| 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
United States of America • Current Price: USD 11.99.
United States of America • Buy it now: USD 799.99.
United States of America • Buy it now: USD 600.00.
United States of America • Buy it now: USD 35.00.
United States of America • Buy it now: USD 1500.00.
United States of America • Buy it now: USD 25.00.
United States of America • Buy it now: USD 9900.00.
Popular Channel F games
Tennis
1976
Hockey
1976
Torpedo Alley
1977
Space War
1977
Backgammon
1977
Robot War
1978
Video Whizball
1978
Bowling
1978
Checkers
1978
Alien Invasion
1981
Tetris
2004
Pac-Man
2009
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 |
| Retroarch | via lr-freechaf | - |
| RetroPie | via lr-freechaf | - |
Emulator Information Last Updated: 15th March 2020
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 | ROM Cartridge |
| Input | Joystick-type Controllers |
| Cost | $169 (USA) |
| Dedicated Publications | None that we can tell of |