The Tandy-Memorex VIS

I am a collector and enthusiast for vintage Tandy and Radio Shack computers and memorabilia, including the Memorex Video Information System released by Radio Shack in 1992. This site will feature the VIS and everything related.

Details of the system include:

• CPU: Intel 286
• Video System: Cirrus Logic
• Sound System: Yamaha
• Chipset: NCR Corporation
• CDROM ×2 IDE by Mitsumi
• OS: Microsoft Modular Windows

Additional details:

• Intel 80286 processor on a local bus (not ISA) running at 12 MHz. 0-wait states. Equivalent PC performance somewhere around that of a 386SX at 16 or 20 MHz.
• 1 MB of ROM containing minimal MS-DOS 3.x, a few drivers, and Modular Windows.
• Built-in Audio CD player application.
• 1 MB of RAM in a conventional PC layout 640 KB + 384 KB.
• Mitsumi 1× (150 KB/s) CD-ROM drive with 16-bit interface, 800 ms access, 1300 ms worst case access, CD+G capable, but not Photo-CD. 5000 hour MTBF.
• IR interface with up to two IR transmitters (hand controllers) operating at once.
• PS/2 mouse or keyboard interface (either can be connected and are generally recognized by applications). A wired hand controller could also be connected to this port for use in locations where the wireless controller was not practical, or could be used in conjunction with one wireless controller.
• Expansion compartment for RS-232 serial board for use with Windows debugger.
• Modem (the same modem card that went in the Tandy Sensation I) could also be installed in the VIS. 2400 data 4800 send-only FAX.
• Outputs: RCA Line left/right, composite video, RF video, S-Video. NTSC video.
• Dallas Semiconductor plug-in CyberCard - removable non-volatile storage, in sizes up to 512 KB and system comes with a 32 KB unit.
• Onboard audio is same as Tandy Sensation I: Adlib Gold compatible, not Sound Blaster compatible.
• Video uses ADAC-1 chip as found in Tandy Sensation I, supports YUV and several high-quality color modes. Also supported some TV-specific features for handling overscan.
  

(c) Wikipedia

VIS DEVELOPER SYSTEM

We are working on recreating an original VIS Developer's System using the hardware and software specified in the 1992 Microsoft Modular Windows SDK documentation: a Tandy 3000NL Computer, Tandy R&D Developer expansion cards, and the Microsoft Modular Windows SDK. 

SIERRA GAMES

We are slowly making progress in the research for anything related to the development and archiving of the proposed VIS titles from Sierra Online (namely, King's Quest V, Space Quest IV, Eco Quest, and Mixed-Up Mother Goose). Through other VIS enthusiasts and new connections with Sierra alumni we hope to recover and preserve anything related to these un-released titles for the VIS.

VIEWTEL - VMI COMMUNICATION & LEARNING

I have made contact with a key resource who can hopefully share more information about this after-market version of the VIS which was used as a Learning Management System console for Prudential Insurance, and possibly other clients.