 1 o Tower of Evil creative Sparks H 1 o Tree of Knowledge Acorn soft H • I

Software expert Simon Rockman studies the MSX and comes up with his verdict. - Ever since the early days of bought slightly different versions to maintain standards. The disc used to simulate 3D effects; one there have of BASIC from Microsoft and cus­ operating system (DOS) doesn't sprite can hide behind another always been problems with in­ torylised it for their specific seem to be as well thought out as and all 32 can be on at any one compatibility. If you wanted to machines. If you are used to any of the rest of the system. There is an time. swap programs, your friend would these machines you shouldn't MSX standard disc BASIC and disc Sound facilities are what you have to have the same computer have any problem getting used to operating system but no standard would expect from a home micro. as you. If you upgraded your MSX BASIC. for physical disc size, 3, 3.5, 5.25 The MSX uses the same sound machine most of your old pro­ However, it lacks some of the and 8-inch discs all being catered chip as the Oric, which gives it grams would not run on your new features which newer British mic­ for. I would prefer only one size, ampie scope for games-type computer, indeed you would be res boast Most notable is the lack preferably 3 or 3.5 inch. The range noises but, like all home com­ lucky if they loaded. If you bought of any procedure handling. The of sizes will be a nasty headache puters, it is limited when com­ a new computer from a different Enterprise, Beeb, QL and Amstrad for the software houses. I haven't pared to a musical instrument manufacturer any com patibi l ity all allow you to have this kind of seen any specs for the MSX DOS, Yamaha, noted for musical instru­ would be a pleasant surprise. subroutine, which can be called but I hope it includes wildcards ments, will be launching an MSX Microsoft set out to do some­ by name rather than by line num­ and defaults. machine with added sound facili­ thingaboutthis mess and drew up ber and pass values to the sub­ The current MSX standard is ties and a piano keyboard. a standard for manufacturers, routines without specifying vari­ based on the ZBOA central pro­ The use of standard sockets on known as MSX. Previous stan­ ables (this is known as parameter cessor (as found in the Spectrum all machines means that car­ dards such as CP/ M specified little passing). The QL is particularly and Amstrad), running at a little tridges and printer cables can be more than the software. MSX advanced in this respect and over 3.5 mHz (slow compared to interchanged between com­ specifies almost everything. The allows you to create your own the BBC's new Z80 Bat 6mHz but puters. BASIC, operating system, disc keywords. Otherwise, the BASIC on a par with most other micros). The MSX keyboard layout has operating system, chips, shape is more or less standard. There is a The TMS- some nice features. The cluster of and wiring of all the ports, even very nice full screen editor, similar 9918A graphics chip is specified cursor keys makes screen editing a keyboard layout must be stand­ to the Commodore one but with by theMSXstandard. lnthe UKwe joy. lt's so much easier to use than ard. the bonus of an insert mode. get a PAL version of this chip, shift for left and non-shift for right For a standard to succeed, it The graphics commands are which has a different number and None of the MSX machines I have must be good and the manufac­ quite good although they lack the issetupfor our6251ine television, seen use a joystick, which is a plea­ turers must adhere closely to it increasingly popular turtle but in all other respects its func­ sant feature of the Spectravideo. The most important feature is that graphics. The sprite handling is tions are the same. This does a The QWE RlY layout is American, it should be expandable. Future very good, showing what Com­ similar job to the VIC chip in the with the quotes next to the Enter developments of MSX will also be modore could have done with the VIC and 64 and the Antic chip in key. I found this very difficult to standard. All upgrades must be 64. In this respect the hardware the Atari. lt is used in the Tatung get used to on my word processor compatible with previous lets the BASIC down a little. Einstein and the Memotech MTX after years of shifting 2, but to the machines so that software doesn't The operating system will not computers. This is quite good for first time user, the most likely per­ become obsolete. affect the user. The documenta­ graphics but cannot cope with son to buy the MSX, this will not Let's go through the main items tion is very sparse; it hasn't been more than 40 columns of text matter. of the MSX specification one by designed to support other lan­ Most MSX manufacturers have The MSX standard is solid. There one. The BASIC is described as an guages in the· way the BBC has, plans for an additional SO-column is no danger of the manufacturers advancement on Microsoft 4.5. although it can easily do this. card which will be necessary for being unable to supply the chips Microsoft is quite a common There are no built in facilities for serious business use or word required because they are mass • BASIC, used in Commodore, networking or multitasking and processIng. produced for many other applica- Dragon, Oric, Tandy and other there are limitations to interrupt The 32 different sprites are the tions. If the MSX invasion takes off computers. Each manufacturer processing imposed by the need 9918's trump card. They can be there will be no shortage of com­ puters. Software houses are very

