Re: RGVAC FAQ Revision: 1.3
- From: "Alpha1" <inboxNOSPAM@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Tue, 01 Nov 2005 20:02:58 GMT
And maybe links to The Amplifone FAQ and other simliar FAQ's like that.
"arcadeguy" <arcadeguy@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:1130861190.797455.300280@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>
> Frequently Asked Questions
>
>
> rec.games.video.arcade.collecting
>
>
> $Revision: 1.3 $ $Date: 2005/11/01 11:13:40 $
>
>
> This is the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) list for the Usenet
> newsgroup rec.games.video.arcade.collecting (hereafter
> abbreviated to rgva.collecting)
>
> This FAQ is posted every 30 days and the current copy should be
> considered to supersede all previous postings.
>
> This FAQ was developed by Tony Jones, and reviewed by Doug Jefferys
> and Steve Ozdemir. This document (and all previous versions) is
> copyright and may only be reproduced (either in whole or part)
> with the express written consent of the author.
>
> Information about UK sources and European TV/monitor specifications
> was kindly provided by John Keay.
>
> This document has been designed for viewing on an 80 column display.
>
> Comments and suggestions for improvement welcomed. Send email
> to arcadeguy@arcadeguy[DOT]com (please replace [DOT] with a period)
>
>
> Index of Items
> --------------
> > indicates a change since the last revision of the FAQ
> * indicates new information
>
>
> *1. What is rgva.collecting?
> *2. Guidelines to posting to rgva.collecting
> *3. Answers to some frequently asked questions (FAQs)
> *4. Other related FAQs
> 5. Further sources of information
> *6. Some commonly used terms and acronyms.
>
>
> 1) What is rgva.collecting?
>
>
> rgva.collecting is a forum for discussion related to the COLLECTING
> of ARCADE VIDEO GAMES. The main topics of discussion are how to
> purchase games from operators and auctions, technical discussions of
>
>
>
> game hardware, issues relating to the maintenance/repair of games,
> and game conversion, which is the process of converting or augmenting
> an existing game to play one or more additional games.
>
>
> Postings advertising items FOR SALE, AUCTION or items WANTED may not
>
>
>
> be posted to rgva.collecting, they instead must be posted to
> 'rec.games.video.arcade.marketplace' (rgva.marketplace).
>
>
> Discussion of all games (including those currently in the arcades)
> is welcome on rgva.collecting, as long as the discussion is directly
> related to collecting (as defined above).
>
>
> Postings relating to arcade game play, game history, game features
> and game advocacy (the various merits of one arcade game over another)
> should be directed to the parent group, rec.games.video.arcade (rgva),
> unless a clear link to collecting can be made.
>
>
> Please do not post discussing home/pc versions of arcade games.
> Instead post to a more appropriate group,
> such as 'rec.games.video.classic' or 'comp.sys.<machine>.games'.
>
>
> 1.1) History of rgva.collecting
> The initial "request for discussion" for the formation of
> rgva.collecting was issued on Wednesday October 20th 1993 by Tony
> Jones. Voting began on Wednesday November 24th. With help from
> Steve Ozdemir who rallied the VAPS membership, the newsgroup
> came into being on Wednesday December 22nd having passed the
> newgroup creation process 4 days earlier by a vote of 165 to 16.
>
>
> In the early days of the newsgroup, traffic was in the low
> tens of articles per day, rising by 1996 to around 100 articles
> per day.
>
>
> In August 1997, Steve Ozdemir organised a vote to split
> Forsale/Wanted (so called 'marketplace') traffic out of
> rgva.collecting into a new newsgroup rgva.marketplace.
> This new group came into effect on the 1st of October 1997,
> having passed it's vote by a majority of 5 to 1.
>
>
> 2) Guidelines to posting to rgva.collecting.
>
>
> rgva.collecting is a Usenet group, no different from any other.
> As such, most if not all of the usual guidelines for posting
> articles apply.
>
>
> Remember that before posting to rgva.collecting you should already
> be familiar with the posting conventions and guidelines that are
> posted
>
>
> periodically to the newsgroup "news.announce.newusers". If you
> cannot find these guidelines by reading the group, wait a while
> and a copy *will* be posted, or try asking fellow users or the
> system administrators at your site for a copy.
