Enter a player name to begin or load your saved progress.
The ZX Spectrum was primarily developed and marketed by Acorn Computers.
Answer: False
Explanation: The ZX Spectrum was developed and marketed by Sinclair Research, and manufactured by Timex Corporation.
Sir Clive Sinclair was the primary industrial designer responsible for the ZX Spectrum's case and keyboard.
Answer: False
Explanation: Sir Clive Sinclair founded Sinclair Research and provided the vision, but Rick Dickinson was the primary industrial designer responsible for the ZX Spectrum's case and keyboard.
The ZX Spectrum was released in the United Kingdom on April 23, 1982.
Answer: True
Explanation: The ZX Spectrum was officially released in the UK on April 23, 1982.
The ZX Spectrum was manufactured in Dundee, Scotland.
Answer: True
Explanation: The ZX Spectrum was manufactured in Dundee, Scotland, by the Timex Corporation.
Who founded Sinclair Research, the company responsible for developing the ZX Spectrum?
Answer: Clive Sinclair
Explanation: Sinclair Research, the company responsible for developing the ZX Spectrum, was founded by the English entrepreneur and inventor Sir Clive Sinclair.
Which British industrial designer was responsible for the ZX Spectrum's case and iconic rainbow motif?
Answer: Rick Dickinson
Explanation: Rick Dickinson, a British industrial designer, was responsible for the ZX Spectrum's case and its iconic rainbow motif.
In which city was the ZX Spectrum manufactured?
Answer: Dundee, Scotland
Explanation: The ZX Spectrum was manufactured in Dundee, Scotland, by the Timex Corporation.
What was the initial price range for the ZX Spectrum models upon their UK release in 1982?
Answer: £125 - £175
Explanation: Upon its UK release in 1982, the ZX Spectrum was priced at £125 for the 16KB model and £175 for the 48KB model.
The ZX Spectrum was known for its advanced graphical capabilities, featuring individual pixel colour control.
Answer: False
Explanation: The ZX Spectrum's graphics system utilized an 8x8 pixel block attribute system, limiting individual pixel colour control and leading to 'attribute clash'.
The name "Spectrum" was chosen to emphasize the computer's enhanced monochrome display compared to earlier models.
Answer: False
Explanation: The name "Spectrum" was chosen to highlight the computer's color display capabilities, a significant enhancement over the monochrome ZX81.
The ZX Spectrum featured a sophisticated multi-channel sound chip comparable to the Commodore 64's SID chip.
Answer: False
Explanation: The original ZX Spectrum featured a basic single-channel beeper, not a sophisticated multi-channel sound chip comparable to the Commodore 64's SID chip.
The ZX Spectrum was designed with a focus on high-end performance and premium components to compete with business machines.
Answer: False
Explanation: The ZX Spectrum's design prioritized minimal components and affordability to compete in the mass market, rather than high-end performance or premium components for business use.
The ZX Spectrum's 16KB ROM contained the Sinclair BASIC interpreter and essential system routines.
Answer: True
Explanation: The ZX Spectrum's 16KB ROM contained the Sinclair BASIC interpreter and essential system routines, managing the computer's core functions.
The ZX Spectrum's rubber keyboard was praised for its tactile feedback and responsiveness.
Answer: False
Explanation: The ZX Spectrum's rubber keyboard was often criticized for its "dead flesh" feel and lack of tactile feedback, rather than being praised for responsiveness.
The ZX Spectrum's design prioritized minimal components and affordability, contributing to its low manufacturing cost.
Answer: True
Explanation: The ZX Spectrum's design prioritized minimal components and affordability to compete in the mass market, contributing to its low manufacturing cost.
The ZX Spectrum's primary CPU was the Motorola 68000 processor.
Answer: False
Explanation: The ZX Spectrum's primary CPU was the Zilog Z80A, not the Motorola 68000.
The ZX Spectrum's graphics system used a ULA chip to manage display functions.
Answer: True
Explanation: The ULA (Uncommitted Logic Array) chip in the ZX Spectrum was primarily responsible for managing graphics, memory control, and input/output (I/O) functions.
The ZX Spectrum's improved cassette interface achieved a data transfer rate of approximately 1500 baud.
Answer: True
Explanation: The ZX Spectrum's improved cassette interface achieved a data transfer rate of approximately 1500 baud, enhancing reliability over previous models.
What was the main reason the ZX Spectrum was named "Spectrum"?
Answer: To highlight its advanced color display capabilities.
Explanation: The name "Spectrum" was chosen to emphasize the computer's enhanced color display capabilities, a significant improvement over its predecessor.
The graphical limitation where colour attributes were applied to 8x8 pixel blocks, restricting colour changes within those blocks, was known as:
Answer: Attribute Clash
Explanation: This graphical limitation, where colour attributes were tied to 8x8 pixel blocks, restricting independent colour changes within those blocks, was known as 'Attribute Clash'.
