Sony Hit Bit HB-F1XDJ

The Sony Hit Bit HB-F1XDJ upgraded the compact F1 design to the MSX2+ standard. A Yamaha V9958 supplied improved scrolling and colour modes, while built-in MSX-MUSIC added nine-channel FM synthesis to the established PSG sound.

The internal 720KB drive, game-oriented controls and Japanese text support made it an accomplished all-in-one MSX. It directly preceded Sony’s final and more software-rich HB-F1XV.

Notable Features

• MSX2+ V9958 graphics added smooth hardware scrolling and expanded colour modes.
• Built-in YM2413 FM synthesis greatly improved music.

Historical Significance

• Sony’s first major MSX2+ computer and the bridge from the XD to the final XV.
• Retained the F1 family’s distinctive game controls and compact disk-based design.

Collector’s Notes

• Japanese-only power, keyboard and software should be considered when operating it elsewhere.
• The floppy belt and surface-mount capacitors deserve preventive inspection.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Sony Hit Bit HB-F1XDJ
Manufacturer	Sony
Launched	Saturday, October 1, 1988
Country	Japan
CPU	Zilog-compatible Z80A at 3.58 MHz
Units Sold
Operating System	MSX BASIC 3.0; MSX-DOS; MSX-MUSIC and Japanese tools
I/O	RGB/composite, cassette, printer, two joystick and two cartridge interfaces
Keyboard	Integrated Japanese keyboard
Storage	Built-in 720KB 3.5-inch floppy, cassette and two cartridge slots
Sound	YM2149 PSG plus Yamaha YM2413 MSX-MUSIC FM synthesis
Graphics	Yamaha V9958 MSX2+ graphics with hardware scrolling and 19,268-colour palette modes
Display	Composite or RGB monitor
ROM	MSX2+ BASIC, disk ROM, Kanji support and MSX-MUSIC firmware
RAM	64KB main RAM and 128KB video RAM
CPU Speed	3.58 MHz