Casio PV-7

In today's article, we are going to delve into the exciting world of Casio PV-7. Whether you're an expert in the field or just starting to explore it, this article has something for everyone. We will explore the most relevant aspects of Casio PV-7, from its history to its impact on today's society. Additionally, we will discuss the latest trends and discoveries related to Casio PV-7, as well as opinions from experts in the field. Get ready to embark on a fascinating journey through Casio PV-7 and discover everything this theme has to offer. Do not miss it!

PV-7
DeveloperCasio Computer
Typehome computer
Release date1984
Introductory price29,800 yen
Operating systemMSX BASIC 1.0
CPUZilog Z80A @ 3.56 MHz
Memory8 KB
Removable storagecartridge
DisplayRF output, CVBS: 256 × 192 pixels, 16 colors
GraphicsTMS9929A
SoundAY-3-8910
Controller inputJoystick
Backward
compatibility		MSX1

The PV-7 is an MSX-compatible home computer released by Casio Computer on October 15, 1984.[1][2][3][4] At the time the standard MSX computer price was over 50,000 yen, but the PV-7 was released at the low price of 29,800 yen.[5]

Positioned as a successor to the PV-2000 home computer, released by Casio the previous year, it inherited the PV-2000's octagonal "joypad" at the right of the keyboard.[6][5]

Due to the small amount of RAM installed, many of the software written in BASIC couldn't be run, and the keyboard was barely large enough to input characters. This limitations meant that the machine used mainly for games provided on ROM cartridges.

History

Utilizing the calculator technology that Casio mastered at the time, the PV-7 used a single-sided circuit board to reduce manufacturing costs. The indented release price was 19,800 yen, which would be competitive with the Famicom. Although the actual price exceeded the initial target, it was successful in being priced under 30,000 yen. The emphasis on price led to the sacrifice of specifications, with RAM limited to 8 KB, the minimum capacity allowed by the MSX standard, a single cartridge slot and no tape interface.[6][2][3]

Despite its low specs, sales were strong during the Christmas season.[7] However, the price slash caused by the Casio PV-7, caused other MSX machines to plummet in price, leading many electronics manufacturers to withdraw from the standard as it was no longer profitable.[8][9] Nishi Kazuhiko, a proponent of the MSX standard, states: "Casio's price cuts almost killed off the MSX of other companies. I thought, 'Oh no!'".[10]

Technical details

The PV-7 has 8 KB of RAM,[2] expandable to 64 KB by using a dedicated expansion or RAM expansion cartridge.[11] The CPU is a Z80A running at 3,579 Mhz.[2] Graphics are handled by a TMS9918A graphics chip capable of generating 256×192 pixels graphics with 16 colours and 32 sprites.[2] The machine has 32 KB of ROM housing MSX BASIC v 1.0.[2]

There are two color variations: black with gray keys, and red with black keys.[6][3]

Software

Software released by Casio for the PV-7:

  • GPM-101: Steeplechase
  • GPM-102: Hot Battle at Koshien
  • GPM-103: Ski Command
  • GPM-104: Pachinko UFO
  • GPM-112: Ice World
  • GPM-113: Eagle Fighter
  • GPM-114: Casio World Open
  • GPM-117: Iga Ninja Scroll
  • GPM-118: Car Fighter
  • GPM-119: The 7 Adventures of Sinbad
  • GPM-120: Exoid Z
  • GPM-123: Monster House
  • GPM-124: Kitten's Great Adventure
  • GPM-125: Philosopher's Stone
  • GPM-128: Iga Ninja Scroll: Battle at Full Moon Castle
  • GPM-129: Exoid Z Area 5
  • GPM-130: Moai Treasures
  • GPM-131: Crest of Hades, the Dragon King of Darkness
  • GPM-132: What is the problem with Issun-boshi?
  • GPM-501: Game Land
  • GPM-501S: Game Land Special
  • GPM-502: Introduction to BASIC
  • GPM-503: Drawing Contest
  • GPM-505: Introduction to BASIC II
  • GPM-506: Introduction to Computers
Casio MX10

These models inherited the basic concept of the PV-7 as an inexpensive computer, and all of them were equipped with a joypad.

PV-16

Released in 1985, this machine had 16KB of RAM at the same price as the PV-7.[12] It also had a built-in cassette interface. The exterior was the same as the PV-7, but the internal circuit board was double-sided.

MX-10

Released in 1986, this machine was even smaller than the PV-16, with a price of 19,800 yen. It had a chiclet keyboard and the cassette interface was optional.[13]

MX-101

Released in November 1986, this machine allows the RF output be wirelessly transmitted to a TV using transmitting and receiving antennas.[14]

See also

References

  1. ^ MSXマガジン 1984年12月号
  2. ^ a b c d e f "PV-7 Casio (Japan)". 1000 BiT. Retrieved 2025-04-20.
  3. ^ a b c "Casio - PV-7". Generation MSX. Archived from the original on 2024-11-14. Retrieved 2025-04-20.
  4. ^ CASIO (1984-08-25). CASIO MSX PV-7 プログラムライブラリー.
  5. ^ a b "HardNews PV-7". MSX Magazine (in Japanese). December 1984. pp. 130, 131.
  6. ^ a b c "The Most Useless MSX". Leaded Solder. 2020-05-04. Retrieved 2025-04-20.
  7. ^ MSXマガジン永久保存版3』
  8. ^ 関口和一『パソコン革命の旗手たち』日本経済新聞社、2000年、p.196
  9. ^ 滝田誠一郎『電脳のサムライたち 西和彦とその時代』実業之日本社、1997年、p.94
  10. ^ 『反省記 - ビル・ゲイツとともに成功をつかんだ僕が、ビジネスの“地獄"で学んだこと』西和彦
  11. ^ "Casio KB-7 Expansive Unit - RTO - Peripheral - Computing History". www.computinghistory.org.uk. Retrieved 2025-04-20.
  12. ^ "Casio PV-16". HCM: The Home Computer Museum. Retrieved 2025-04-20.
  13. ^ "Casio MSX Personal Computer MX-10 Type B". Computing History. Retrieved 2025-04-20.
  14. ^ "Casio MX-101". The Home Computer Museum. Retrieved 2025-04-20.