History- Since they were first invented, home video game systems could only play the games that came preprogrammed on the console itself. A few consoles, like the original Odyssey, had game cartridges. But the carts themselves did not contain full games, they just acted like dipswitches, altering the internal circuitry and changing the on screen display. If people wanted to play different games, they would have to buy expensive new consoles. But even then, most consoles played the exact same type of games, with little difference between them.

This would all change with the release of the Video Entertainment System from Fairchild. Fairchild Semiconductor was a well known electronics company who had been a pioneer in integrated circuit design. In 1975, Fairchild finished development on a powerful CPU called the F8. The F8 had been developed in part by Robert Noyce, who later left Fairchild to found Intel.

Fairchild decided to build a video game console around their powerful new CPU. Instead of simply programming a set amount of games into the console, Fairchild used the advanced F8 to control the console's graphics and memory. The actual gameplay itself would be programmed onto a special cartridge, which would work in tandem with the CPU.

In 1976, Fairchild released the new console, dubbed the Video Entertainment System. The VES was like nothing the industry had ever seen before. The console itself came with a basic PONG style tennis game programmed onto the system, but also available were a variety of "Videocarts" that played wildly different games.

Despite it's groundbreaking quality, the VES had a tough time in the marketplace. A glut of game consoles had overwhelmed consumers, who in turn became apathetic to most new releases. The PONG clones were all forced to drastically cut their prices to compete with each other, making the VES one of the most expensive consoles on the market, which didn't help it's chances any. Fairchild had no previous experiance in the video game business, which hurt their ability to compete.

Although the VES didn't catch on with consumers, it caused major shockwaves among manufacturers. Companies like Atari and Magnavox saw that the programmable based console was the future of the industry, and the immediately began work on advanced systems of their own. A few months later, RCA became the second company to release a "second generation" console. However, it was the 1977 release of Atari's Video Computer System that would really transform the industry.

Fairchild recognized the threat from Atari, and responded by changing the name of their console. The VES was too similar to the VCS, so it was rebranded as the more unique Channel F. Unfortunately, a simple name change was not going to help them compete with the more well known Atari. In the face of lagging sales and tough competition, Fairchild scrapped a planned console redesign and discontinued sales of the Channel F in early 1978.

This was not the end of the Channel F though. In 1979 the home video game industry had exploded thanks to the popularity of the Atari 2600. Once again, many companies were trying to get into the lucrative gaming industry. Zircon International bought the rights to the Channel F from Fairchild, and released a redesigned version of the console called the Channel F System 2 along with 5 previously unreleased games. Unfortunately, the system was quite dated compared to contemporary systems like the Astrocade and Odyssey². The Channel F System 2 was pulled from store shelves for good only a few months after it's re-release.

Console Variations-

Fairchild VES/Channel F-1976

The initial American release.

Zircon Channel F System 2-1979

The original console had been redesigned by Fairchild, but it wasn't released until the console rights had been purchased by Zircon.

Saba Videoplay-1978

A German version of the Channel F.

Saba Videoplay 2-1978

A redesigned version of the Videoplay than had different controllers.

ITT Telematch-1978

Another German variation.

Normende Teleplay-1979

Yet another German variation. A much nicer console design.

Adman Grandstand-1977

The British version of the Channel F.

Barco Challenger-1978

A Belgian variation.

Games- A grand total of 26 Videocarts were released, 21 by Fairchild and 5 by Zircon. An additional 2 demo carts were unreleased, but do exist. Many of these carts had multiple games on them. All games very simple PONG, sports and shooting games typical of the era. The Videocarts themselves resembled 8-track cassette tapes, and were covered in very colorful artwork. Each European variation of the Channel F had it's own variety of games.

Collectors Guide- The Channel F is not one of the more sought after consoles, despite it's historic place in gaming. However, it is somewhat difficult to find due to it's age and scarcity. The game carts themselves are fairly uncommon but expensive. Games released later in the console's life are more rare, especially the five titles released by Zircon. The two demo carts are the most difficult to find and valuable of all Channel F games.

Channel F consoles and games show up infrequently on Ebay and Craigslist. The easiest way to find this system is at retro gaming conventions like CGE.

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