>
>
> In addition, newcomers are strongly advised to read rgva.collecting
> for at least a few weeks (at a minimum, have read this FAQ) before
> posting for the first time.
>
>
> You are, of course, free to ignore all of this advice. You should,
> however, remember that your postings reflect upon yourself. If you
> choose to pursue collecting video games further, you may be dealing
> with people who read your postings, and first impressions can often
> be lasting.
>
>
> 3) Answers to some frequently asked questions:
>
>
> 3.1) -- I want to buy and sell games and game parts by advertising on
> rgva.collecting, are there any tips?
>
>
> These types of postings are no longer allowed on rgva.collecting.
> In October 1997, a new group rgva.marketplace dedicated to this
> type of posting was created.
>
>
> See the FAQ for rec.games.video.arcade.marketplace for more
> details.
>
>
> 3.1b) -- OK, but if I post to rgva.marketplace, then I can also
> crosspost my
> Forsale/Wanted/Auction posting to rgva.collecting. Right?
>
>
> Wrong. No posting of 'marketplace' items to rgva.collecting,
> whether directly or via crossposting.
>
>
> 3.2) -- Somebody told me that this group is only for 'classic' games
> such as Tempest. Is this really true?
> -- I just bought a Primal Rage, can I post about it on
> rgva.collecting?
>
>
> The charter of rgva.collecting (which was voted upon) states:
> "rec.games.video.arcade.collecting will be open to all games,
> including those currently popular in the arcades, provided the
> discussion is collection, rather than gameplay related".
>
>
> If you hear someone say that rgva.collecting is really only for
> 'classic' games, you can safely ignore them.
>
>
> 3.3) -- How can I get the list of moves for the game "latest&greatest"?
>
>
>
> -- I was playing "punch&kick" last night and this happened, has
> anyone else ever seen it?
> -- Does anyone know of an arcade which has the game "old&dated"?
> -- My favourite arcade game is "classic". What is yours?
> -- What is your highest score on Tempest?
>
>
> Please don't post these questions to rgva.collecting. These are
> "gameplay"-related questions; they belong in
> rec.games.video.arcade.
>
>
> 3.4) -- There is supposed to be this 'cool' PD version of Tempest for
> the Macintosh. Can anyone tell me where the ftp site is?
> -- What good versions of arcade games exist for home machines?
>
>
> These are home/pc related questions; they belong in
> rec.games.video.classic or comp.sys.<machine>.games
>
>
> 3.5) -- I'm new to collecting, someone is offering me a PacMan for
> $900.
> He says it is a 'classic', it's 'hard to find' and he regularly
>
> sells them at this price. Is this really a fair deal?
> -- I have a Asteroids I'm looking to sell. Someone told me he had
> heard of a friend who had sold one for $1000. I should be able
> to
> sell mine for the same - right?
>
>
> Most rgva.collecting readers would consider $300-$400 a fair price
>
> for one of the above machines in good condition.
>
>
> Paying significantly more for the above is an example of the
> phenomenon known as "Greater Fool Theory" (GFT) which Jim Grove
> described as follows in a posting to rgva.collecting:
>
>
> "This is the sort of thing you will see if video arcade game
> collecting gets a 'guide book'. The idiot that develops the
> guide book will take the claim that someone has sold a
> game for $800-900 and has heard that people sell them as
> high as $1200. The next issue of the guide has the game
> listed at $1200. People then become consumed by GFT. The
> comic book, BB and Dutch tulip markets all operate under
> the GFT."
>
>
> Basically, if GFT prevails, real collectors will find it much
> harder to own their favourite arcade machines. Something for
> you as a collector to consider next time you sell a game!
>
>
> There is however a flip side. There are several games which had
> production runs in the low hundreds (PacMan was produced in
> the tens of thousands) for which $1000 would be considered
> the 'going rate' by many collectors. Finally there are
> 'prototype' games which may never have been released
> for which only one or two may exist.
>
>
> A good way to get a feeling for what games are worth is to read
> rgva.marketplace for several months.
>
>
> 3.6) -- I want to buy the game "myfavourite", what can I do?
