Pac-Man 256 makes sense...

I have to admit that even though I did play Ms. Pac-Man as a kid in the laundry mat back in 1988 I had no programming experience let alone knew what a kill screen was.  I came across this video that explains very clearly why level 256 looks and acts the way it does.  I would also encourage you to check out the app Pac-Man 256 which captures this idea and just runs with it! 

-kaokensho

Level 4-2

I've never had much interest in the speed running scene. However, the old you tube recommend one presentation by Summoning Salt about the classic Super Mario Bros. level 4-2.  I thought,"heck I remember that level, its how I got to level 8."  This video is amazing and changed the way I see record progression and speed running forever.  While I'm not ready to quit my day job and start speed running Mega Man 2, I will tell you that if you've ever warped to level 8 in Super Mario Bros. you need to watch this.

-kaokensho

Magnovox Odyssey 2000 Repair and Modernization

Evil Game Switch

Equally & Uniquely Evil Video Cable

As I dusted off my old Odyssey 2000 (Model BH7510) I found that one of the devils pitchforks, I mean one of the connectors on that evil game switch was broken.   I tried splicing a new connector on it but the signal quality was poor.  I then turned to world wide web (aka Google) for answers.  I know that folks have used simple Radio Shack components to bypass Atari's evil TV/Game switch the Odyssey series uses this unique video cable which makes that impossible.  Enter Ozyr's Emporium and the solution to this problem.  On this page it shows that this Magnavox video cable can be replaced with a standard RCA video cable on an Odyssey 2.  Well if it works on an Odyssey 2 maybe it will work on the 2000 unit?

To find out we popped that Odyssey 2000 on the operating table and behold!  Under a ton solder was the video connector that appeared a lot like a standard RCA cable.  We replaced the cable but now we still need a slightly more modern answer to the evil TV/Game switch.  For that we turned to Radio Shack's successor, eBay.  Shown in the picture is a RCA to COAX adapter that runs for less than five US bucks.   This same simple cheat come be used on other systems of its time like the Atari 2600/7800 and the Coleco.

Game RF Video TV Cable Adapter RCA to COAX

 
After re-assembly I now have the clearest and sharpest image I have every seen come out of this Magnavox Odyssey 2000.  Of course this carries video signal only since the internal speaker handles all the beeps and boops of pong.
. -kaokensho