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{{short description|Electronics manufacturer}}
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'''Grandstand''' (also known as '''Grandstand Leisure Products''') was a [[video game console]] and [[electronic game]] manufacturer and distributor. It was based in the [[United Kingdom]] and [[New Zealand]]<ref name="gs1">http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~pinwhiz/gs.htm</ref> and was active in the 1970s and 1980s.
'''Grandstand''' (also known as '''Grandstand Leisure Products''') is a [[video game console]] and [[electronic game]] manufacturer and distributor. It was based in the [[United Kingdom]] and [[New Zealand]]<ref name="gs1">{{Cite web |url=http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~pinwhiz/gs.htm |title=Obscure Pixels - Grandstand |access-date=2009-05-03 |archive-date=2009-03-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090308034628/http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~pinwhiz/gs.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> and was active in the 1970s and 1980s.


==Overview==
==Overview==
The company behind the ''Grandstand'' label was [[Adam Leisure Group PLC]] of [[Harrogate]], [[UK]].<ref name="gs1" /><ref>http://tvcream.squarespace.com/toy-list/cgl-galaxy-invader-1000.html</ref> The company chiefly imported electronic products from other manufacturers such as [[Epoch Co.|Epoch]], [[Tomy]] & [[Entex Industries|Entex]],<ref name="gs1" /><ref name="gs2">http://website.lineone.net/~lineup/st-games/grandstand.html</ref> selling them in the UK re-branded under the ''Grandstand'' name.
The company initially behind the "Grandstand" label was Adam Imports Ltd., (from 1980 Adam Leisure Group Ltd. and by 1983 [[Adam Leisure Group PLC]]) founded in 1973 by Chris Rycroft and Les Kenyon of [[Harrogate]], [[UK]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/retro_gamer/RetroGamer_106/page/22/mode/2up|title=Retro Gamer Issue 106 - Electronic Dreams|pages=22–31}}</ref><ref name="gs1" /><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://tvcream.squarespace.com/toy-list/cgl-galaxy-invader-1000.html |title=CGL Galaxy Invader 1000 - Toy List - TV Cream Toy Catalogue - Blog Edition |access-date=2009-05-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090110233547/http://tvcream.squarespace.com/toy-list/cgl-galaxy-invader-1000.html |archive-date=2009-01-10 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The company initially started as a mail order company and was the single largest supplier of calculators in the UK by 1974.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|date=2013-05-07|title=Profile: Chris Rycroft {{!}} Yorkshire Post|url=https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/business/profile-chris-rycroft-1865422|url-status=live|access-date=2021-06-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626202950/https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/business/profile-chris-rycroft-1865422|archive-date=2021-06-26}}</ref> By August 1978, [[Bassett's|George Bassett]] had acquired a 75% holding in the capital of Adam Imports for £750,000 cash, plus 60p in the pound of profits before tax in excess of £500,000 for year to December 31, 1978.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/NewsUK1978UKEnglish/Aug%2009%201978%2C%20The%20Times%2C%20%2360375%2C%20UK%20%28en%29/page/n14/mode/1up|title=The Times, 1978-08-09, UK, English|date=1978-08-09|pages=18|language=English}}</ref> Adam Imports was re-acquired from George Bassett by Chris Rycroft in 1980.<ref name=":1" /> It chiefly imported electronic products from other manufacturers such as [[VTech]], [[Epoch Co.|Epoch]], [[Tomy]] & [[Entex Industries|Entex]],<ref name=":0" /><ref name="gs1" /><ref name="gs2">{{Cite web|url=http://website.lineone.net/~lineup/st-games/grandstand.html|title=Grandstand & Epoch Electronic Games|access-date=2021-11-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402032405/http://website.lineone.net/~lineup/st-games/grandstand.html|archive-date=2012-04-02}}</ref> selling them in the UK re-branded under the ''Grandstand'' name.


Some imported products' names were changed for the UK market.<ref name="gs1" /><ref name="gs2" /> For example, the [[Tomy]] tabletop electronic game sold in the US as ''Pac Man'' (and in Japan as ''Puck Man'') was released by Grandstand in the UK re-badged as [[Munchman (tabletop electronic game)|Munchman]].<ref>http://www.handheldmuseum.com/Tomy/PacMan.htm</ref>
Some imported products' names were changed for the UK market.<ref name="gs1" /><ref name="gs2" /> For example, the [[Tomy]] tabletop electronic game sold in the US as ''Pac Man'' (and in Japan as ''Puck Man'') was released by Grandstand in the UK re-badged as ''[[Munchman (tabletop electronic game)|Munchman]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.handheldmuseum.com/Tomy/PacMan.htm|title=Tomy Pac Man, Etc.|website=www.handheldmuseum.com}}</ref>