> First, do some research before posting. You'll learn a lot in the
>
> process. The knowledge in this FAQ, for instance, came from doing
>
> the same kind of research.
>
> Games can be bought from four main sources:
>
>
> a) ...from operators,
>
>
> Operators are the people who provide the games you see in
> arcades and movie theatres. Older games cease to make
> money, and often get "warehoused". The "Amusement Devices"
> section of your Yellow Pages is the best place to find a
> list of operators. Many operators also place stickers
> with their name and phone number on games they operate.
> You can also try asking the people who work at the local
> arcade where they get their games.
>
>
> Often dealers who specialize in "Home Sales" will advertize
> alongside operators in the Yellow Pages. Usually their prices
> are far higher than those of a true operator, so it pays to
> shop around.
>
>
> A cool head and "don't appear too eager" are the keys to
> getting a good price. Visiting in person combined with a
> degree of "disinterest" towards the games present, rather
> than telephoning to ask "do you have game X" almost
> always results in a better deal.
>
>
> There is a detailed FAQ available on buying machines from an
> operator; you should probably read this before you start
> hunting.
> Check section 4 of this FAQ for details on where to find it.
>
>
> b) ...from auctions,
>
>
> Auctions are held periodically around the country. These are
> where operators sell their surplus games, either to other
> operators or to collectors such as yourself. You can find
> out about auctions in your area by reading rgva.collecting,
> by checking a "Miscellaneous Games" section in your local
> paper or by asking a few operators in your area (since they
> may be selling games at the auction, you may recieve
> a rare showing of helpfulness)
>
>
> If you live in the USA, you might want to consider obtaining a
> copy of one of the following trade magazines (Replay is
> probably the most popular - single issues of Replay are
> available for $6 each)
>
>
> Replay Magazine Play Meter Magazine Vending Times
> PO Box 2550 6600 Fleur de Lis 1375 Broadway
> Woodland Hills PO Box 24970 New York
> CA 91365 New Orleans LA 70184 NY 10018
> (818) 347-3820 (504) 488-7003 (212) 302-4700
> (818) 347-2112 (fax) (504) 488-7083 (fax) (212) 221-3311
> (fax)
> www.replaymag.com PlayMe...@xxxxxxx
>
>
> Readers from the United Kingdom, can subscribe to "Coin Slot"
> (beginning July 15th it will be available by seperate
> subscription only):
> Worlds Fair
> PO Box 54
> Desborough
> Northants
> NN14 2UH
> 01536 763466
> 01536 760306 (fax)
>
>
> There is a detailed FAQ available on buying machines from an
> auction; you should probably read this before you start
> hunting.
> Check section 4 of this FAQ for details on where to find it.
>
>
> c) ...from ads in your local paper,
>
>
> Most papers have a "Miscellaneous Games" or equivalent section
> in the classifieds. Prices are often artificially high, as the
> sellers are hoping to find "gullible" first time buyers. This
> does not, however, prevent you, as an informed buyer, from
> haggling the price back down. Often the sellers will be the
> same people as the dealers listed above who specialize in
> "Home Sales".
>
>
> d) ...or from the net!
>
>
> Check out the newsgroup 'rec.games.video.arcade.marketplace'
> and it's associated FAQ for more details..
>
>
> Please do not post Forsale, Auction and Wanted postings to
> rgva.collecting.
>
>
> 3.7) -- How much does a game cost?
>
>
> How much money do you have?
>
>
> Brand-new games can cost $2500 and up. A typical old game will go
> for $100-$200 in decent condition, and old, broken games (which
> *may* be trivial to fix!) can go all the way down to $25.
>
>
> Experienced collectors often find it cheaper to buy a game circuit
> board and adapt it into an existing cabinet, rather than buying
> the complete game. It's cheaper, and it also saves a lot of
> space.
> Most boards generally sell for between $5-$25 "as-is" in a bulk
> deal
> with an operator and for $30-100 guaranteed from rgva.marketplace.
>
>
>
> 3.8) -- I have the game "earlygame" and someone just gave me the board
> for the game "latergame". Can I use this board somehow?
> -- I want all these games, but I don't have room for this many
> cabinets! What can I do?
