Sharp X1 turbo Z

<p>The Sharp X1 turbo Z was the multimedia flagship of the 8-bit X1 family. Released in December 1986, it introduced an analogue RGB palette capable of displaying 4,096 colours in its 320 by 200 mode and added Yamaha FM synthesis alongside the established PSG sound.</p><p>Hardware scrolling, video capture and mosaic effects strengthened the original X1 idea of combining a computer with television and video. The result was one of the most technically ambitious Japanese 8-bit home computers.</p>

<h6>Notable Features</h6><ul><li>Analogue RGB graphics displayed up to 4,096 colours at 320×200.</li><li>Yamaha YM2151 FM synthesis complemented the existing PSG sound system.</li><li>Hardware scrolling, video capture and mosaic processing expanded its audiovisual abilities.</li></ul><h6>Historical Significance</h6><ul><li>Announced in the same period as Sharp’s 16-bit X68000 and represented the peak multimedia specification of the 8-bit X1.</li><li>Extended the X1 television-computer concept with substantially richer colour and sound.</li></ul><h6>Collector's Notes</h6><ul><li>A suitable analogue RGB monitor is needed to experience the full colour palette.</li><li>FM audio, disk drives and video functions should all be tested because repairs can require specialised parts.</li></ul>

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Sharp X1 turbo Z
Manufacturer	Sharp
Launched	Monday, December 1, 1986
Launch Price	¥218,000
Country	Japan
CPU	Sharp Z80A at 4 MHz
Units Sold
Model Number	CZ-880C
Controllers	Z80 CTC, DMA and SIO
Text Support	Japanese kanji ROM and high-resolution text
Video Features	Hardware scrolling, video capture and mosaic effects
Storage	Two built-in 5.25-inch floppy disk drives
Sound	Yamaha YM2151 eight-channel FM synthesis plus PSG
Display	320×200 with up to 4,096 colours; 640×400 eight-colour high-resolution mode
Expansion RAM	64KB optional on the original turbo Z
RAM	64KB main RAM
CPU Speed	4 MHz