What was the primary criticism of the original ZX Spectrum's keyboard?
Answer: It had a "dead flesh" feel and lacked tactile feedback.
Explanation: The primary criticism of the original ZX Spectrum's rubber keyboard was its "dead flesh" feel and lack of tactile feedback, which contrasted with more traditional keyboards.
Which of the following was a significant improvement the ZX Spectrum offered over the ZX81?
Answer: A 15-colour display
Explanation: A significant improvement the ZX Spectrum offered over the ZX81 was its 15-colour display, compared to the ZX81's monochrome output.
What was the primary purpose of the ULA (Uncommitted Logic Array) chip in the ZX Spectrum?
Answer: To manage graphics, memory control, and I/O functions.
Explanation: The ULA (Uncommitted Logic Array) chip in the ZX Spectrum was primarily responsible for managing graphics, memory control, and input/output (I/O) functions.
The ZX Spectrum's design emphasized simplicity, small size, and most importantly:
Answer: Affordability
Explanation: The ZX Spectrum's design emphasized simplicity, small size, and most importantly, affordability, making home computing accessible.
Which of the following describes the sound capabilities of the *original* ZX Spectrum?
Answer: A single-channel beeper
Explanation: The original ZX Spectrum featured a basic single-channel beeper, capable of producing simple tones.
The ZX Spectrum + model introduced significant internal upgrades, including more RAM and improved graphics processing.
Answer: False
Explanation: The ZX Spectrum+ featured a new case and keyboard but retained the same internal electronics as the 48KB model; it did not introduce significant internal upgrades like more RAM or improved graphics processing.
The ZX Microdrive was a reliable and widely adopted storage solution known for its speed and durability.
Answer: False
Explanation: The ZX Microdrive, while offering faster storage, was known for some reliability concerns and was not as widely adopted as initially hoped.
The ZX Spectrum 128 model included MIDI compatibility and an RS-232 serial port.
Answer: True
Explanation: The ZX Spectrum 128 model introduced significant upgrades, including MIDI compatibility and an RS-232 serial port, expanding its connectivity options.
The ZX Spectrum +3 was notable for replacing the cassette drive with a built-in 3-inch floppy disk drive.
Answer: True
Explanation: The ZX Spectrum +3 model was unique among Spectrum models as it featured a built-in 3-inch floppy disk drive, replacing the traditional cassette loading mechanism.
The ZX Spectrum 128 earned the nickname "Toast Rack" due to its compact, all-black casing.
Answer: False
Explanation: The ZX Spectrum 128 earned the nickname "Toast Rack" due to its distinctive external heatsink, not its casing.
The ZX Spectrum +3 was the only Spectrum model capable of running the CP/M operating system without additional hardware.
Answer: True
Explanation: The ZX Spectrum +3 was the only Spectrum model capable of running the CP/M operating system without additional hardware, offering enhanced operating system flexibility.
What peripheral was introduced in 1983 for faster, cartridge-based storage, though it had some reliability concerns?
Answer: ZX Microdrive
Explanation: The ZX Microdrive, introduced in 1983, offered faster, cartridge-based storage but was noted for having some reliability concerns.
Which model of the ZX Spectrum introduced 128KB of RAM and three-channel sound?
Answer: ZX Spectrum 128
Explanation: The ZX Spectrum 128 model introduced significant upgrades, including 128KB of RAM and three-channel sound capabilities.
The ZX Spectrum +3 model was unique among Spectrum models because it featured:
Answer: A built-in 3-inch floppy disk drive
Explanation: The ZX Spectrum +3 model was unique among Spectrum models as it featured a built-in 3-inch floppy disk drive, replacing the traditional cassette loading mechanism.
What nickname was given to the ZX Spectrum 128 due to its distinctive external cooling component?
Answer: The Toast Rack
Explanation: The ZX Spectrum 128 earned the nickname "Toast Rack" due to its distinctive external heatsink, which was necessary for cooling the internal components.
What was the ZX Interface 1 primarily used for?
Answer: Providing an RS-232 port and network interface (ZX Net)
Explanation: The ZX Interface 1 was primarily used to provide an RS-232 serial port and a network interface known as ZX Net.
What was the purpose of the external heatsink on the ZX Spectrum 128?
Answer: To cool the internal voltage regulator
Explanation: The external heatsink on the ZX Spectrum 128 was designed to cool the internal voltage regulator, which was necessary to manage the heat generated by the upgraded components.
The ZX Spectrum +2A model was distinguished from the original +2 by:
Answer: A black case and the use of the +3's circuit board
Explanation: The ZX Spectrum +2A model was distinguished from the original +2 by its black case and the utilization of the +3 model's circuit board.
Software for the ZX Spectrum was primarily loaded and saved using floppy disk drives.
Answer: False
Explanation: Software for the ZX Spectrum was primarily loaded and saved onto compact audio cassettes, utilizing standard tape recorders.