>
>
> This is generally referred to as "conversion", the process of
> taking a new game (usually just the circuit board) and
> installing it into the cabinet from an older game.
>
>
> This is perhaps the most complex subject for video game
> collectors. Fortunately, there is a detailed FAQ dedicated
> to the topic; you will likely want to read this before you
> start brandishing your soldering iron. Check section 4 of
> this FAQ for details on where to find it.
>
>
> 3.9) -- I just bought a game, but there is no documentation, can
> someone send me some?
>
>
> Don't expect rgva.collecting readers to answer your post until
> you've checked the sources of information outlined below and in
> section
> 5.
>
>
> If the information you are looking for is not present in the
> archives, information on how to locate the manufacturer should
> be, and they are often willing to supply documentation for
> around $10-15 per game.
>
>
> If that doesn't work, your local operator will often have filing
> cabinets full of documentation. Sometimes they will let you leave
> a deposit and borrow some. Develop a relationship with your local
>
> operator(s); it can really pay off when the game's manufacturer
> has gone out of business or discontinued support.
>
>
> If you locate some documentation which was not in the archives,
> *PLEASE* take the time to type in some useful sections and make
> it available to the rest of us! (see section 5.1 for details).
>
>
> 3.10) -- Where can I buy parts for my game?
>
>
> Call the operators listed in the "Amusement Devices" section of
> your Yellow Pages and find out who your local distributor is.
> They'll be able to help you (for a price). You can also try
> operators for spare parts -- if the game is old and they have
> spares, the price can often be quite a bit cheaper.
>
>
> Failing this, see section 5 for help in finding the addresses of
> parts suppliers.
>
>
> 3.11) -- Can I hook an arcade game board up to a TV or computer
> monitor?
>
>
> To a first approximation the answer is yes. Most game boards
> produce an analog RGB signals and a sync signal (or 2).
>
>
> These signals can be fed directly into the SCART port on a
> European TV. If the TV doesn't have a SCART port then the
> RGB signals would
>
>
> have to be fed into a box of tricks that converts from RGB to
> NTSC/PAL and modulates the signal so it can be plugged into the
> UHF input of a TV. These convertors are available commercially.
>
>
> Most computer monitors with analog RGB inputs will happily display
>
>
>
> game board signals. A few more modern monitors have difficulty
> synchronizing down to the low-resolution scan rates used by all
> but a handful of video boards. Monitors that are easy to use
> include Commodore 1080, 1084 and 1084S monitors.
>
>
> 4) Other related FAQs:
>
>
> The following additional FAQs are available. See section 5 for
> information on where they can be found:
>
>
> Addresses FAQ
> Addresses and telephone numbers for game manufacturers and
> parts suppliers.
>
>
> Buying from an Auction FAQ
> How to buy a game from an auction
>
>
> Buying from an Operator FAQ
> How to buy a game from an operator
>
>
> Conversion FAQ
> How to convert "game A" to "game B"
> How to make "board A" play "game B/C/etc."
> How to run "boards A/B/C" in the same cabinet
>
>
> rgva.marketplace FAQ
> How to buy, sell and auction items on the marketplace newsgroup.
>
>
>
> 5) Further sources of information:
>
>
> It's a good idea to exhaust these sources of information before you
> post a question. Readers are much more likely to answer a post when
>
>
>
> it is clear that the poster has already put in some effort
> themselves.
>
>
> 5.1) FTP archives:
>
>
> The rgva.collecting anonymous FTP archive at "spies"
> is kindly provided by http://www.cityofberwyn.com/
>
>
> Additions/corrections to the archive are welcome, especially
> information about pinouts and switch settings.
>
>
> The following information is available via FTP in the "arcade"
> directory. In each directory, there is a README file containing
> further instructions.
>
>
> CPDist:
> - an archive of postings to rgva.collecting from CP Distributing
> (see addresses FAQ), includes 'usa2.zip' an auction price guide.
>
>
>
> RFromm:
> - an archive of postings to rgva.collecting from Randy Fromm
> (longtime technical contributor to PlayMeter magazine).
> An index is available as 'RFromm/index.txt'. See section
> 5.2 for a pointer to Randy's home page.