approx standard max. screen clock no. of max. no notes enthusiastic about MSX. lt will be • pr1ce memory resolution speed/ sound colours a great boon to them if they can size (RAM) processor channels write one version of a program and MSX £200-£300 8-1024K 256x192 3.5MHz 3 16 Lots of variations then sell itformany differentcom­ Z80A Atari 800Xl £250 64K 320 X 192 1.9MHz 4 256 Good value for money. puters without any extra work. For 6502 Poor BASIC the novice end-user a standard BBC B £399 32K 640 X 256 2MHz 3 8 Very fast Best would cut down the effort and 6502 +flash BASIC around £199 64K 320 X 200 1.2MHz 3 16 Cheap. Poor BASIC time required to build a system. 6510 MSX machines cannot be dif­ Dragon 32 £175 32K 256 X 192 6809 1 8 Well supported ferentiated from rival MSX Electron £199 32K 540 X 256 2MHz 1 8 Slow. Uses BBC BASIC 6502 +flash machines because that would dis­ Lynx 96 £299 96K 256 X 240 4MHz 1 8 Very slow. Limited turb the standard, so the Japanese Z80A software seem to have plans to out-adver­ 48K 240 X 200 1.2MHz 3 8 Oric Atmos £170 tise their competitors. This will 6502A +flash Spectrum 48 K £130 48K 256 X 176 2MHz 1 8 Best software open up a whole new market and Z80A +flash availability people who previously would & bright never have touched a keyboard VIC-20 £140 3.5K 160 X 128 1.2MHz 3 16 Screen & memory 6502 memory limited will be persuaded into entering QL £399 128K 512 x256 7.5MHz 1 8 Limited in supply the world of microcomputing. 68008 +flash Includes two There could be a second micro­ & stipple Microdrives boom. There will be the need for Amstrad £230 64K 640 X 200 4MHz 3 27 Includes monitor Z80A support, maintenance, books, software and all the other ancillary • How they compare serv1ces.

MSX User, free with Computing Today September 1984 7 • • • ' •

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Software can make or break a computer. in the case of MSX, major software firms are pledging their support Liz Graham reports

