Back To The Rest Of The Magnavox Saga
A
Chronological Summary Of My Involvement With Magnavox
Salvaging Odyssey2
A
Short Postscript To The Magnavox Recitation - Interactive Video
Back To The Rest Of The Magnavox Saga
Picking up where we left off in the story of my quest in 1975 to "help" Magnavox in order to improve license returns for Sanders:
Over the next four or five years, I kept trying to stay in the loop with Magnavox in Fort Wayne and Tennessee in order to influence activities there to our advantage. By and large, that effort bore little fruit with one major exception. When the game that was to become the Odyssey2 was nearly fully developed, Magnavox management decided to stop the job and get out of the video game business altogether. As I'll describe in detail below, I believe I can take credit for turning that decision around so that Odyssey2 rose from the ashes like the proverbial Phoenix.
I don't want to bore those of you not really interested in all of the horrible detail. It's here for completeness sake - classic game enthusiasts are interested in this stuff so here it is for their benefit. To speed up the narrative, I'll just list major events in an abbreviated, tabular format ... except for those situation where a little amplification might be of interest. You can, of course, read it or skip it if all that detail gets boring.
Please note that you might not want to skip what was going on in July of '77 ("Salvaging Odyssey2") ... the month when Odyssey2 was almost still born and I had a hand in salvaging it.
As you may not know, while Odyssey2 was not a great competitor vs the Atari 2600 in this country, it did very well in Europe and Australia. However, if Baer hadn't stuck his finger in the dyke, there most probably would never have been an Odyssey2. And all those Odyssey2 enthusiasts worldwide would have had to do something else! Life would never have been the same.
A Chronological Summary Of My Involvement With Magnavox
Note: Some of this material has already been covered above.
1975
M (= Magnavox) produces Model 200 - same as
100 but with additional TI chip to play "Smash".
2/75 - 3/75
National Semi enters UK market
with 3 game IC design at about $85 US equivalent.
3/75
RHB visits GI at Hicksville, LI, NY.
Gets preview of AY3-8500 single chip game (designed at GI's Glen Rothes
plant in Scotland). RHB asks Arnold Greenberg, president of Coleco, to
meet him at Hicksville for a demo of this TV game chip. Coleco gets on top
of list for the AY3-8500 chip delivery.
3/19/75
Letter from RHB to R. Fritsche:
Discussion and proposal to work with M on video disc based TVG's -
describes
demo we produced using VCR as surrogate video disc player of soccer game
with background and goalies on tape, other players in game unit,
interacting normally. Looking ahead to '77-'78 time frame for
"real" product.
3/21/75
Memo to D. Chisholm/L. Etlinger:
Watch out for TI to sell TVG chip sets designed for M - it will happen:
TI makes up data sheets and offers to one and all. Also RHB warns that
National Semi will go it alone ... must pursue legally. RHB suggests to
apply pressure above Briody level at M to get licensing moving. RCA also
in video game business now with RCA Spectra, same licensing problem!
4/75
GI visits Magnavox, Fort Wayne and demos AY3-8500 chip.
4/18/75
RHB memo to E. S. Rubin (Mgr of E/O
Division at S/A) regarding attached memo. Rubin expressed an interest in
supporting me (also kicked in some R&D dollars for SNS development!).
Also: Color Odyssey in works for '76.
5/75/75
Prepare demo to M representatives (J. Slusarski) regarding Vidisc games and Video
Quizz. Discuss add-ons: Rifle,
audio control (audio tape player controlled games per RHB patents) of
TVG's.
6/3/75
Telecon with R. Fritsche - just
returned from Philips at Eindhoven. Discussed vidisc games, some interest.
Expects to visit S/A with John Slusarski regarding Eindhoven visit. Discussed need
for legal action vs National Semi. I asked for 13" Color chassis for
use with Centronics/Gamex 21 game design.
6/25/75
Telecon with George Kinney, North
American Philips labs, Briar Cliff Manor, NY, responsible for special
applications of video disc (VLP System) - suggested that he join Fritsche
and Slusarsky for vidisc-TVG demo.
6/27/75
Memo to Herb Campman: Request for
funds to pursue Vidisc-TVG, digital video modem and other capabilities to
M and Philips.
6/30/75
George Kinney calls, begs off ... too
many applications on hand already! He sounds like a loser! End of the vidisc trail for now.