==Products==
==Products==
Grandstand released numerous products over the years of which some are listed below. There were large numbers of similar variations, alternative names and model numbers typically referring to multiple evolutionary versions of the various game consoles and electronic games. Particularly, this is found with the ''Pong'' type game consoles<ref>http://www.binarydinosaurs.co.uk/Museum/Pong/index.php</ref> as the [[semiconductor device|semiconductor technology]] rapidly progressed during the period that the Grandstand brand was active.
Grandstand released numerous products over the years of which some are listed below. There were large numbers of similar variations, alternative names and model numbers typically referring to multiple evolutionary versions of the various game consoles and electronic games. Particularly, this is found with the ''Pong''-type game consoles<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.binarydinosaurs.co.uk/Museum/Pong/index.php|title=Binary Dinosaurs - PONG!|website=www.binarydinosaurs.co.uk}}</ref> as the [[semiconductor device|semiconductor technology]] rapidly progressed during the period that the Grandstand brand was active.
[[Image:Grandstand-video-entertainment-computer.png|thumb|320px|right|The Grandstand ''Video Entertainment Computer'' (''Fairchild Channel F'' variant)]]

=== Pinball Machines ===

==== Grandstand Pinball Wizard ====
Grandstand collaborated with [[Tomy]] based on the popular Tomy Astro Shooter Pinball which was rebranded as the Grandstand Pinball Wizard, an electric wall-plug based pinball machine.


===Video game consoles===
===Video game consoles===


====Integrated ''pong'' consoles====
====Integrated ''pong'' consoles====
{| class="wikitable"
The [[black & white]] [[T.V. Game 2000]]<ref>http://www.old-computers.com/MUSEUM/computer.asp?st=3&c=1288</ref> and the colour capable [[T.V. Game 3000]]<ref>http://www.old-computers.com/MUSEUM/computer.asp?st=3&c=1289</ref> were fully integrated [[Pong]]-derived consoles sold under the Grandstand label in the mid-to-late 1970s.
!UK Release Date
!Image
!Name
!Format
!Games
!Developer
!Made In
|-
|1977<ref>{{Cite web|title=VTech {{!}} History|url=https://www.vtech.com/en/about-us/history/|access-date=2021-06-27|language=en-US}}</ref>
|
|Adman Grandstand T.V. Game 2000<ref>http://www.old-computers.com/MUSEUM/computer.asp?st=3&c=1288</ref>
|Black & White
|4 Games (''Football'', ''Tennis'', ''Squash'' & ''Practice'')
|VTech
|Korea
|-
|1977<ref>{{Cite web|title=Scotcade Grandstand 3000 Advert|url=https://www.fulltable.com/vts/g/gd/games/aa.jpeg}}</ref>
|
|Adman Grandstand T.V. Game 3000<ref>http://www.old-computers.com/MUSEUM/computer.asp?st=3&c=1289</ref>
|Colour
|4 Games (''Football'', ''Tennis'', ''Squash'' & ''Practice'')
|VTech
|Korea
|-
|1977-1979
|
|Adman Grandstand T.V. Game 2600
|Black & White
|6 Games (''Tennis'', ''Football'', ''Squash'', ''Practice'', ''Target 1'' & ''Target 2'')
|
|Hong Kong
|-
|1977-1979
|[http://www.retro-computing.org/?page=item&id=265]
|Adman Grandstand T.V. Game 3600
|Colour
|6 Games (''Tennis'', ''Football'', ''Squash'', ''Practice'', ''Target 1'' & ''Target 2'')
|
|Hong Kong
|-
|1977-1979
|
|Adman Grandstand T.V. Game 3600-1
|Colour
|6 Games (''Tennis'', ''Football'', ''Squash'', ''Practice'', ''Target 1'' & ''Target 2'')
|
|Hong Kong
|-
|1977-1979
|[http://www.retro-computing.org/?page=item&id=262]
|Adman Grandstand T.V. Game 2600 Mk. II<ref>{{Cite web|title=Adman Grandstand TVG-2600 Mk II - Game Console - Computing History|url=https://www.computinghistory.org.uk/det/22783/Adman-Grandstand-TVG-2600-Mk-II/|access-date=2021-06-27|website=www.computinghistory.org.uk}}</ref>
|Black & White
|6 Games (''Tennis'', ''Football'', ''Squash'', ''Practice'', ''Target 1'' & ''Target 2'')
|
|Hong Kong
|-
|1977-1979
|
|Adman Grandstand T.V. Game 3600 Mk. II<ref>{{Cite web|title=Adman Grandstand 3600 Mk II TV Game - Game Console - Computing History|url=https://www.computinghistory.org.uk/det/39823/Adman-Grandstand-3600-Mk-II-TV-Game/|access-date=2021-06-27|website=www.computinghistory.org.uk}}</ref>
|Colour
|6 Games (''Tennis'', ''Football'', ''Squash'', ''Practice'', ''Target 1'' & ''Target 2'')
|
|Hong Kong
|-
|1977-1979
|
|Adman Grandstand T.V. Game 2600 Mk. III
|Black & White
|6 Games (''Tennis'', ''Football'', ''Squash'', ''Practice'', ''Skeet'' & ''Target'')
|
|Hong Kong
|-
|1977-1979
|
|Adman Grandstand Colour T.V. Game 3600 Mk. III<ref>{{Cite web|title=Adman Grandstand 3600 Mk III TV Game - Game Console - Computing History|url=https://www.computinghistory.org.uk/det/50705/Adman-Grandstand-3600-Mk-III-TV-Game/|access-date=2021-06-27|website=www.computinghistory.org.uk}}</ref>
|Colour
|6 Games (''Tennis'', ''Football/Hockey'', ''Squash'', ''Practice'', ''Skeet'' & ''Target'')
|
|Hong Kong
|-
|1977-1979
|
|Grandstand Match Of The Day 2000
|Black & White
|4 Games (''Tennis'', ''Football/Hockey'', ''Squash'' & ''Practice'')
|
|Hong Kong
|-
|
|
|Grandstand Model 4600 Video Sports Centre Endorsed By Kevin Keegan
|Colour
|6 Games (''Practice'', ''Squash'', ''Soccer'', ''Tennis'', ''Target'' & ''Moving Target'')
|
|Hong Kong
|-
|
|
|Grandstand Model 4600 Deluxe Colour Video Sports Centre
|Colour
|6 Games (''Practice'', ''Squash'', ''Soccer'', ''Tennis'', ''Target'' & ''Moving Target'')
|
|Hong Kong
|-
|
|
|Adman Grandstand Model 5000
|Colour
|10 Games (''Motor Cross'', ''Enduro'', ''Drag Race'', ''Stunt Cycle'', ''Practice'', ''Squash'', ''Soccer'', ''Tennis'', ''Target'', ''Moving Target'')
|
|Hong Kong
|-
|
|
|Grandstand Model 5000 Deluxe<ref>{{Cite web|title=Grandstand 5000 Deluxe - Game Console - Computing History|url=https://www.computinghistory.org.uk/det/32311/Grandstand-5000-Deluxe/|access-date=2021-06-27|website=www.computinghistory.org.uk}}</ref>
|Colour
|10 Games (''Motor Cross'', ''Enduro'', ''Drag Race'', ''Stunt Cycle'', ''Practice'', ''Squash'', ''Soccer'', ''Tennis'', ''Target'', ''Moving Target'')
|
|Hong Kong
|-
|
|
|Adman Grandstand Model 6000<ref>{{Cite web|title=Grandstand 6000 Colour - Game Console - Computing History|url=https://www.computinghistory.org.uk/det/31304/Grandstand-6000-Colour/|access-date=2021-06-27|website=www.computinghistory.org.uk}}</ref>
|Colour
|10 Games (''Basketball Practice'', ''Practice'', ''Tennis'', ''Basketball'', ''Squash'', ''Hockey'', ''Soccer'', ''Gridball'', ''Target Twin'', ''Target Practice'')
|
|Hong Kong
|-
|
|
|Grandstand Model 6000 Deluxe
|Colour
|10 Games (''Basketball Practice'', ''Practice'', ''Tennis'', ''Basketball'', ''Squash'', ''Hockey'', ''Soccer'', ''Gridball'', ''Target Twin'', ''Target Practice'')
|
|Hong Kong
|}


