Interton Video Computer 4000

{{Short description|Home video game console released by Interton in 1978}}

{{Infobox information appliance

| name = Interton Video Computer 4000

| title =

| aka = Interton VC 4000 (abbreviation)

| logo = 250px

| image = VC-4000-Console-Set.jpg

| caption = An Interton VC 4000 with its accompanying game controller

| developer =

| manufacturer = Interton

| family =

| type = Home video game console

| generation = Second generation

| releasedate = {{Start date and age|1978}}

| lifespan =

| price = {{DM|298|1978}}

| discontinued = 1983

| unitssold = Unknown

| unitsshipped = Unknown

| media =

| os =

| power =

| soc =

| cpu = Signetics 2650A

| graphics = Signetics 2636 video controller[https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Signetics_2650_%26_2636_programming/2636_PVI Wikibook]

| memory =

| storage =

| memory card = Cartridges

| display =

| sound =

| input = 2 controllers with 12 buttons, 2 fire buttons and an analog joystick

| controllers =

| camera =

| touchpad =

| connectivity =

| platform =

| service = None

| dimensions =

| weight = Unknown

| topgame = Unknown

| compatibility =

| predecessor = Interton Video 3001

| successor = None

| related = 1292 Advanced Programmable Video System

| website =

}}

File:IntertonElectronic.png

The Interton Video Computer 4000 (officially abbreviated as Interton VC 4000) is an early 8-bit ROM cartridge-based second-generation home video game console that was released in Germany, England, France, Spain, Austria, the Netherlands and Australia in 1978 by German hearing aid manufacturer{{Cite web|title=Videospielkonsolen - DER SPIEGEL|url=https://www.spiegel.de/geschichte/videospielkonsolen-a-949227-amp.html|access-date=2020-06-29|website=www.spiegel.de}} Interton.{{Cite web|url=https://blog.hnf.de/vom-hoergeraet-zum-computerspiel/|title=Vom Hörgerät zum Computerspiel {{!}} HNF Blog|website=blog.hnf.de|access-date=2019-06-20}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.vc4000.de/html/geschichte.html|title=Willkommen im Interton VC 4000/Video 2000 Online-Museum|website=www.vc4000.de|access-date=2019-06-20}} The console is quite obscure outside Germany, but many software-compatible systems can be found in numerous European countries (see versions of the 1292 Advanced Programmable Video System). The console is the successor of the Interton Video 3001 and was sold for 298 Deutsche Mark and discontinued in 1983.

It's unknown if Interton designed and produced the Interton VC 4000 within their own rights, or if they were sold the rights to design and produce it. This is because many other foreign brands have produced "clones" of this system in the preceding years.

The Interton VC 4000's power comes from a Signetics 2650 CPU (which is the same as an Arcadia 2001) and a Signetics 2636 gaming controller. Both controllers contain a 12-button keypad, two fire buttons, and a joystick. Inside the systems control panel, there are four different buttons. The ON/OFF switch, RESET, SELECT, and START.{{Cite web|url=http://www.old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?c=726|title=OLD-COMPUTERS.COM : The Museum|access-date=26 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071209092013/http://www.old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?c=726|archive-date=9 December 2007|url-status=dead}}