8/5/75
Memo to Herb Campman asking for
funding to improve Vidisc-TVG demo capability to increase interest by M
8/13/75
RHB visit to M Fort Wayne, meetings
with Byron Garoufalis who works for VP Engg John Sylva regarding one on
one
games (single player games), add-on accessories like rifle, light pen. Racing games including
"Tank" and "Wheels" game. Get John Slusarsky and Bob
Price to attend next MOA show to inform themselves and resolve question
whether M belongs in coin-op video, cocktail table game business via
licensing S/A SNS design.
Also met with Nat Adams, Tom Briody, Bob
Fritsche regarding M attitude on serious licensing of coin-op manufacturers. Reported in
memo to Campman and Etlinger: M missing big shipments of Model 100 and 200
because of TI's chipset problems. Detailed discussion on licensing.
8/14/75
Memo to Herb C: Summarize Vidisc/TVG
"sales" effort ... need for "paid" help to RHB. Also:
Another memo to Etlinger on the M/Philips Vidisc/TVG subject followed by
this note: I have since talked to Briody and Fritsche who state that M
will not license any "competitor" unless they are so big that
they would "go ahead anyway" with or without license, i. e.
they'll license only defensively! But they would take "guaranteed"
orders for large volumes of TVGs! Unacceptable attitude!
8/28/75
Memo to Lou Etlinger from RHB regarding M license negotiations: What we offer in
vidisc related technology,
advanced game support etc. Why M should be interested.
8/75
Neuman-Willimans, Anderson & Olson
engaged by Tom Briody, M to pursue infringers.
9/12/75
Steven Forte, GI Scotland visits M regarding AY3-8500. Mentions Atari design, changes in chip design from 12 to 9
volts. No deliverable chips exist as yet.
10/1/75
Telecons with John Slusarsky and
Bob Fritsche regarding M reorganization ... closing NY HQ. R. Fritsche leaving to
become marketing manager at Beatrice Products. John Helms takes his place.
Slusarky says that Atari had half million unit order with GI for AY3-8500,
sight unseen, if they could deliver before 9/1/75. AY3-8500 devices to
sell for $5. GI bitter about loss of business to two competitors: Synertec, National Semiconductor spin-off (made Atari's game chip) and
Electronic Arrays, Mountain View, CA. Suspect Hughes did layout and Atari
went to Synertec and E.A. for production.
10/1/75
Telecon with Tom Briody:
Negotiating license with Executive Games ... to meet on 10/11. Attitude at
M regarding licensing has changed: Rozell is for it, Kenny Ingram "maybe",
Tom pushing for it!
10/7/75
Meeting with Lou Etlinger on the
subject of what (of the many improvements, new concepts, patent
applications, by RHB) M is entitled to under their license. Lou begins to
negotiate this subject ... give 'em nothing they're not entitled to!
11/18-27/75
Multiple telecons with John
Helms and Slusarsky regarding chip data and visit to S/A.
12/9/75
Letter to John Helms outlining cocktail table program, Vidisc related activities, future product planning
for M by S/A.
12/15/75
Sears sells Atari game with Synertec chip.
12/24/75
Memo to Lou Etlinger: Overview ... how
to get maximum return from M license, M still not motivated to pursue
infringers energetically ... do something!
1/12/76
Proposal by RHB to M to combine TV
game with Jerrold remote control tuner; 3/9 Agenda for Fort Wayne visit:
Intend to discuss add-on features (rifle, light pen, cassette player for
audio control of TV game, user programmable obstacles - my Telesketch
invention, R/C controls). M interest in audio control TVGs; Vidisc TVGs; consulting/product
design by S/A.
3/12/76
Trip report on visit to M, Fort Wayne 3/9: No decisions by M to date.
6/2-10/76
RHB on witness stand (as a
fact witness) for 6 days in M vs Chicago Dynamics & Atari suit in federal court in Chicago,
judge John Grady presiding. About three linear feet
of technical documents by RHB, W. L. Harrison and Bill Rusch plus all of the
developmental hardware built between '66 and '69, including the Brown Box,
is in court.
6/10/76
Nolan Bushnell has meeting with Tom
Briody and Ted Anderson, representing M. NB has change of mind, enters
into a paid-up agreement with M, Atari leaves lawsuit.
