Funny enough, the MSX1 machines had the same video processor that the TI-99/4a had, albeit one for PAL instead of NTSC. The sound chip is very similar as well, enough that one 99'er wrote a conversion program to convert music files with uncanny accuracy.
The MSX programmers really figured out how to push the video chip to its limits; the Konami games in particular were well known for it. I think the Z80 processor was a little better designed for it as well. Since it was a native 8-bit processor, it didn't have the multiplexing issues the TI has.
The Yamaha 9938/58 chips that went into the MSX2 line were actually borrowed by 99'ers to create 80-column display cards and upgrades. The Geneve 9640 upgrade also used it.
Funny enough, the MSX1 machines had the same video processor that the TI-99/4a had, albeit one for PAL instead of NTSC. The sound chip is very similar as well, enough that one 99'er wrote a conversion program to convert music files with uncanny accuracy.
The MSX programmers really figured out how to push the video chip to its limits; the Konami games in particular were well known for it. I think the Z80 processor was a little better designed for it as well. Since it was a native 8-bit processor, it didn't have the multiplexing issues the TI has.
The Yamaha 9938/58 chips that went into the MSX2 line were actually borrowed by 99'ers to create 80-column display cards and upgrades. The Geneve 9640 upgrade also used it.
Adamantyr