>
>
> boardPinouts:
> - a directory containing pinout info for various games
>
>
> gameList:
> - a directory containing the Killer List of Video Games (KLOV)
>
>
> incoming:
> - a directory where you can leave additions. If you want to leave
>
> something, please send email to "arcadeguy@xxxxxxxxxxxxx"
> documenting what you want to leave - THANKS!
>
>
> info:
> - a directory containing informational files - mainly other FAQ's,
>
>
>
> the following 5 files are a sample of the information available:
>
>
>
> info/FAQ.addresses:
> - the also Addresses FAQ (game manufacturers and parts
> suppliers)
>
>
> info/FAQ.game.buying:
> - the Buying from an Operator FAQ
>
>
> info/FAQ.game.auctions:
> - the Buying from an Auction FAQ
>
>
> info/VAPSlistMMMYY:
> - the VAPS membership list for month "MMM", year "YY"
>
>
> info/pinoutinfo.lst:
> - a list of available pinout and dip switch information
>
>
> conversion:
> - a directory containing conversion information for various games
>
>
> conversion/Conversion_FAQ_v?.?
> - the Conversion FAQ, detailing how to convert games (see
> section 4)
>
>
> repairHints:
> - a directory containing some common repair tips
>
>
> switchSettings:
> - a directory containing dip switch setting info for various games
>
>
>
> 5.2) World Wide Web (WWW) pages:
>
>
> The following WWW pages cover arcade game collecting, or provide
> information that may be useful for collectors (for a more complete
>
> list, see the "Classic Video Games Nexus"). Several commercial
> companies
>
>
> (parts suppliers etc.) also have home pages. For these URLs, see
> the ddresses FAQ (section 4).
>
>
> To access a WWW server, you will need a WWW browser such as
> Netscape or Internet Explorer and a full Internet connection.
> If you have questions regarding the WWW (what it is, how to use
> it etc.) PLEASE do not post to rgva.collecting. Instead try
> asking your local site administrator, or subscribe to the
> USENET newsgroup 'comp.infosystems.www'.
>
>
> If you would like your page listed here or have
> corrections/comments please send me mail.
>
>
> The spies.com archive (see section 5.1 for details):
> URL http://www.cityofberwyn.com/
>
>
> Although other Web sites may have HTMLized versions of the FAQs
>
>
>
> and other information, www.spies.com is usually guaranteed to
> have the most upto date version.
>
>
> The rgva.collecting FAQ home page:
> URL http://coinop.org/kb_dl.aspx/KB/FAQs/FAQ-rgvac.html
>
>
> Most of the FAQ's from rgva.collecting in WWW hypertext format.
>
>
>
> (NOTE: these versions may not be as current as those available
> above from http://www.cityofberwyn.com/).
>
>
> The VAPS home page:
> URL http://www.vaps.org/VAPS/
>
>
> The home page for the Video Arcade Preservation Society (VAPS).
>
>
>
> Maintained by Kevin Ruddy (smi...@xxxxxxxxxxxx).
> Also includes a searchable version of the KLOV.
> See section 6 for more informarion on VAPS and the KLOV.
>
>
> Classic Video Games Nexus home page:
> URL http://fly.hiwaay.net/~lkseitz/cvg/nexus
>
>
> Probably the most complete set of arcade related WWW links.
>
>
> The Virtual Coin-Op Museum:
> URL http://www.coinop.org
>
>
> On-line museum for Coin-Operated Arcade Games.
> Currently also houses Steven Ryner's Classic Arcade Games page
> and steven's writeup of his visit to the National Coin-Op
> and Video Game Museum, located in St. Louis, Missouri,
>
>
> "The Atari Arcade Game Page" by Jess Askey:
> URL http://magenta.com/~jess/home.htm
>
> Many products, services and manuals available at:
> http://www.mikesarcade.com/
>
>
> Intersesting point to start for artwork, the dead battery society,
> screen shots and "how to" section:
> http://arcadecollecting.com/
>
> Jess Askey's Arcade Games Page:
> URL http://arcadegames.miningco.com
>
>
> As if keeping the "Atari Arcade Game Page" upto date wasn't
> enough work, Jess also maintains this site which he describes
> as a "good resource for beginners". Additions and suggestions
> for the page are welcome.