1/10/77
Judge Grady reads decision from the
bench; calls RHB's '480 patent the "pioneer" TV game patent;
holds for M-S/A on all counts. We win big time!
7/13/77
Visit to S/A by John Helms:
Subjects covered: S/A support to M on low end and help with Intel
microprocessor (Odyssey2) TV game; cable games; vidisc games; TV add-on
products (RHB inventions TV alarm clock, TV weather station, etc.).
7/15/77
Memo on meeting. Detailed listing
of subjects covered.
7/26/77
Letter to John Helms following up
on visit. 4 page proposal for various coop efforts including cost
estimates.
8/2/77
I have a telecophone conversation
with John Helms: He says that he "sold" the concept of S/A
participation to M program planning - but he reported big potential
trouble at their Tennessee TV set and video game manufacturing plant.
There is talk about canceling the Odyssey2 program alltogether!
Helms suggests that I get myself down to
their Tennessee plant on 8/10, bright and early in the AM. Subject:
Discontinuance of Odyssey2 development by M management. I said I'll be
there, no fail!
8/10/77
I flew into the Tri City, TN
airport via Piedmont Airlines. The meeting at Magnavox' Tennessee plant
began promptly at 10 in the morning: About a dozen people sat around a
long conference table in an otherwise barren, unadorned conference room.
The contrast between this place and the carpeted offices up in Fort Wayne was stark. So was the mood. I led off by presenting my involvement with
the support for Coleco by Sanders and Coleco's outstanding success in the video game
business. Using that account to establish my credentials, I
argued that Odyssey2 had a good shot at becoming a successful product and
urged John Fauth, a senior VP at Magnavox and the president of Magnavox,
Tennessee to turn the Odyssey2 development program back on immediately.
After I finished my presentation, I was
asked to leave the room. In a management meeting right afterwards, John
Fauth decided to turn program back on. All he needed now to make it
official was approval from John DeScipio, Magnavox president at the time
in Fort Wayne. After lunch I flew up to Fort Wayne in Magnavox' corporate
airplane along with Fauth and John Helms. John had also been at the
morning meeting. When we got to the video game group's quarters, there was
black crepe draped around the doorways! Most of the Odyssey2 project
engineers were on the phone trying to find themselves new jobs.
Helms expressed "cautious optimism"
about the possible reversal of management's decision but the atmosphere
was decidedly glum. Nevertheless they were glad to show me a fully
functional Odyssey2 developmental unit. That was the first time I had
seen the game hardware and was pleased to see how well it worked and how
different it was compared to anything else out there. I especially liked
the keyboard, deliberately made to give Odyssey2 the look of a computer,
and very functional at that!
8/11/77
Spent the day at Fort Wayne with the engineers. Among other things, I was given Odyssey2's Intel microprocessor and
display processor chip specs as well as the code that had been generated.
John Helms suggested that we study the material at Sanders and comment on
it ... he wants moral support for the Intel chipset decision. I also got
copies of all the available schematics for Odyssey2.
By now official word had come down that the
program was "on" again! Chuck also had a new organization chart:
He was now the video game chief engineer, Gene Kalley was assigned to the
"Intel game" (Odyssey2) as their group leader. Things were
looking up again!
8/12/77
RHB memo to distribution: Trip report, Magnavox visit 8/10&11: Turn-around at Magnavox
regarding Odyssey2.
Almost certain I salvaged the program! By 9/28 I would be sure!
8/22/77
Had Lenny Cope contact Stan Mazor
at Intel to discuss Odyssey2 chipset for our information. Proposed to M
to flow chart and write code for our Monday Nite Football game (developed
in cooperation with Marvin Glass & Associates), also for Run Silent,
Run Deep, Off To The Races, Battlefield, all sketched out in detail by
Lenny Cope. Proposed to let Stan Mazor at Intel build a second breadboard
system for us (S/A) which Stan said would take 2 weeks. Suggested
additional socket for 8355 ROM and 8155 RAM in original µP TVG design to
accommodate MNFB. Agreed with John Helms on how to proceed.
8/24/77
Telecon with Frank Kott, M Fort Wayne, Chuck Heffron's boss: Apology for once again excluding us from
participation: Citing excuses ... still wants support to M video game management from us. Wants us to work on their business plan with them
9/3+. Decided to stay cooperative for the moment.
