Amiga DTV

[runholen]

Like many others, I own a C64 DTV ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C64_Direct-to-TV )
I like both the C64 DTV and the concept, but would prefer to have a similar "Amiga DTV" based on the Amiga 500.
Alas, they don't exist yet, but why shouldn't they? But based on the experiences with the C64 DTV it should be designed with some important changes in mind:
-It SHOULD be able to read external adf-files, either by having a sd/microsdcard-reader and read from this like a floppy emulator, or by having a usb cable enabeling it to easily connect to a computer and replace some internal storage with custom adf files.
-It SHOULD have a joystick port allowing it to connect a second vintage joystick or mouse.

With these changes, I think a lot of people who used to own an amiga would like to buy it.
If it just has some preinstalled games like the C64 DTV it will not be as versatible as it should be, most people would like to play the games that THEY used to play anyway. In my opinoion it doesn't have to come with any preinstalled games at all (but maybe it should, for the non-geeks).
A lot of the fun for many players was the two player games having a joystick each, (hello, International Karate on C64 DTV with just one joystick? Boring), and a lot of games are mouse-based, so a joystick/mouse port should be essential. I guess that a lot of the people buying an Amiga DTV would have some spare joystick/mouse from the old days anyway, and if not then there would always be some available on ebay.
So, how about the hardware? Amigas are more complex than C64s, so it would also be more expensive. I guess it is possible to emulate all the chips with fpgas, but in my opinion, if it is easier and cheaper to just make a custom version of some UEA emulator that may be run on some chip that fits in the joystick, then in my opinion, this should be the way to go. As long as it has the power of the amiga in a joystick, and can play all the old games on it, I don't really care exactly how it is done hardware/software-wise.
I guess an Amiga DTV could easily cost twice or more the sum of the C64 DTV, but I would like to buy it anyway (at least if it has my two prerequisites).
I think such a device could sell really well, what do you think? Who knows, if enough people should show an interest in it, then maybe someone would decide to make some one day? ;-)

[gaula92]

Amiga is NOT just a gaming console. An Amiga-DTV would just be a cutdown Amiga computer: that's nonsense when we have the Minimig V1.1 and the FPGA Arcade, wich support HDD-installed games with zero loading times and perfect response as the programs run on actual hardware, modern storage solutions and open hardware. Being FPGA hardware, any Amiga implementation deficiency can be addressed and corrected by community and developers.

An UAE emulation-based solution (I think it's what you mean by UAE) would run, in the best scenario, on a custom Linux system, wich would increase latency. FS-UAE is an awesome tool, but that's about it: a tool. Not an Amiga for high-precision gaming. It's NOT a matter of speed but response. You can have it running at a constant 50FPS on a 50Hz display mode and still have input latency by host system design.

And who would want a closed, cut down design INSIDE a joystick? A computer (that's what the Amiga is) INSIDE a control device?? That's ridiculous (not trying to be disrespectful here).
I know about the 64DTV, but I wouldn't touch that thing with a 10mts pole.

[Oldsmobile_Mike]

Jeri Ellsworth (designer of the C64 DTV) was working on an Amiga version as well, years ago. For whatever reason (probably money, I forget) it was never finished. But if you look on her youtube channel you can see video of the thing.

[RobertB]

Jeri Ellsworth (designer of the C64 DTV) was working on an Amiga version as well, years ago. For whatever reason (probably money, I forget) it was never finished.

Correct.  She presented her prototype to Mammoth Toys, but the company turned her down due to its expense.  Also, Amiga, Inc. wouldn't give their permission (i.e., didn't respond) to run Amiga OS in it.

At the time, the prototype could only hold about 3 games in it.  She said that with today's advancements, many more games could be put in.  Unfortunately, she also said that with today's market, the time has passed for all-in-one games joysticks.

Truly,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group
http://videocam.net.au/fcug
July 27-28 Commodore Vegas Expo v9 -
http://www.portcommodore.com/commvex

[runholen]

Amiga is NOT just a gaming console. An Amiga-DTV would just be a cutdown Amiga computer: that's nonsense when we have the Minimig V1.1 and the FPGA Arcade

No it's not just a gaming console, but for lots and lots of people, games is what they spent most of their time doing on the amiga, and using an actual joystick again and having it connected to the tv gives a much greater nostalgic feeling than using an emulator on a pc. (And much easier to invite a friend over for some amiga gaming this way I think) And minimig/fpga arcade will never reach such a broad public as an amiga dtv has the possibility of (if we look at the success of the c64 dtv)
 

I know about the 64DTV, but I wouldn't touch that thing with a 10mts pole.

Although you shun the C64 DTV, this device still has a very good reputation in the commodore 64 community, and I think an Amiga DTV could do the same to the Amiga community. At the very least I think many people who has not touched amigas in a very long time would start playing their good old favourite amiga games again, and that can only be a good thing, as I see it.

[kickstart]

Maybe is a good idea, but very expensive compared to c64dtv. I have a c64dtv, is still the stock version... if my soldering skills were good... my fears is make a new auschwitz on the board with my solder skills.