Now that the MSX standard is Ward,agreed with Or Potter on across national barriers," he think ZEN will be invaluable to due to hit the scene, software the importance of software said, "it also provides a very users wishing to write and will be compatible on all MSX support. "lt's the software that substantial opportunity for debug efficient assembly machines.Thafsgood news for runs the computer," he said. British software houses to code programs. both the micro user and the "The Spectrum has tons of trade internationally the other "We're now waiting for the software houses, many of cheap software,and that's why way as well. The potential for machines to be announced," whom are welcoming MSX with so many people have bought export sales through such a he continued, "when our soft­ open arms. 'tI . " standard is very substantial ware will be ready the same "lt's about time someone did David Ward thinks MSX will indeed." day. One or two of the programs something standard,"said Jon also be a great boon for re­ David Potter, on behalf of will be conversions but quite a Day, sales manager at Kum a, tailers. "Ifs the retailers who Psion, welcomes this oppor­ few are new. breathing a sigh of relief. shift the goods and really con­ tunity particularly in the inter­ "At the moment three books Virgin's Nick Alexander was trol the market," he said. "The national market for Europe,the are under way on how to pro­ also enthusiastic:"The idea of a incompatibility of software has United States and even gram MSX, and we' 11also have standard is excellent. I wish affected the dealings of soft­ Japai1. interfaces. By mid- July we there was only one standard." ware houses with retailers and Once the euphoria has died should have released 1 2 titles He went on to explain:"O ur pro­ chain stores. down, what the the software and by August our full range of blems are really a microcosm of "Software trading is very houses' plans for MSX? Most programs and books will be on the public's problems, with ephemeral and depends on are being cagey about their the market." regard to compatibility of fashion and mood," Mr Ward projects, no doubt having lt certainly looks like Kuma's software." said. "Large chain stores have learned that it doesn't pay to been taking a lesson from the Software firms believe in the to place their orders in bulk,and broadcast new releases before Japanese on preparation and importance of their contribu­ they risk being left with stock they' re ready. forward planning. tion to the popularity and suc­ they can't shift." Ocean is also planning to cess of computers. Or David release games as soon as MSX Potter, managing director of is launched. David Ward said: Psion,emphasised the essen­ "We're coding for MSX Hunch­ tial role software has to play in back, and Kong, which were a speech. both number one hits." "In themselves the com­ Ocean has made life easier puters have no intrinsic benefit for its programmers by intro­ or worth," he said. Strong ducing sophisticated equip­ words: he went on to back his ment. "We've bought a de­ theory up: "lt is software which velopment system which ena­ makes them run and allws them bles our programmers to write to do such a huge diversity of in much higher code," said things which are useful,educa­ David Ward. "This is then put tive, fun or plain mind bog­ through an emulator, with the gling." result that programs can be The future of MSX is assured, written for MSX and the Spec- according to Or Potter. Soft­ \ trum simultaneously." of Quicks\ va ware houses will fall over them­ .,.. \ August is the scheduled �. Mark E'l es selves to support the machine. launch date for Artic's MSX "Having a widely based stan­ Kumaleads the pack-it has games. Bear Bovver and M r dard such as MSX will ensure a "Special arrangements have already launched a program for Wong's Loopy Laundry are first very wide library of software had to be made," he went on. MSX and plans to introduce 20 on the list and other games are and peripherals.The consumer "Sometimes the cassettes are programs and several books in the pipeline. will therefore benefit." accepted on a sale or return about MSX by August. Richard Turner, managing So the prospective MSX basis and inventory adjust­ Kuma's first release is the director of Artic, said: "We're owner can look forward to a ments have to be made."All this ZEN Editor/Assembler/Disas­ looking at chess programs and wide choice of software,and of should be eliminated with the sembler. lt's reported to be a arcade games. We'll probably a high standard too. arrival of the new standard. complete system for genera­ be writing new games for both "There is also no doubt what­ David Ward sees this as a tion and analysis of ZBO the Spectrum and MSX" saver," stated Or Potter, "that definite advantage for the programs. COSis currently musing over British software houses,who in chain stores. Included in the price (£ 19.95) what to do for its MSX range. this area are probably the most lt's good news all round-for are a symbolic assembler and Carol Howlett said: "First we sophisticated in the world, will home computer users, soft­ disassembler, text editor and will release our educational supportMSX and will be among ware companies and retail machine code monitor. The series, to teach yourself the world leaders in producing outlets. complete source code of ZEN French, Spanish, Italian and home software for this stan­ David Potter also sees the itself is supplied to very user. German. Then in the autumn dard ...MSX is a challenge to advent of MSX as good news Jon Day, of Kuma, said: "We we'll be bringing out arcade/ software houses to supply for Britain's export figures. are developing a comprehen­ adventure games and simu­ state of the art software." "While this standard in hard­ sive range of utility and enter­ lations. Ocean's chairman, David ware terms will allow trading tainment software for MSX. I "We're working with the ha n- 8 MSX User, free with Computing Today September 1984 dicap that our machine has tial software firms were en­ are exciting and the software MSX will be by-passed by Japanese keys and our thusiastic, but occasionally included with the package is broadly and open endedly manual's not in English either," cautious.As Artic' s Richard Tu r­ good. defined innovation and tech­ she grumbled. ner said: "The advantage is that "MSX is aimed at the over nology brought by pioneers Other software