9/5/77
Press Report: Video game operation
shaken up by Magnavox. Helms out, Fauth now senior VP of products and
marketing reporting to Alfred DiScipio. Chuck Dolk is VP of product
management. "All engineers working on video game development let go
by company" ... wrong! Aborted by RHB's visit to TN. But John Helms
is
out. Need to sell our coop effort all over again!
9/8-9/77
Trip to Fort Wayne. Meeting with
Frank Kott and Chuck Heffron. Subject 1978 program. Discussed two low end
designs with GI 8600 chips and Signetics 2 game (color) chipset. Possible
plug-in programmable unit with GI dedicated plug-in chip system with one
proprietary chip. Possible MosTec µP + ROM (2 chip) game - 48 weeks).
9/15/77
Letter to John Fauth: (1) Discuss
the proposed product line; Ok. (2) Suggest strong management action to
beef up component cost control, target pricing, lack of strong product
manager (some nerve!). Expressed hope that M can pull team together to
make promising product line happen in '78. Offered to help!
9/13/77
Trip Report: Trip made at request
of Frank Kott, manager video products to put together a video game product
line. Detailed description of game products planned for year '78. My
assessment of their probable success: Program too optimistic, but deserves
our support because it will result in good line with substantial sales and
royalties to S/A. Need to work through John Fauth.
9/19/77
John Fauth called, expressed
regrets about not having gotten to me sooner. Confirmed M management
decision to proceed with Intel design (Odyssey2) and GI 8600 series low
cost products. Wanted software/game generation support from S/A. Told
me to "wait" for Chuck Dolk's contact.
9/28/77
Memo regarding Magnavox support program:
Report telecon with Frank Kott who says: Fauth, Dolk, DiScipio met,
approved immediate go-ahead with Intel µP game for USA (Odyssey2) and
for Europe (PAL/Philips version); also approved a MosTech low lost µP
game. Backup GI Series 8700. Dedicated Chip game system. Expressed
everyone's belief at M that they need us (S/A) for game generation,
critique, to get ahead of Atari. Want meeting at Fort Wayne 10/6. Results
of meeting to be presented to DiScipio. M TV game group "counting on
us to keep all M management people in positive mood regarding video games".
Asked Howard Morrison to come along on 10/6 to present MNFB, other
possible MGA input.
9/29/77
Wrote out S/A-MGA & Magnavox ground rules to be proposed to M: No exclusives,
game generation to be
paid for by M; Standard S/A-M agreement; right to sell game developed
for M elsewhere if M does not proceed.
9/29/77
Discussion with Lou Etlinger on how
to support M in preparation for 10/8 meeting.
10/77
Detailed Magnavox
1978 TV games program: Ground rules for S/A & MGA effort on M behalf.
10/6/77
Visit with Chuck Dolk at Fort Wayne
with Howard Morrison.
10/10/77
Memo/trip report: Extensive
briefing at MGA in Chicago 8/5 - meeting with Dolk a big flop: He takes
less than 5 minutes to undermine my missionary work at MGA by telling us
that he isn't interested, doesn't understand video games, doesn't want to
learn; games represent 10 % of M gross, therefore we'll get 10 % type
attention! Howard is disgusted ... will take MNFB to Milton Bradley and to
Bally.
10/11/77
Howard Morrison sends letter to
Chuck Dolk telling him that since M wants exclusive rights, license
income would be too low; therefore, MGA is declining an association with
M.
10/12/77
Memo from D. Chisholm to H. W. Pope
and J. L. Bowers (President S/A), outlining receipts from licensing; current
litigation; our Fort Wayne problems with Dolk, etc.
10/13/77
Telecon with Frank Kot: Follow-up
on meetings with Dolk, Fauth etc. after our visit: New proposal to work
together in spite of Dolk.
10/18/77
Telecon with Frank Kot: Progress
report on Intel chip machine, price renegotiation, etc., desire to work
together.
11/29/77
Telecon with Frank Kott: Mike Staupp
is new product manager for Odyssey; inside man, ex VCR manager. France
impounded 40,000 Coleco units, passed RFI law. Told me to expect a call
from Chuck Dolk! Also: M OEM'ing game for Mattel with GI microprocessor;
going to be produced by M TN, software by Mattel.
12/7/77
Telecon with Chuck Dolk: Moving
ahead on own way; might want to sit down and discuss how we can help them
with software generation. Mike, Frank responsible but out until next week.
