1292 Video System Family
Delving into history produces some interesting facts. It has been reported that the Amstrad GX400 was the first console to be designed in the United Kingdom. Apparently the UK made contributions to the video game industry far earlier then the Amstrad.
The 1292 Advanced Programmable Video System was first created in 1976 by a company
called Radofin. Radofin then licensed the technology to other companies throughout the
United Kingdom. Acetronic, Prinztronic, Fountain, Grandstand, Audiosonic, Hanimex and Lansay, each made consoles based on Radolfin's
design for different parts of the world. Some of these variations were identical to the 1292 Advanced Programmable Video System,
but sported different labels based on the maker. Other companies altered the
original external design completely.
The Interton VC-4000 was also released in Europe. The overall design and specs are similar to the 1292 Radolfin family, but it is unclear whether this unit was licenced by Radolfin or developed before. The console was supposedly developed by Interton in 1974, but released in 1978. Both Interton and Radofin were German based companies.
Another misconception is that these consoles are clones of the Emerson Arcadia 2001.
Both consoles did in fact share the same Signetics CPU, but the co-processor
in the Arcadia 2001 uses a Signetics 2637N chipset. The 1292
Advanced Programmable Video System used a earlier and less powerful chipset (the
Signetics 2636N). Both architectural designs are quite similar. Since the
Arcadia 2001 was released in 1982, could it be a modified design of the 1292 Advanced Programmable Video System?
Per the 1292 Advanced Programmable Video System FAQ (wriiten by Dale Hansen
of www.ConsoleDatabase.com)All the systems used 32-pin cartridges, and 2 controllers (which are hard-wired to the system). These controllers had 12 buttons and a 2-axis analogue control. The pack-in games that came with most systems were Olympics and Invaders. It was possible to play carts on the various models with or without use of an adaptor. The numerous models also produced a large library of games.
A few of the models in the 1292 family include:
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FACT: Because of the similar architecture, it was believed that 1292 games could be played on the Emerson Arcadia with modifications. However thanks to hardware gurus and emulation it has been proven that it cannot be done. For details check out the 