====Processor-cartridge based consoles====
====Processor-cartridge based consoles====
[[File:GrandStand 5000 Colour 20170413 124245.jpg|thumb|right|Sports Centre 5000 Colour]]
Subsequently, the primitive cartridge-based [[Grandstand Colour Programmable]] video game console<ref name="pc_50x">http://ultimateconsoledatabase.com/others/pc_50x.htm</ref><ref name="weird">http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~pinwhiz/weird.htm</ref> (sold in New Zealand as the ''Mark III Video Game''<ref name="weird" />) and several compatible [[Grandstand programmable video game cartridge]]s<ref name="gscart">http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~pinwhiz/gscart.htm</ref> were introduced. These consoles were still essentially ''Pong'' type affairs, but had a limited selection of cartridges available, each housing a different [[General Instruments processor chip]].<ref name="dw1">[http://darkwatcher.home.att.net/console/pc50xfam.htm Dark Watcher's Console History]</ref> This arrangement allowed for some variation in gameplay<ref name="pc_50x" /><ref name="channel_f" /> including the implementation of simple racing games featuring ''Pong''-era graphics.<ref name="gscart" /> However, these systems lack the flexibility found in later [[ROM cartridge]] based consoles, and there were never more than a few such processor-based cartridges released.<ref name="pc_50x" /><ref name="dw1" />
Subsequently, the primitive cartridge-based [[Grandstand Colour Programmable]] video game console<ref name="pc_50x">{{Cite web|url=http://ultimateconsoledatabase.com/others/pc_50x.htm|title=PC 50 X General Instrument Consoles - Ultimate Console Database|website=ultimateconsoledatabase.com}}</ref><ref name="weird">{{Cite web |url=http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~pinwhiz/weird.htm |title=Obscure Pixels |access-date=2009-05-03 |archive-date=2009-04-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090416073016/http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~pinwhiz/weird.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> (sold in New Zealand as the ''Mark III Video Game''<ref name="weird" />) and several compatible [[Grandstand programmable video game cartridge]]s<ref name="gscart">{{Cite web |url=http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~pinwhiz/gscart.htm |title=Obscure Pixels |access-date=2009-05-03 |archive-date=2009-02-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205180659/http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~pinwhiz/gscart.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> were introduced. These consoles, belonging to the [[PC-50x Family]], were still essentially ''Pong'' type affairs, but had a limited selection of cartridges available, each housing a different [[General Instruments processor chip]] [[AY-3-8500|AY-3-8xxx]].<ref name="dw1">{{Cite web |url=http://darkwatcher.home.att.net/console/pc50xfam.htm |title=Dark Watcher's Console History |access-date=2009-05-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090506125731/http://darkwatcher.home.att.net/console/pc50xfam.htm |archive-date=2009-05-06 |url-status=dead }}</ref> This arrangement allowed for some variation in gameplay<ref name="pc_50x" /><ref name="channel_f" /> including the implementation of simple racing games featuring ''Pong''-era graphics.<ref name="gscart" /> However, these systems lack the flexibility found in later [[ROM cartridge]] based consoles, and there were never more than a few such processor-based cartridges released.<ref name="pc_50x" /><ref name="dw1" />