Invited me to come out (to Fort Wayne) on 12/20.
12/20/77
Visit to M in Fort Wayne.
12/22/77
Memo/trip report: Met with Dolk,
Kott, Staup regarding S/A support to TV game program. Want 1 or 2 games from us
that make good use of game's capabilities (A/N's). M wants input on
"good" games ... concepts, preliminary flowcharting only, support
of M programmers: Ed Averett - outside subcontractor, Sam Overton and Bob
Harris - M programmers. Games to be available 2/1/78!!! Possibly
exercise games on simulator at S/A. Summary: Minimal S/A participation ...
we must decide: What's in it for us ... need meeting to set
ground rules.
12/23/77
WStJ article: NV Philips unit
files 2 suits charging patent infringement (Bally Midway, Sears/Montgomery
Ward).
Magnavox has 40 licensees now.
1/23/78
Telecon with Frank Kot, M Fort Wayne: Regarding TVG support program. Told FK that C. Dolk approved in
principle. Requested all available info on hardware, study it, visit M with draft of
proposals. Kot assigns Sam Overton (software designer) to coordinate with
us. Sam called: Sending more data; told Sam we'll go as far as
flowcharting. Sam says he's lone programmer. Problem: Who'll do coding?
Sam: 6 carts finished, need 10 by Xmas. My position: One outstanding game
is better than 10 so-so's. We offer to do programming.
1/27/78
Memo to distribution: "Magnavox 1980/81 TV game plan". M wants 2
- 3 games from us. M is
getting ready to analyze 1980+ product needs. We propose Lenny Cope's home
entertainment center design. Will submit to M under NDA.
2/13/78
Memo to distribution: "Magnavox game generation program, guidelines". Extensive proposal for four
theme areas: TV Arcade Fun, TV Casino Royal, TV Board Master Games, Body And
Souls TV Magic ... possibly pre-schooler games. Detailed
description of all games is given.
2/28/78
Memo to S/A Magnavox TV game team:
Detroit Fever and Telesketch. Telesketch technology (refering US patent issued
to S/A-RHB 4,194,198).
3/13/78
Memo: Use of player positioned
bumpers suggested. Narrative and pictorials attached.
4/20/78
Memo to F. Shirley from Lenny Cope.
Reports that video techniques program has slowed by diversion ... one of
these has "resulted in a broad agreement between Magnavox and Sanders
... encouraged by this contract, Ralph Baer is stepping up our
efforts to attract further business" (from M).
5/10/78
Telecon with/letter to Mike Staup:
Sending data on our TV alarm clock.
5/78-10/78
Work at S/A under contract to M
on player positionable bumper pinball game for Odyssey2 ... long initial
delay to get in-circuit emulator (ICE) system. Don McGuiness does the
programming at S/A. Delivered 10/78 ($50k job). Standing by to revise as
requested by M (Note: Still have a functional plug-in cart (no case) in
my possession - nice interactive game).
12/25/78
Electronic News article: Magnavox
sues 4 firms over MPU video games: Fairchild, Bally, Sears, Montgomery
Ward. RCA was threatened too, but dropped out of (Spectra) video game
business ... article covers importance of license income from
video games,
progress in licensing, etc.
1/79
Odyssey2 is introduced, well received
at CES in January ... our cartridge is not among available games. Reason: Ed
Averett, whom M deliberately never introduced to us, had exclusive rights
to program games for Odyssey2 as an outside, independent contractor.
Divide and conquer ...? There were two other software engineers, Sam Overton
and Bob Harris at M who programmed games for Odyssey2.
A Short Postscript To The Magnavox Recitation - Interactive Video
By the late Seventies it had become obvious that Magnavox was not willing to spend the money and go head to head against the Atari juggernaught that was now dominating the video game business. That was one of many reasons I stopped worrying about Magnavox - I had more important fish to fry by then.
In particular, by the mid Seventies I saw the connection between video tape and games as well as the use of the VCR for interactive education and training ... so, over the next ten years I concentrated on developing systems which married the video tape player, later the video disc and then the CD player to a computer for interactive games and education.
But then, that is another, long story entirely.
© Copyright 1999-2000 by Ralph H. Baer
Erstellt am 03.09.01. Zuletzt bearbeitet am 08.09.03 .