houses will it will have five times the user 25s,the less computer literate. such as Sinclair and Com­ wait for the pre-Christmas base," which other software The young computer-literate modore." boom,when they'll spring their personalities were quick to generation may regard it as an David Potter'sthoughts were MSX ranges on the public. emphasise. introductory computer and echoed elsewhere. Nick Alex­ Quicksilva intends to get The household names be­ look down on it, but it's very ander expressed concern men­ involved, despite the setback hind MSX are also a definite good. lt's intended for people tioning that the chips were a that they too only have Japan­ plus.Mark Eyles, of Quicksilva, who don't have much ex­ year old and looked a bitlong in ese machines. said: "MSX looks very prom is­ perience with computers and the tooth,so did David Ward of "We're very keen," said Mark ing because of the well-known are a bit wary." Ocean, who called MSX the Eyles. "We have plans to back companies who are supporting Mark Eyles of Quicksilva pre­ Cortina of the industry. the computer very strongly, it. lt' s sure to do well." dicted reasonable market He added: "lt seems to me to both with original titlesand with The marketing for MSX is penetration in this country,and be a compromise between conversions. We want to have very strong and the Japanese Richard Turner of Artic thought technical superiority and prac­ our first MSX software out by have clearly studied all pos­ MSX looked very promising. ticality. Idon't think it's the state Christmas. This is when the sibilities before launching their However, the priase has of the art." He also expressed computers will be really heavily models. Siversoft's Dougie been tempered with some healthy scepticism about the backed and we want to sup­ reality of compatibiI ity. "I'11 portthem." believe it when I see it," he Bug· Byteis also looking to said. release MSX software before Dougie Bern, of Silversoft, Christmas. A spokesman for was looking on the bright side. Bug-Byte said: We'll be con­ "I think it will only be a short­ verting old programs rather term standard," he said. "the than writing new ones. When Japanese are already working we produce new games,they' 11 on an upgrade. be for the whole range of home "Although not innovative,the computers,including MSX." technology is proven," he con­ aims to bring out Silversoft tinued." lt's tried and tested. Ifa educational and business machine does what you want it orientated software, hopefully to do then it doesn't matter before Christmas. Director what's in the box." Dougie Bern thinks that it will Doug ie Bern also foresaw be Christmas before the com­ financial benefits from intro­ puters make a major impact. ducing a standard.The market Nick Alexander, of VIrgin penetration will be high and thinks it will be much longer MSX is an obvious.advantage in before MSX holds a large pro­ terms of development cost.lt's portion of the market. "We moving away from the en­ doubt that the hardware base thusiasts and more to the con­ will be significant before this sumer orientated market." time next year," he said. "We He had a cynical explanation imagine there will be about a for the shortage of RAM chips quarter of a million by this time throughout the world. "The in 1985, which will be worth Japanese manufacture RAM catering for." chips and have been withhold­ Virgin is working on MSX and ing them to stunt the market is modifying some of its present and create an extra impact for games. "We aim to convert their own computers,", he Falcon patrol and its sequel speculated. Falcon Patrol 11, which hasn't Dougie Bern predicted MSX been released yet, as well as prices would be slashed by the Sorcery, our top-selling game end of next year,perhaps as low for the Spectrum. We're work­ as£70.He explained why. "The ing on Falcon Patrol now." MSX is basically composed of So it seems that at the begin­ three chips; the zxao, video ning we' 11 see conversions of processor and the sound chip. old favourites. However, as At the moment they're all Dougie Bern,of Silversoft,says, • Two Artic games out soon on MSX separate but the Japanese are the software industry needs Bern commented: "the force of hesitancy and criticism. The working on putting them all on new games ideas if it is to marketing is much more standard isn't innovative and one chip.That should bring the flourish. sophisticated than is seen in doesn't cross any new thres­ price down dramatically." "New ideas will have to be the home computing field at holds. Some critics feel it will His words echoed those of generated in the software present and servicing, back-up hamper the progress of mic­ David Potter, who said: "What industry," he said."We can't just and support will all be excel­ rotechnoloyg. David Potter, of seems likely is that because of go on with copies of copies.We lent." Psi on,expressed these fears in the standard and the volumes at Silversoft will be releasing Nick Alexander of Virgin, his talk at the MSX con­ MSX can achieve, we will see new games." added "The Japanese manu­ ference. custom MSX chips produced The challenge to produce facturers have seen the size of "The disadvantages of a stan­ and manufactured, bringing state of the art software,thrown the U K market and have the dard are clear," he began. "lt lower and lower prices on the down by David Potter,of Psion, marketing experience and inhibits change. Micropro­ one hand andgreater function­ may have been taken up by financial muscle to back cessors and ality of the standard in years prestigious software houses, them." technology are still developing to come." but The very if so nothing is being He was full of praise for MSX. and will continue to do so. I future looks rosy for revealed.All developments are "We think MSX will be one of believe their potential to both software houses and MSX going on behind closed doors. the systems which succeeds. develop very rapidly over the owners. As David Potter said: As for the computers them­ The BASIC MSX software isn't next five years is huge. The "Home computers have come selves,the top brass at influen- too advanced,but the graphics question remainsastowhether of age." MSX User, free with Computing Today September 1984 9 How important is MSX? Our software expert, Simon Rockman, reckons it's so important that you should start teaching yourself MSX BASIC now. Here's where you start ...

