【Sony】HIT BIT HB-55

Sony began selling the HB-55 in November 1983 as a home computer that was compatible with the MSX architecture standard. Designed for ease of use for beginners without specialized knowledge, the HB-55 could be used just by plugging in ROM cartridges containing pre-written programs. It was priced at \54,800.

The HB-55 had the following features.

  • 1. The computer came with easy-to-use, menu-driven software for taking care of such household tasks as managing household schedules, creating address books, and making memos.
  • 2. The HB-55 could run MSX software because it was compatible with the MSX architecture standard.
  • 3. An ordinary household television set could be used as the computer’s display, eliminating the need for a dedicated color display.
General specifications of the HB-55
Item Description
CPU Z80A equivalent
Memory ROM: 32 KB (MSX-BASIC) + 8 KB
RAM: 16 KB (main); 16 KB (video)
Display resolutions / specifications Text: max. 40 characters×24 lines
Graphics: 256×192 pixels
Sprite images: 32
Colors: 16
Sound functions 8 octaves, three square wave generators, special sound effects
Cassette interface 1200/2400 baud, FSK modulation scheme
CRT interfaces RF output, composite video output
Keyboard ASCII layout (for input of alphanumeric characters and graphical symbols) or Japanese syllabary order (for input of hiragana and katakana characters)
Printer interface 8-bit parallel interface compliant with the Centronics specification
Extension slot I/O bus (50-pin), accepted game and expansion cartridges
Joysticks Connections for two external joysticks

  
Sony HB-55