====ROM-cartridge based consoles====
====ROM-cartridge based consoles====
Later, the potentially more versatile<ref name="channel_f">http://ultimateconsoledatabase.com/classics/fairchild_channel_f.htm</ref> [[Cartridge (electronics)|ROM Cartridge]] based [[Fairchild Channel F]] was licensed, rebadged and released under the [[Adman Grandstand]] label as the ''Video Entertainment Computer'' in the UK (pictured). The company sold rebadged [[SG-1000]]s in New Zealand.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Marley|first=Scott |date=December 2016 |title=SG-1000 |magazine=[[Retro Gamer]] |issue=163|page=60|publisher=[[Future Publishing]]}}</ref>
[[Image:Grandstand-video-entertainment-computer.png|thumb|320px|right|The Grandstand ''Video Entertainment Computer'' (''Fairchild Channel F'' variant)]]Later, the potentially more versatile<ref name="channel_f">{{Cite web|url=http://ultimateconsoledatabase.com/classics/fairchild_channel_f.htm|title=Fairchild Channel F - Ultimate Console Database|website=ultimateconsoledatabase.com}}</ref> [[ROM cartridge|ROM Cartridge]] based [[Fairchild Channel F]] was licensed, rebadged and released under the [[Adman Grandstand]] label as the ''Video Entertainment Computer'' in the UK (pictured). The company sold rebadged [[SG-1000]]s in New Zealand.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Marley|first=Scott |date=December 2016 |title=SG-1000 |magazine=[[Retro Gamer]] |issue=163|page=60|publisher=[[Future Publishing]]}}</ref>


===Tabletop electronic games===
===Tabletop electronic games===
[[Astro Wars]], [[Munchman (tabletop electronic game)|Munchman]], [[Caveman (tabletop electronic game)|Caveman], [[Scramble (tabletop electronic game)|Scramble]], Firefox F-7<ref>http://www.handheldmuseum.com/Grandstand/Firefox.htm</ref>and The Big Game<ref>http://www.handheldmuseum.com/Grandstand/Soccer.htm</ref> amongst others were popular [[Vacuum fluorescent display|VFD]]-based tabletop electronic games released by Grandstand in the early 1980s.<ref name="gs2"/><ref>http://www.consolepassion.co.uk/grandstand.htm</ref><ref>http://www.retro-games.co.uk/electronic/grandstand/grandstand.htm</ref>
''[[Astro Wars]]'', ''[[Munchman (tabletop electronic game)|Munchman]]'', ''[[Caveman (tabletop electronic game)|Caveman]]'', ''[[Scramble (tabletop electronic game)|Scramble]]'', ''Firefox F-7''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.handheldmuseum.com/Grandstand/Firefox.htm|title=Grandstand Firefox F-7|website=www.handheldmuseum.com}}</ref> and ''The Big Game: Soccer''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.handheldmuseum.com/Grandstand/Soccer.htm|title=Grandstand The Big Game Soccer|website=www.handheldmuseum.com}}</ref> amongst others were popular [[Vacuum fluorescent display|VFD]]-based tabletop electronic games released by Grandstand in the early 1980s.<ref name="gs2" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://consolepassion.co.uk/products/grandstand|title=Buy Grandstand For Sale at Console Passion - Old Games & Retro Consoles|website=consolepassion.co.uk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.retro-games.co.uk/museum/handhelds/grandstand.aspx|title=Grandstand Museum|website=www.retro-games.co.uk}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
!UK Release Date
!Image
!UK Name
!Developer
!Original Name
!Made In
|-
|1980
|
|''Invader from Space''
|Epoch
|''Invader from Space''
|
|-
|1981
|
|''Astro Wars''
|Epoch
|''Galaxy II''
|
|-
|1981
|
|''Munchman'
|Tomy
|''Puckman''
|
|-
|1981
|
|''The Big Game: Soccer''
|Epoch
|''Exciting Soccer Game''
|
|-
|1981
|
|''Tron''
|Tomy
|''Tron''
|
|-
|1982
|
|''Caveman''
|Tomy
|''Caveman''
|
|-
|1982
|
|''Scramble''
|Epoch
|''Astro Command''
|
|-
|1983
|
|''Crazy Monster''
|Epoch
|''Zig-Zag Monster''
|
|-
|1983
|
|''Firefox F-7''
|Epoch
|''Astro Thunder 7''
|
|-
|1984
|
|''Star Force''
|Epoch
|''Star Force''
|
|}