MSX is set to conquer the world. The the same computer, and in at least companies behind it are so large and one case the same amount of powerful that it is bound to catch on. memory. Many companies with existing ranges Within the MSX world all this of computers are looking into the changes, if you like playing with standard. sound you can buy a Yamaha MSX You won't be able to buy an MSX computer but a friend who wants a computer until September, but that is portable computer can buy the no reason to stop you preparing for it. Hitachi but a zap-em-up aliens game Many profesional programmers will run on both. start writing their programs while This makes the software retailers waiting for the computer to arrive. life much easier. He need only stock Andrew Glaister did this with the one range of software for the whole best-selling Orbiter game while gamut of MSX machines. Of course, waiting for his Spectrum. for those people without MSX All you need to know is the list of computers life will still involve a lot of commands the MSX computer has retyping. As MSX is compatible no­ built in and you can write little one will miss out on software. If you subroutines to simulate them. buy a MSX computer which is later Obviously this will be much slower taken off the market, through than the real thing - some things like company mergers, fierce competition the sprite handling may be too or any of the other things which can complex for BASIC if your computer affect the company but is no fault of does not have sprite�. the product, your computer will still MSX is important. lt allows true be supported by the weight of the "portability'� This means programs other manufacturers. This is the can be moved from one computer to reason that loads of manufacturers another. Before MSX came along have jumped on the IBM PC you had to write a BASIC program in bandwagon. Standardisation sells such a small subset of the language and the customer benefits. that you were greatly limited as to Software piracy will be a huge what you could write that would still problem. Copying tapes is difficult run on another machine. enough to top when you are working Once you had written a hangman, on a variety of different formats but guess the number or some other when everyone has the same simple compatible program the only computer the pirate's life is also way to get it into your friend's easier. Fortunately the cartridge slot machine was to print it out and then is the same on all MSX machines retype the whole lot. Saving to tape because it is part of the standard. would only work if your friend had Commodore has found that using

