AMSTRAD CPC464 User Manual page 195

The purchaser does not always think ahead to his needs in the future, otherwise a machine that
incorporates a properly supported parallel printer (Centronics compatible) and a games joystick may
actually be cheaper in the long run.
The CPC464 computer features a built-in Centronics printer port, facilities for up to two joysticks, a
stereo sound output - and a comprehensive expansion bus that can be used to attach disk drive
controllers, additional expansion ROMs, serial (RS232) interfaces etc.
A ROM (Read Only Memory) is an integrated circuit memory device that contains stored program
information. The BASIC that is supplied with your computer is stored in one such ROM, and it is
possible for other programs to be supplied either to supplement the built-in ROM, or replace its
function completely.
TV games consoles use ' cartridge' software. The cartridge is basically an ROM (Read Only Memory -
a form of integrated circuit that stores program information) supplied in a neat plastic housing with
a suitable form of reusable connector that allows it to be taken in and out very easily. Thus a ROM
provides the same function as a cassette for supplying program information. However, it loads the
information into the computer virtually instantaneously as compared to the several minutes that it
takes to load a large program from cassette, and so its major advantage is one of sheer convenience.
A ROM cannot be used to store information to be taken out and stored or transported to another
computer in the same way that the cassette Datacorder does.
Expansion is the means to ensure that your computer can make the most of future developments in
software and peripherals. The CPC464 system has a very complete and fully documented expansion
capability.
4. Sound
The sound features of a computer determine whether or not it sounds like a bluebottle in a empty
cocoa tin - or if it can produce an acceptable representation of an electronic musical instrument.
The CPC464 computer uses a 3 channel 8 octave sound generator, which can produce a very
acceptable musical quality, with full control of the amplitude and tone envelopes. Furthermore, the
sound is divided into a stereo configuration, where one channel provides the left output and one
channel provides the right output- and the third channel sits in the middle.
This provides considerable scope for writing programs that track the sound effects across the screen
to follow the motion of an arcade-style game.
Ultimately, you will make your own mind up about which of these features is most important to you.
We hope that you will try them all to make the most of your computer.
Why can' t?
With all the power of modern technology, users frequently wonder why even a machine as advanced
as the CPC464 is apparently unable to display the sort the type of pictures seen on any TV set.