===Handheld electronic games===
===Handheld electronic games===
Grandstand also produced [[LCD]]-based [[handheld electronic games]] such as [[Mini-Munchman]]<ref>http://www.handheldmuseum.com/Grandstand/MiniMunch.htm</ref>, Scramble<ref>http://www.handheldmuseum.com/Grandstand/PocketScramble.htm</ref>, Caveman<ref>{{cite web |title=Grandstand Caveman LCD |url=http://www.handheldmuseum.com/Grandstand/CavemanLCD.htm |website=www.handheldmuseum.com |accessdate=23 March 2019}}</ref> and [[Crazy Kong (Handheld Electronic Game)|Crazy Kong]].<ref>http://www.handheldmuseum.com/Grandstand/CrazyKong.htm</ref>
Grandstand also produced [[LCD]]-based [[handheld electronic games]] such as ''[[Mini-Munchman]]'',<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.handheldmuseum.com/Grandstand/MiniMunch.htm|title=Grandstand Mini-Munchman|website=www.handheldmuseum.com}}</ref> ''Scramble'',<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.handheldmuseum.com/Grandstand/PocketScramble.htm|title=Grandstand Pocket Scramble|website=www.handheldmuseum.com}}</ref> ''Caveman''<ref>{{cite web |title=Grandstand Caveman LCD |url=http://www.handheldmuseum.com/Grandstand/CavemanLCD.htm |website=www.handheldmuseum.com |accessdate=23 March 2019}}</ref> and ''[[Crazy Kong (Handheld Electronic Game)|Crazy Kong]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.handheldmuseum.com/Grandstand/CrazyKong.htm|title=Grandstand Crazy Kong|website=www.handheldmuseum.com}}</ref>


In addition Grandstand released 4 different games (6 total including name variations), including BMX Flyer in the Multicolorlaser 6000 series. Manufactured by [[Tomy]] these were licensed for sale in the UK and featured a multi-colored backlit LCD<ref>{{cite web |title=Grandstand BMX Flyer |url=http://www.handheldmuseum.com/Grandstand/BMXF.htm |website=www.handheldmuseum.com |accessdate=23 March 2019}}</ref>.
In addition Grandstand released 4 different games (6 total including name variations), including ''BMX Flyer'', in the Multicolorlaser 6000 series. Manufactured by [[Tomy]] these were licensed for sale in the UK and featured a multi-colored backlit LCD.<ref>{{cite web |title=Grandstand BMX Flyer |url=http://www.handheldmuseum.com/Grandstand/BMXF.htm |website=www.handheldmuseum.com |accessdate=23 March 2019}}</ref>


===Projector-based 'Light' games===
===Projector-based 'Light' games===
[[File:Playtime-LightGames.jpg|thumb|A Playtime Light Games console]]
Grandstand made a tabletop projector based machine with built-in controller, that ran games on small cartridges with [[LCD]] windows. Light would be directed through the LCD window and magnified onto a wall. The window was painted with a semi-transparent background and the black LCD display would block the light from passing through. This provided 'big screen' entertainment and was a novelty at the time. The machine ran from D sized batteries and was available for sale in the UK.
The projector-based game system was developed by Hong Kong company Playtime Products, and was released in other regions where it is known as the Light Games Color LCD Projector. It was Playtime's only console to be sold. Fantastiko released the "PROJECTOR MEGA VIDEO GAME Color LCD system" in Italy in 1988, while Grandstand rebranded it as "Light Games LCD Colour Projection System" for the UK, and Hunter Caesar Toys (Defunct in 1996) released it for Australia.<ref name="Projector_1">{{Cite web |url=http://20thcenturyvideogames.com/index.php?action=vermodelos&pass=&submenu=&arte=&tipo=5&sistema=Grandstand-LightGames&verletra=G |title=20th Century Retro Games gallery page for Light Games |publisher=20thcenturyvideogames.com |access-date=2020-07-20 }}</ref> It is a tabletop projector-based machine with built-in controller, that runs games on small cartridges with [[LCD]] windows. Light would be directed through the LCD window and magnified onto a wall. The window was painted with a semi-transparent background and the black LCD display would block the light from passing through. This provided 'big screen' entertainment and was a novelty at the time. The visual design and "animation" being projected from these game carts is somewhat reminiscent of Nintendo's popular [[Game & Watch series]] of electronic handheld game devices that consist of a segmented LCD display being pre-printed with an overlay. The machine runs on D sized batteries and was available for sale in various parts of Europe including the UK.<ref name="Projector_2">{{Cite web |url=https://imgur.com/gallery/p61dB |title=A closer look at the Projector MEGA VIDEO GAME Color LCD console |publisher=[[Imgur]] |author=zadoc |access-date=2020-07-20 |date=2017-01-15}}</ref> Thirteen games were developed for it.<ref name="Projector_3">{{Cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152976988986940&type=3&comment_id=10153005800811940 |title=CONSOLLECTION.de entry for Light Games |publisher=[[Facebook]] |author=www.CONSOLLECTION.de |access-date=2020-07-20 |date=2014-12-30}}</ref>