10 MSX User, free with Computing Today September 1984 AUTO DEF FN Generates line numbers automatically Defines and names a function that is after every carriage return written by the user.

CONT DEFUSR Continues program execution after Specifies the starting address of an BREAK or STOP in execution. assembly language subroutine.

DELETE ERASE Deletes program lines from memory. EI im i nates specified arrays from program and reclaims the memory. LIST Lists af.l or part of a program. END Terminates program execution, closes LLIST all files and returns to cornm and eve Lists aJJ or part of the program to the I I. printer. ERROR Simulates the occurrence of an error, or NEW allows error codes to be defined by the Deletes the entire program from user. memory and resets aH the variables.

RE NUM FOR .. NEXT ..STEP Renumbers the program lines. Allows a series of instructions to be cartridges that are cheap (£10) and oerformed in a loop a given number of contain top quality software RUN times. (International Soccer is brilliant) Executes the program. reduces piracy to the extent that it is GO SUB not a real problem. TRON Branches to a subroutine. Software houses have been slow Turns on the tracing of execution of program statements. An aid to to reap these benefits on the CBM 64. GOTO Hopefully, MSX will persuade them debugging. Branches unconditoonalfy out of the of the benefits. The different features normal program sequence to a specified I ine number. on the different MSX computers may have the effect of confusing the TROFF Turns off trace function. IF.. THEN ..ELSE purchaser. Makes a decision regarding the program How useful is a light pen, do you flow based on the result returned by CLEAR need two cartridge slots, will I want Sets all numeric varaiables to zero, all an expression. to add a synthesiser? These are the string variables to nu 11, closes aH open things that will help you to decide files, and optionally sets the end of which machine to buy. INPUT memory. Allows input from the keyboard during Manufacturers are allowed to program execution. produce add-ons which only work DATA \ with one machine but these are not Stores the numeric and string constants LINE INPUT called M SX add-ons. lt is in this area that are accessed by the program's Allows an entire line (up to 254 that the firms will probably aim to READ statements. characters) to be input to a string compete and outsell their rivals. variable, without the use of delimiters. DIM Whatever happens the money Specifies the maximum values for array behind MSX is bound to pull it LET variable subscripts and allocates storage Assigns the value of an expression to th rough. accordingly. a Here's a complete list of variable. Optional .. commands, statements and DEFINT functions - and what they do ...:.. so Declares variable type as integer. LPRINT you can start learning MSX BASIC LPRINT USING ready for when you get your MSX DEFSNG Prints data on a line printer. computer. Declares variable type as single • • A description of version 4.5 preCISIOn. MIDf Mi crosoft BASIC is followed by the Replaces a portion of one string with DEFDBL another stri·ng. expanded statements and functions Declares variable type as double for MSX computers. precision. ON ERROR GOTO The standard was developed by the Enables error trapping and specifies the Microsoft Corporation, writers of DEFSTR first I ine of the error handI ing what has become the industry­ Declares variable type as string. subroutine. standard BASIC.

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MSX User, free with Computing Today September 1984 1 1 ON .. GOTO CHRS(I} ON .. GOSUB Returns a string whose one element is Branches to one of several specified line the ASC 11 code for I. numbers, depending on the value returned when an expression is CINT(X) evaluated. Converts X to an integer number by truncating the fractional portion. POKE Writes a byte into a memorylocation. COS(X) Returns the cosine of X in radians. PRINT Outputs data to the console. CSNG(X) Converts X to a single precision number. PRINT USING CSRLIN Prints strings or numerics using a Returns the vertical coordinate of the specified format. cursor. READ Reads values from a DATA statement ERL/ERR and assigns them to variables. When an error handling subroutine is \ entered, the variable ERR contains the error codefor the error, and ER L REM Allows explanatory remarks to be contains the line number of the line in inserted into a program. which the error was detected.

RESTORE Allows D·ATA statements to be reread EXP(X) from a specified Ii ne. Returns e to the power of X. X must be less than 145.06286085862. RESUME Continues program execution after an INT(X} error recovery praced u re has been Returns the integer part of X (fraction performed. trnucated). FIX(X) is equivalent to SGN(X)* INT(ABS(X)). RETURN Returns from a subroutine. FRE(O} FRE11" STOP Arguments to F RE are dummy Terminates program execution and arguments. FRE returns the number of returns to command level. bytes in memory not being used by BASIC. The first version gives the SWAP memory available for program text etc. Exchanges the value of two variables. The second gives the bytes available for string space. FUNCTIONS HEX$( X) - Returns a string which represents the ABS(X) value of the decimal Returns the absolute value of the argument. expression X. IN KEY$ ASC(XS) Returns etther a one-character string Returns a numerical value that is the containing a character readfrom the ASC code of the first character of the keyboard or a nu 11 string if no key is string11 XS. pressed.

ATN(X) INPUTf(X) Returns the arctangent of X in radians. Returns a string of X characters, read from the keyboard. BIN$(n) Returns a ·string which represents the INSTR( [I,] X$,Y$) binary value of the decima argument. Searches for the first occurrrence of 1 stringY in X and returns the position CDBL(X) at which� the match$ is found. Optional Converts X to a double precision offset I sets the position for starting the number. search .