>
>
> Sean Riddle's Williams Arcade Games home page:
> URL http://www.ionet.net/~sriddle/willy.html
>
>
> Lots of useful tips for anyone who owns or dreams of owning
> a Williams Electronics video game.
>
>
> E-glide's game description pages:
> Defender, Joust and Robotron:
> URL
> http://www.users.interport.net/~e-glide/WILLIAMS/williams.html
>
>
> Sinistar (includes short interview with Noah Falstein, Sinistar
>
>
>
> project leader at Williams):
> URL http://www.users.interport.net/~e-glide/WILLIAMS/SIN.HTM
>
>
> Q-Bert:
> URL http://www.users.interport.net/~e-glide/qbert2.html
>
>
> Denis Hruza's Arcade home page:
> URL http://www.cybercomm.net/~king/arcade-i.html
>
>
> Pages dedicated to Sinistar, Stern, Crystal Castles, Space Duel
>
>
>
> and Elevator Action.
>
>
> Kevin Phillip's "Arcade Nostalgia" home page:
> URL http://ubd3.vdospk.com/Nostalgia
>
>
> Love the tattoo Kevin!
>
>
> David Shoemaker's "Laser Head" FAQ home page:
> URL
> http://www.wolfe.net/~davids/ArcadeGames/LaserHead/LaserHead.html
>
>
> Is your head out of alignment? Need help with your optics?
> If so, take a look at David's page.
>
>
> Paul Davidson's Dragon's Lair/Space Ace Headquarters:
> URL http://www.loop.com/~paulsd/arcade
>
>
> Phil's Arcade Emulation Page:
> URL http://www.netcomuk.co.uk/~pmorrisb/index.html
>
>
> Complete list of freely available arcade emulators.
>
>
> Randy Fromm's home page:
> URL http://randyfromm.com
>
>
> Variety of tech tips from Randy's many years as a contributor
> to Playmeter magazine. Also, many other arcade related links
> also,
>
>
> primarily industry related.
>
>
> Online Yellow Pages:
> URL http://www.telephonebook.com
> URL http://yp.gte.net
>
>
> Yellow pages for the entire US. Search by category, using
> a keyword such as 'amusement'.
>
>
> 5.3) Network information services
>
>
> Many network providers maintain online databases containing
> addresses and telephone numbers of various organizations.
> Querying these databases can be an easy way to find an address.
>
>
> For the Internet, AT&T operates "internic.net", the Internet
> Network Information Center. There is a telnet interface, allowing
>
> interactive queries. Most entries also list an email address.
>
>
> As is the case with all databases, the information you get
> out is only as useful as the search criteria you provide.
>
>
> EXAMPLE:
> (In the following transcript, "..." indicates lines deleted.
> You would see additional output if you were following the
> example yourself.)
>
>
> $ telnet internic.net
> Trying 198.41.0.5...
> Connected to internic.net.
> Escape character is '^]'.
> ...
> [<term_type>] InterNIC > wais sega
> Search Response:
> NumberOfRecordsReturned: 14
> 1: Score: 1000, lines: 17 'Sega of America (SEGAOA-DOM) ...
>
>
>
> ...
> 14: Score: 1000, lines: 13 'Sega of America Inc.
> (NETBLK-SEGAOA) ...
>
>
> View document number [type 0 or q to quit]: 1
> ...
>
>
> 6) Commonly used terms and acronyms:
>
>
> "conversion"
> - Usually used in the context of the type of game/cabinet.
> Indicates that an existing cabinet was modified in the field
> to play a new game. This is usually achieved by the operator
> purchasing a "conversion kit". See also "dedicated".
>
>
> "dedicated"
> - Usually used in the context of the type of game/cabinet.
> Indicates that the game is in it's original factory cabinet.
> Some games were released in dedicated factory versions and also as
>
>
>
> conversion kits. The dedicated version is usually more valuable
> to collectors. See also "conversion".
>
>
> "edge connector"
> - The large connector(s) that link the wiring harness to the game's
> circuit board(s).