=== Pinball Machines ===

==== Grandstand Pinball Wizard ====
In the mid-late 1980s Grandstand collaborated with [[Tomy]] to release the Grandstand Pinball Wizard, a rebranded version of Tomy's popular Tomy Astro Shooter Pinball, an electric wall-plug based pinball machine.


===Accessories===
===Accessories===
Accessories were also marketed under the Grandstand name, such as the ''Universal Mains Adaptor''.<ref>http://www.handheldmuseum.com/Grandstand/MainsAdapter.htm</ref>
Accessories were also marketed under the Grandstand name, such as the ''Universal Mains Adaptor''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.handheldmuseum.com/Grandstand/MainsAdapter.htm|title=Grandstand Universal Mains Adapter|website=www.handheldmuseum.com}}</ref>

==External links==
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7hGg8UiVPY Fantastiko Projector Mega Video Game - Unboxing, Gameplay, & Review | Retro Game Living Room] at [[YouTube]] (Sep 24, 2017. 6 games shown.)


==References==
==References==
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[[Category:Electronic games]]
[[Category:Electronic games]]
[[Category:Toy companies of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Toy companies of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Defunct computer companies of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Defunct computer hardware companies]]

Latest revision as of 22:31, 14 September 2024

Grandstand
IndustrieVideo games
Number of locations
United Kingdom, New Zealand

Grandstand (also known as Grandstand Leisure Products) is a video game console and electronic game manufacturer and distributor. It was based in the United Kingdom and New Zealand[1] and was active in the 1970s and 1980s.

Übersicht

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The company initially behind the "Grandstand" label was Adam Imports Ltd., (from 1980 Adam Leisure Group Ltd. and by 1983 Adam Leisure Group PLC) founded in 1973 by Chris Rycroft and Les Kenyon of Harrogate, UK.[2][1][3] The company initially started as a mail order company and was the single largest supplier of calculators in the UK by 1974.[4] By August 1978, George Bassett had acquired a 75% holding in the capital of Adam Imports for £750,000 cash, plus 60p in the pound of profits before tax in excess of £500,000 for year to December 31, 1978.[5] Adam Imports was re-acquired from George Bassett by Chris Rycroft in 1980.[4] It chiefly imported electronic products from other manufacturers such as VTech, Epoch, Tomy & Entex,[2][1][6] selling them in the UK re-branded under the Grandstand name.

Some imported products' names were changed for the UK market.[1][6] For example, the Tomy tabletop electronic game sold in the US as Pac Man (and in Japan as Puck Man) was released by Grandstand in the UK re-badged as Munchman.[7]

Produkte

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Grandstand released numerous products over the years of which some are listed below. There were large numbers of similar variations, alternative names and model numbers typically referring to multiple evolutionary versions of the various game consoles and electronic games. Particularly, this is found with the Pong-type game consoles[8] as the semiconductor technology rapidly progressed during the period that the Grandstand brand was active.