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12 MSX User, free with Computing Today September 1984 INT(X) only be used with PRINT and LPRI NT PUT SPRITE Returns the largest integer less than or statements. Sets up the sprite attributes. equal to X. SQR(X) CIRCLE LE FTS(X$,1) Returns the square root of X. X must be Draws an ellipse with specified centre Returns a string comprising the leftmost positive. and radius. A segment may also be I characters of X$. drawn. STR$(X) LEN(X$) Returns a string representation of the DRAW Returns the number of characters in the value of a numeric. Draws a figure according to the graphics string. Non-printing characters and macro language (commands contained blanks are counted. STRING$(1,J) in a st ri n g ) . STRINGS( I,X$) LOG(X) Returns a string of length I whose LINE Returns the natural logarithm of X. characters all have the ASC code J or Draws a line connecting two specified the first character of the string11 X�. coordinates. LPOS(X) Returns the current position of the TAB( I) PAINT line printer print head within the scree.n Spaces to position I on the console. F ilis an arbitrary graphics figure with Ii ne buffer. colour. TAN(X) MID$(X$,1 [,J]) Returns the tangent of X. PSET PRESET Returns a string of length J characters Sets or resets the specified coordinate. from the string beginning with the lth USR [(digit](X) character. Calls the user's assembly language KEY subroutine with argument X. The Sets a string to a specified function key. OCT$(n) digit defines which DEFUSR is Returns a string which represents the ea lied. KEY LIST octal value of the decimal argument. Lists the contents of all function keys. VAL(X$) Returns the numerical value of the KEY ON/OFF PEEK( I) string. Turns the function key display on the Returns the byte (decima1 integre in 24th display I ine on or off. the range 0 to 255) read from memory location I. PEEK is the complementary VARPTR(variable name) ON KEY GOSUB fu netion to the POKE statement. VARPTR(# file number) Sets up a group of line numbers for Returns the address of the first byte of BASIC to trap to when the function POS( I) data identified with the variable, or the keys are pressed. Returns the current cursor position. The starting address of the file control Jeftmost position is zero. block. KEY(fn key) ON/OFF/STOP Activates or deactivates the trapping of RIGHT$(X$,1) EXPANDED STATEMENTS the specified function key in a BASIC Returns the rightmost I characters from SCREEN [mode] [,sprite size] program. the string. [,key click switch] [,cassette \ baud rate] [,printer option] ON STR IG GOSUB RND(X) Ass igns the screen mode, sprite size, key Sets up a group of line numbers for Returns a random number between 0 click, cassette baud rate and printer BASIC to trap to when the trigger and 1. The same sequence of random option. button is pressed. numbers is generated each time the program is run. If X is less than zero, the random generator is re-seeded for WIDTH any given X. Sets the width of the display in text STRIG(n) ON/OFF/STOP mode. To activate or deactivate the trapping of SGN(X) trigger buttons of joysticks in a BASIC Returns a 1 if X is greater than zero, a program. zero for X equal to zero, and -1 for X CI ears the screen. Valid in all screen less than zero. modes. ON STOP GOSUB Sets up a line number for BASIC to trap SIN(X) LOCATE to when the Ctri-STOP key is pressed. Returns the sine of X. Locates the character posit ion for PRINT. STOP ON/OFF/STOP SPACE$(X) To activate or deactivate the trapping of Returns the string of spaces of length a Ctrl-STOP. X. COL OR ON SPRITE GOSUB SPC(I) Defines the foreground, background and Sets up a Iine number for BASIC to trap Prints blanks on the screen. SPC may border colours. to when the sprites eo incide.

MSX User, free with Computing Today September 1984 13 SPRITE ON/OFF/STOP MERGE To activate or deactivate the trapping of Merges the lines from an ASC program a sprite in a BASIC program. file into the program currently11 in memory. ON INTERVAL GOSUB Sets up a fine number for BASIC to trap BSAVE to on a time interval. Saves a memory image at the specified memory location to the device INTERVAL ON/OFF/STOP currently cassette only). To activate or deactivate the trapping of time intervalsin a BASIC program. BLOAD Loadsa machine language program from VPOKE the specifieddevice (currently only POKEs a value to the specified location cassette). of video RAM.