>
>
> "flyback"
> - A step-up transformer used to provide the high-voltage (10-20kV)
> supply required by a monitor.
>
>
> "pinouts"
> - A description of the purpose of each of the pins on a game's edge
> connector. Can also be used to describe the purpose of all the
> wires in a game's wiring harness.
>
>
> "raster", "raster-scan"
> - The most popular method of displaying an image on a monitor. An
> an electron beam "scans" horizontal lines down the screen - just
> like your TV set at home.
>
>
> "reproduction".
> - When used in regard to replacement control panel overlays a
> reproduction is either 'Willis' style (which were produced
> around the same time as the game) capturing the essence of
> the NOS version while being graphically different to avoid
> copyright infringement, or more recently, a reasonably
> exact copy of the NOS. See also "NOS".
>
>
> "sync", "composite sync", "separate sync"
> - the synchronization signal(s) used by raster monitors to control
> the movement of the electron beam. "Sync" comes in two main
> flavors:
> composite and separate. Separate sync has two separate signals
> for
> horizontal and vertical synchronization, and composite sync is
> a combination of horizontal and vertical sync onto one wire.
> Some manufacturers also invert the signal; if a board produces
> the wrong flavor of sync for your monitor, you'll need to hack
> around before you can play it.
>
>
> "wiring harness"
> - An assembly of wires and connecting terminals that connects the
> controls, power supply, the monitor, speakers, coin door, and
> circuit board(s) together to form a complete video game.
>
>
> "DIP switch", "switch"
> - A small set of switches (usually 8) in an inline package.
> Most often mounted onto the circuit board, used to alter
> game parameters (# of lives, difficulty level, etc.)
>
>
> "EAROM", "NOVRAM"
> - "Electronically-Alterable ROM", and "Non-Volatile RAM". These
> are forms of memory that are preserved when the power is shut
> down, but can be modified on the fly. Often used to store things
> like "all-time high scores" and game accounting information.
>
>
> "KLOV"
> - The "Killer List Of Videogames", a fairly complete list of
> all the arcade games ever made.
>
>
> "LD"
> - LaserDisc. Dragon's Lair is an example of an "LD game".
>
>
> "NOS"
> - New Old Stock. A term primarily used to describe replacement game
> artwork (side decals and control panel overlays) which are unused
> original manufacturer versions.
> See also "reproduction".
>
>
> "NTSC"
> - NTSC is the video signal standard used by U.S (et. al.) TVs and
> video recorders.
>
>
> "PAL"
> - PAL is the video signal standard used by British (et. al.) TVs
> and video recorders.
>
>
> "RGB"
> - Red/Green/Blue, referring to a color monitor that has separate
> inputs controlling each of the 3 color guns.
>
>
> "RAM"
> - Random Access Memory, used to store temporary things like your
> score, the positions of the enemies on the screen, and so on.
> Data stored in RAM vanishes when the power is removed.
>
>
> "RGVA"
> - rec.games.video.arcade, the parent newsgroup - the proper place
> for gameplay questions.
>
>
> "RGVAC", "rgva.collecting"
> - rec.games.video.arcade.collecting, this group
>
>
> "RGVAM", "rgva.marketplace"
> - rec.games.video.arcade.marketplace, the newsgroup dedicated to
> buying and selling arcade video games and parts.
>
>
> "ROM"
> - Read Only Memory, used to store the code for the game. When
> power is removed, the data remains (unlike RAM)
>
>
> "SCART"
> - SCART is a European standard port fitted to almost all modern
> (European) TVs, VCRs, satellite decoders, video cameras, etc etc.
> amongst other inputs it has analog RGB inputs compatible to
> those produced by game boards.
>
>
> "VAPS"
> - The "Video Arcade Preservation Society", a list of all the game
> owners on the net, and their respective collections. Additions and
>
> corrections are welcome by email to Kevin Ruddy (kee...@xxxxxxxx)
>
>
> "X-Y", "Vector", "Vector-scan"
> - A type of game monitor where the electron beam moves in straight
> lines which can start and end anywhere on the screen. The last
> vector games were made in 1984-1985. Examples of this type of
> game include Battlezone, Tempest, and Star Wars.
>
.
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