Video game consoles

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Integrated pong consoles

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UK Release Date Image Name Format Games Developer Made In
1977[9] Adman Grandstand T.V. Game 2000[10] Black & White 4 Games (Football, Tennis, Squash & Practice) VTech Korea
1977[11] Adman Grandstand T.V. Game 3000[12] Colour 4 Games (Football, Tennis, Squash & Practice) VTech Korea
1977-1979 Adman Grandstand T.V. Game 2600 Black & White 6 Games (Tennis, Football, Squash, Practice, Target 1 & Target 2) Hongkong
1977-1979 [1] Adman Grandstand T.V. Game 3600 Colour 6 Games (Tennis, Football, Squash, Practice, Target 1 & Target 2) Hongkong
1977-1979 Adman Grandstand T.V. Game 3600-1 Colour 6 Games (Tennis, Football, Squash, Practice, Target 1 & Target 2) Hongkong
1977-1979 [2] Adman Grandstand T.V. Game 2600 Mk. II[13] Black & White 6 Games (Tennis, Football, Squash, Practice, Target 1 & Target 2) Hongkong
1977-1979 Adman Grandstand T.V. Game 3600 Mk. II[14] Colour 6 Games (Tennis, Football, Squash, Practice, Target 1 & Target 2) Hongkong
1977-1979 Adman Grandstand T.V. Game 2600 Mk. III Black & White 6 Games (Tennis, Football, Squash, Practice, Skeet & Target) Hongkong
1977-1979 Adman Grandstand Colour T.V. Game 3600 Mk. III[15] Colour 6 Games (Tennis, Football/Hockey, Squash, Practice, Skeet & Target) Hongkong
1977-1979 Grandstand Match Of The Day 2000 Black & White 4 Games (Tennis, Football/Hockey, Squash & Practice) Hongkong
Grandstand Model 4600 Video Sports Centre Endorsed By Kevin Keegan Colour 6 Games (Practice, Squash, Soccer, Tennis, Target & Moving Target) Hongkong
Grandstand Model 4600 Deluxe Colour Video Sports Centre Colour 6 Games (Practice, Squash, Soccer, Tennis, Target & Moving Target) Hongkong
Adman Grandstand Model 5000 Colour 10 Games (Motor Cross, Enduro, Drag Race, Stunt Cycle, Practice, Squash, Soccer, Tennis, Target, Moving Target) Hongkong
Grandstand Model 5000 Deluxe[16] Colour 10 Games (Motor Cross, Enduro, Drag Race, Stunt Cycle, Practice, Squash, Soccer, Tennis, Target, Moving Target) Hongkong
Adman Grandstand Model 6000[17] Colour 10 Games (Basketball Practice, Practice, Tennis, Basketball, Squash, Hockey, Soccer, Gridball, Target Twin, Target Practice) Hongkong
Grandstand Model 6000 Deluxe Colour 10 Games (Basketball Practice, Practice, Tennis, Basketball, Squash, Hockey, Soccer, Gridball, Target Twin, Target Practice) Hongkong

Processor-cartridge based consoles

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Sports Centre 5000 Colour

Subsequently, the primitive cartridge-based Grandstand Colour Programmable video game console[18][19] (sold in New Zealand as the Mark III Video Game[19]) and several compatible Grandstand programmable video game cartridges[20] were introduced. These consoles, belonging to the PC-50x Family, were still essentially Pong type affairs, but had a limited selection of cartridges available, each housing a different General Instruments processor chip AY-3-8xxx.[21] This arrangement allowed for some variation in gameplay[18][22] including the implementation of simple racing games featuring Pong-era graphics.[20] However, these systems lack the flexibility found in later ROM cartridge based consoles, and there were never more than a few such processor-based cartridges released.[18][21]

ROM-cartridge based consoles

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The Grandstand Video Entertainment Computer (Fairchild Channel F variant)

Later, the potentially more versatile[22] ROM Cartridge based Fairchild Channel F was licensed, rebadged and released under the Adman Grandstand label as the Video Entertainment Computer in the UK (pictured). The company sold rebadged SG-1000s in New Zealand.[23]

Tabletop electronic games

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Astro Wars, Munchman, Caveman, Scramble, Firefox F-7[24] and The Big Game: Soccer[25] amongst others were popular VFD-based tabletop electronic games released by Grandstand in the early 1980s.[6][26][27]

UK Release Date Image UK Name Developer Original Name Made In
1980 Invader from Space Epoch Invader from Space
1981 Astro Wars Epoch Galaxy II
1981 Munchman' Tomy Puckman
1981 The Big Game: Soccer Epoch Exciting Soccer Game
1981 Tron Tomy Tron
1982 Caveman Tomy Caveman
1982 Scramble Epoch Astro Command
1983 Crazy Monster Epoch Zig-Zag Monster
1983 Firefox F-7 Epoch Astro Thunder 7
1984 Star Force Epoch Star Force

Handheld electronic games

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Grandstand also produced LCD-based handheld electronic games such as Mini-Munchman,[28] Scramble,[29] Caveman[30] and Crazy Kong.[31]

In addition Grandstand released 4 different games (6 total including name variations), including BMX Flyer, in the Multicolorlaser 6000 series. Manufactured by Tomy these were licensed for sale in the UK and featured a multi-colored backlit LCD.[32]

Projector-based 'Light' games

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A Playtime Light Games console

The projector-based game system was developed by Hong Kong company Playtime Products, and was released in other regions where it is known as the Light Games Color LCD Projector. It was Playtime's only console to be sold. Fantastiko released the "PROJECTOR MEGA VIDEO GAME Color LCD system" in Italy in 1988, while Grandstand rebranded it as "Light Games LCD Colour Projection System" for the UK, and Hunter Caesar Toys (Defunct in 1996) released it for Australia.[33] It is a tabletop projector-based machine with built-in controller, that runs games on small cartridges with LCD windows. Light would be directed through the LCD window and magnified onto a wall. The window was painted with a semi-transparent background and the black LCD display would block the light from passing through. This provided 'big screen' entertainment and was a novelty at the time. The visual design and "animation" being projected from these game carts is somewhat reminiscent of Nintendo's popular Game & Watch series of electronic handheld game devices that consist of a segmented LCD display being pre-printed with an overlay. The machine runs on D sized batteries and was available for sale in various parts of Europe including the UK.[34] Thirteen games were developed for it.[35]

Pinball Machines

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Grandstand Pinball Wizard

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In the mid-late 1980s Grandstand collaborated with Tomy to release the Grandstand Pinball Wizard, a rebranded version of Tomy's popular Tomy Astro Shooter Pinball, an electric wall-plug based pinball machine.