BEEP Generates a beep sound. FUNCTIONS POINT MOTOR Returns colour of a specified pixel. \ Changes the status of the cassette motor SNitch. VPEEK Returns the value in the video RAM SOUND location specified. Writes a value d irectly to the sound generator registers. STICK Returns the direction of a joystick. PLAY Plays music according to the music STRIG macro language. Returns the status of a trigger button of a joystick. MAXFILES Specifies the maximum number of files PDL that can open at one time. Returns the value of a paddle. OPEN PAD Allocates a buffer for 1/0 and sets the Returns the status of the touch pad. mode that wi 11 be used with that buffer. PLAY PRINT:#/ Returns the status of a music queue. PRINT## USING Writes data to the specified channel. EOF Returns -1 if the end of a sequential INPUT## file has been reached. Otherwisereturns Reads data items from the specified a value of zero. channel and assigns them to program variables. SPECIAL VARIABLES LINE INPUT Reads an entire line, up to 254 TIME characters, without a detimiter. The system interval timer. lt is incremented by 1 every60th of a INPUT$ second provided the interrupts are Returns a string of characters readfrom enabled. a file. SPRITE' CLOSE The pattern of a sprite. Closes the specified channel and releases the buffer associated with it. VDP SAVE Specifies either the current value of the Saves a BASIC program file to a video display processor's write only specified device. register, or the read only status register.

LOAD BASE Loads a BASIC program file from the Current base address for each table in specified device. the video display processor.

14 MSX User, free with Computing Today September 1984 AUGUST 1983 Speeding up the Sharp, Premier Dragon disc drive, Sord MS review, BBC String Store, Planetfall.

SEPTEMBER 1983 FELIX knowledge shops, Software protection, Tor eh disc pack, ZXBl Backgammon, Dragon character generator, Three Tandy computers. MARCH 1983 MAY 1983 Colour Genie reviewed, Epson HX-20 review, Spectrum Book Survey, Orie- l Review, Going OCTOBER 1983 PEEKing the Spectrum, Into Atart' s BASIC, FORTH Again, Jupiter Ace review. Shngshot game, Sharp MZ-700 review, Sharp MZ-3541 review, ZBO Disassembler, A better Terminology translated. · JUNE 1983 TRSDOS, Improved VIC-20 editor. APRIL 1983 Interrupt handling, Rubic simulation on the Frog let on the BBC Micro, PC- 1251 hand-held Spectrum, Beating the RS232 Blues, Lynx NOVEMBER 1983 review, Valley Variations, Galaxy reviewed, review, Indexer. BBC Word Processor, ZX LPRINT review, Laser' Micro Database, Lower case UKlOl. 200 review, Wrihng Adventures, Learning

···-....··· .,-·····--···· ···-······--· ····...... _ JULY 1983 FORTH Part 1, PET tape append. Atari renumber, 16-bit micros, Bomb-proof Tandy, Olivetti Praxis 30 review, Ikon Hobbit tape drive review. DECEMBER 1983 MIKRO assembler review, Getting More from the 64 Part l, Adventures part2, Curve-fitting, �-....,•• .., 11'0 .. .,_,.,.., ...... _...., . BBC Touch Typing Tutor. 'MACH IN CODE MUSIC ON THE JANUARY 1984 APPLE: TRS-80 programmers aid, Apple music, &50� routllllet Electron rev1ew, TRS-80 screen editor, cart b& calendar program. :adapt-ed lorotn•r syt.teln$

\n·d•lllt�w FEBRUARY 1984 ot t�wet�"b-0<'1- Using MX-80 graphics, Colour Genie monitor, :aq\l ltllt\11"Jll � � I tot Jt.�rn� " non- random random numbers, ZX81-FORTH, Program recovery on the Commodore 64. '��&fiU'IQW to .

JR'Ulltm_,e�part,hmff '��t»acwi� our BBC OS't.2ROM MARCH 1984 ���"$embly Easycode part BBC poker, Spectrum fea�ur� 1, SCOPE review, Genie utilities, Spectrum Centronics interface. ''·:ttwulon ot�your CPII\1 s.ystern Mot� oUhe �mne APRIL 1984 �eeur�lon on four A§)pk! langu-ag�s.: Memotech MTXSOO review, Genie BASIC extensions, Brainstorm review, Disassembly techniques, Recursion.

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