Software distribution for the ZX Spectrum also included type-in program listings published in magazines.
Answer: True
Explanation: Software distribution for the ZX Spectrum commonly included type-in program listings published in magazines and books, allowing users to manually enter code.
What was the primary method for loading and saving software on the original ZX Spectrum?
Answer: Compact audio cassettes
Explanation: The primary method for loading and saving software on the original ZX Spectrum was through compact audio cassettes, utilizing standard tape recorders.
Which of these popular games was released for the ZX Spectrum?
Answer: Elite
Explanation: The influential space trading game 'Elite' was among the many popular titles released for the ZX Spectrum.
Which of the following was a method of software distribution for the ZX Spectrum besides cassette tapes?
Answer: Type-in program listings in magazines
Explanation: Besides cassette tapes, software distribution for the ZX Spectrum also included type-in program listings published in magazines and books.
The ZX Spectrum sold approximately 50 million units worldwide during its lifespan.
Answer: False
Explanation: The ZX Spectrum sold approximately five million units worldwide, not 50 million.
The ZX Spectrum was affectionately known as the "Compy" by its fans.
Answer: False
Explanation: The ZX Spectrum was affectionately known as the "Speccy" by its fans, not "Compy".
The ZX Spectrum was largely unaffected by the 1983 video game crash that impacted North America.
Answer: True
Explanation: The ZX Spectrum's success in the UK market meant it was largely unaffected by the 1983 video game crash that significantly impacted North America.
The ZX Spectrum's success is credited by some with launching the British information technology industry.
Answer: True
Explanation: The ZX Spectrum's success is credited by some with launching the British information technology industry and fostering a significant software development sector.
The ZX Spectrum was released in the United States as the Commodore 64.
Answer: False
Explanation: The ZX Spectrum was released in the United States as the Timex Sinclair 2068, not the Commodore 64.
The ZX Spectrum's popularity in Czechoslovakia was limited due to strict import regulations.
Answer: False
Explanation: The ZX Spectrum was highly popular in Czechoslovakia, not limited, partly due to its ease of smuggling across borders.
Which of the following was NOT a primary competitor of the ZX Spectrum in the home computer market?
Answer: Atari ST
Explanation: Primary competitors of the ZX Spectrum included the Commodore 64, BBC Micro, and Amstrad CPC range. The Atari ST emerged later and was in a different market segment.
How many units of the ZX Spectrum were sold worldwide approximately?
Answer: 5 million
Explanation: Approximately five million units of the ZX Spectrum were sold worldwide during its lifespan.
The ZX Spectrum was released in the US under which brand name?
Answer: Timex Sinclair
Explanation: The ZX Spectrum was released in the United States under the brand name Timex Sinclair.
How did the ZX Spectrum's success contribute to the British economy?
Answer: It is credited by some with launching the British information technology industry.
Explanation: The ZX Spectrum's success is credited by some with launching the British information technology industry and fostering a significant software development sector.
The ZX Spectrum's popularity in Czechoslovakia was notable because:
Answer: It was easier to smuggle across borders due to its small size.
Explanation: The ZX Spectrum's popularity in Czechoslovakia was notable partly because its compact size made it easier to smuggle across borders, circumventing import restrictions.
The ZX Spectrum's success in the UK market meant it was largely unaffected by which major event in the video game industry?
Answer: The 1983 video game crash
Explanation: The ZX Spectrum's success in the UK market meant it was largely unaffected by the 1983 video game crash that significantly impacted North America.
What was the significance of the ZX Spectrum's role in the careers of many early game developers?
Answer: It served as a crucial platform for launching their careers.
Explanation: The ZX Spectrum served as a crucial platform for many early game developers, providing an accessible environment to hone their skills and launch their careers in the burgeoning video game industry.
Amstrad's acquisition of Sinclair Research led to the discontinuation of the ZX Spectrum line.
Answer: False
Explanation: Amstrad's acquisition of Sinclair Research in 1986 led to the release of updated models like the ZX Spectrum +2 and +3, rather than the discontinuation of the line.
The ZX Spectrum Vega was a successful retro console praised for its ergonomic design and extensive game library.
Answer: False
Explanation: The ZX Spectrum Vega was criticized for its lack of a full keyboard, cheap feel, and design issues, and was not considered a successful retro console.
What was the Sinclair C5, and what was its impact on Sinclair Research?
Answer: An electric tricycle; it was a commercial failure and caused financial losses.
Explanation: The Sinclair C5 was an electric tricycle that proved to be a commercial failure, causing significant financial losses for Sinclair Research.
What was the ZX Spectrum Vega+ project?
Answer: A crowdfunded handheld gaming console.
Explanation: The ZX Spectrum Vega+ project was a crowdfunded initiative aiming to create a handheld gaming console based on the ZX Spectrum.