Accessories

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Accessories were also marketed under the Grandstand name, such as the Universal Mains Adaptor.[36]

[edit]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d "Obscure Pixels - Grandstand". Archived from the original on 2009-03-08. Retrieved 2009-05-03.
  2. ^ a b Retro Gamer Issue 106 - Electronic Dreams. pp. 22–31.
  3. ^ "CGL Galaxy Invader 1000 - Toy List - TV Cream Toy Catalogue - Blog Edition". Archived from the original on 2009-01-10. Retrieved 2009-05-03.
  4. ^ a b "Profile: Chris Rycroft | Yorkshire Post". 2013-05-07. Archived from the original on 2021-06-26. Retrieved 2021-06-26.
  5. ^ The Times, 1978-08-09, UK, English. 1978-08-09. p. 18.
  6. ^ a b c "Grandstand & Epoch Electronic Games". Archived from the original on 2012-04-02. Retrieved 2021-11-01.
  7. ^ "Tomy Pac Man, Etc". www.handheldmuseum.com.
  8. ^ "Binary Dinosaurs - PONG!". www.binarydinosaurs.co.uk.
  9. ^ "VTech | History". Retrieved 2021-06-27.
  10. ^ http://www.old-computers.com/MUSEUM/computer.asp?st=3&c=1288
  11. ^ "Scotcade Grandstand 3000 Advert".
  12. ^ http://www.old-computers.com/MUSEUM/computer.asp?st=3&c=1289
  13. ^ "Adman Grandstand TVG-2600 Mk II - Game Console - Computing History". www.computinghistory.org.uk. Retrieved 2021-06-27.
  14. ^ "Adman Grandstand 3600 Mk II TV Game - Game Console - Computing History". www.computinghistory.org.uk. Retrieved 2021-06-27.
  15. ^ "Adman Grandstand 3600 Mk III TV Game - Game Console - Computing History". www.computinghistory.org.uk. Retrieved 2021-06-27.
  16. ^ "Grandstand 5000 Deluxe - Game Console - Computing History". www.computinghistory.org.uk. Retrieved 2021-06-27.
  17. ^ "Grandstand 6000 Colour - Game Console - Computing History". www.computinghistory.org.uk. Retrieved 2021-06-27.
  18. ^ a b c "PC 50 X General Instrument Consoles - Ultimate Console Database". ultimateconsoledatabase.com.
  19. ^ a b "Obscure Pixels". Archived from the original on 2009-04-16. Retrieved 2009-05-03.
  20. ^ a b "Obscure Pixels". Archived from the original on 2009-02-05. Retrieved 2009-05-03.
  21. ^ a b "Dark Watcher's Console History". Archived from the original on 2009-05-06. Retrieved 2009-05-20.
  22. ^ a b "Fairchild Channel F - Ultimate Console Database". ultimateconsoledatabase.com.
  23. ^ Marley, Scott (December 2016). "SG-1000". Retro Gamer. No. 163. Future Publishing. p. 60.
  24. ^ "Grandstand Firefox F-7". www.handheldmuseum.com.
  25. ^ "Grandstand The Big Game Soccer". www.handheldmuseum.com.
  26. ^ "Buy Grandstand For Sale at Console Passion - Old Games & Retro Consoles". consolepassion.co.uk.
  27. ^ "Grandstand Museum". www.retro-games.co.uk.
  28. ^ "Grandstand Mini-Munchman". www.handheldmuseum.com.
  29. ^ "Grandstand Pocket Scramble". www.handheldmuseum.com.
  30. ^ "Grandstand Caveman LCD". www.handheldmuseum.com. Retrieved 23 March 2019.
  31. ^ "Grandstand Crazy Kong". www.handheldmuseum.com.
  32. ^ "Grandstand BMX Flyer". www.handheldmuseum.com. Retrieved 23 March 2019.
  33. ^ "20th Century Retro Games gallery page for Light Games". 20thcenturyvideogames.com. Retrieved 2020-07-20.
  34. ^ zadoc (2017-01-15). "A closer look at the Projector MEGA VIDEO GAME Color LCD console". Imgur. Retrieved 2020-07-20.
  35. ^ www.CONSOLLECTION.de (2014-12-30). "CONSOLLECTION.de entry for Light Games". Facebook. Retrieved 2020-07-20.
  36. ^ "Grandstand Universal Mains Adapter". www.handheldmuseum.com.
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