Atari Video Music

[Quinton_Fulsom at Dell.com]

contact john dunn at johndunn at algoart.com, he was one of the programmers.  I
remember we used to use it for "pre rave" parties.  Pretty cheesy but better
than nothing.  The only "other" video synth I've seen that should not be
compared to this one is one used by severed heads' tom ellard I believe he
modified quite a bit.  These are rare units but I believe they were
"commercially" avble.  John could definetely clear up any ?'s however.  I
would definetely hold onto it though.  Quint

-----Original Message-----
From: Eric Barbour [mailto:ebarbour at svetlana.com]
Sent: Monday, November 02, 1998 2:40 PM
To: 'b.layer at vikingelectronics.com'
Cc: 'synth-diy at mailhost.bpa.nl'
Subject: Atari Video Music


>Is anyone familiar with the Atari 'Video Music' device that was made in the
>mid 70's? I've got one of the things, but I've never hooked it up. 

BILL!!!

I've got news for you.......just a friendly warning........

Here in California that is a RARE COLLECTOR'S ITEM.
I know some of the local computer collectors, many of them also go
in for early Atari video games.
Most have never SEEN a Video Music Box.
They would SHIT BRICKS if one came on the open market for sale.

(These are the same kind of guys who will cheerfully pay $50,000
for one of the Apple I computers, which were only available as
a kit with a bare PC board. Or $20,000 for a mint-condition
Scelbi 8H microcomputer, which predated the Apple and the
MITS Altair. Mint-condition Altairs currently go for $2500-5000.)

Apparently the Video Music Box was a failure--
only a couple thousand were made back in 1974.
I think it was Atari's first attempt at a consumer product,
predating the home version of Pong.

DO NOT DISCARD IT!!! Do get it working if you can. Be very careful, it
was made very cheaply, the PC boards are not the best quality.

And if you prefer to sell it, I can put you in touch with buyers.

Eric Barbour
Svetlana Electron Devices
Portola Valley CA USA (engineering and marketing)
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