| Launched By | Fairchild |
| Additional Brands | Grandstand Nordmende Luxor Barco Dumont Zircon International |
| Type | 2nd Generation 8-bit Console |
| Launch | November 1976 |
| Discontinued | 1983 |
The Channel F was launched in late 1976 (as the Video Entertainment System) and was the first home console to feature interchangeable programmable ROM Cartridges. It was sold under different names in different countries, including Adman Grandstand (UK), SABA Videoplay (Germany) and Barco Challenger (Italy).
Latest Channel F posts
Buy Channel F on eBay
2d 23h 13m • United States • Buy it now: $69.00.
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4d 15h 7m • United States • Current Price: $9.99 (0 Bids)
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4d 23h 20m • United States • Current Price: $225.00 (0 Bids)
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5d 1h 35m • United States • Current Price: $123.50 (14 Bids)
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5d 18h 27m • United States • Current Price: $50.00 (1 Bid)
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Popular Channel F games
Hockey
1976
Tennis
1976
Backgammon
1977
Robot War
1977
Torpedo Alley
1977
Space War
1977
Checkers
1978
Video Whizball
1978
Bowling
1978
Alien Invasion
1981
Tetris
2004
Pac-Man
2009
Channel F Emulation
The best emulator we've have found for the Channel F is FreeChaF by David Richardson. It is designed as a Libretro emulator so works well with Retroarch, Lakka and RetroPie. You will need two BIOS files for this emulator, which are:
SL31253orSL90025SL31254
| Platform | Emulator | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Windows / Mac OS / Linux | MAME/MESS | Good Support. Setname: channelf |
| Windows / Mac OS / Linux | Daphne | Emulator for laser disc games such as Dargon's Lair and Space Ace |
| Mac OS | OpenEmu | - |
| Retroarch | Various arcade emulators available | - |
| RetroPie | Various arcade emulators available | - |
Emulator Information Last Updated: 15th March 2020
Channel F Tech Specs and further details
| Name | Fairchild Channel F (launched as Video Entertainment System) |
|---|---|
| Origin | United States |
| Processor | Fairchild F8 |
| Developed by | Jerry Lawson |
| Memory | 64 bytes RAM, 2KB Video RAM |
| Display Output | TV via RF Modulator |
| Display Size (pixels) | 128 × 64 |
| Colours | 8 Max |
| Storage | Cartridge |
| Input | Joystick-type Controllers |
| Cost | $169 (USA) |
| Dedicated Publications | None that we can tell of |