The pre-TS 2068 computers connected directly to the user’s television. It was a good solution and it worked for many. Some users, however, preferred to use a dedicated monitor and that required a direct video interface.
Another popular upgrade added color graphics and sprites to the TS 1000. These were often based on the Texas Instruments TMS9918A video display processor, the same chip used in the TI 99/4A computer. With one of these adapters, a TS 1000 could have more powerful graphics than an Apple II or comparable graphics to a Commodore 64.
| Name | Description | Computers |
|---|---|---|
| Color Graphics and Sound | Kit, with 16K RAM. Plugs into ST-50 buffered motherboard. | Timex/Sinclair 1000 |
| Color SIN 81 | Video upgrade based on the Texas Instruments TMS9918A video display processor (VDP) designed by Daniel Roy. An article about the design, So You Wished You Had Bought a TS2000, by Roy was published in Sync v3 n4. Compusa announced it as “coming soon” in their ad in Sync v3 n6, two issues before the magazine | Timex/Sinclair 1000 |
| Complete Video Plans | Documentation packet that covers video trouble shooting tips, UHF conversion, fine tuner for the RF modulator, direct and reverse video. | Timex/Sinclair 1000 |
| Direct Reverse Video Module | Timex/Sinclair 1000 | |
| Direct Video | Complete plans and parts kit to convert ZX-81, TS 1000 and television. | Timex/Sinclair 1000 |
| Direct Video Kit | Provides direct composite out with option to invert video. Not compatible with units with UHF modulator. Steve Pence wrote an article describing this upgrade that was published in the May 1983 issue of Computers & Electronics. | Timex/Sinclair 1000 |
| Direct Video Modification | Allows connection of standard (composite video) computer monitor to Sinclair computers for noise-free display. Two transistor circuit. | Timex/Sinclair 1000 |
| Direct video/inverter | Provides direct monitor connection and inverted signal for white-on-black. | Timex/Sinclair 1000 |
| Inverse Video Module | Permits normal black on white or inverse video on black. Solders inside case. | Timex/Sinclair 1000 |
| Inverse Video Module | Installs inside case. Normal or inverse composite video signal. | Timex/Sinclair 1000 |
| Kolorworks | Texas Instruments TMS9918 video display processor (VDP) adaptor for the TS 1000. All of the features of the TMS9918, including: 32 sprites 256 x 192 pixel graphics User defined characters Extension of Basic commands include PAPER, INK, BORDER, BIN, SPRITE, OUT, INP 16K RAM dedicated to the VDP James Hastings-Trew, a Kolorworks owner, wrote a | Timex/Sinclair 1000 |
| Reverse Video Module | Convert to white letters on dark background. | Timex/Sinclair 1000 |
| RGB Interface Unit | Connect TS2068 to an RGB monitor. Plugs into rear expansion connector. Includes through-buss connector. | Timex/Sinclair 2068 |
| The Video Reverser | Inverts video signal to display white on black. Installs inside computer; option switch to select normal or inverse. | Timex/Sinclair 1000 |
| TMS 9918A Video Upgrade | Two board, extensive upgrade that integrates the TMS 9918A video display processor into the ZX81/TS1000. Provides: color multiple graphics resolutions, up to 256×192 pixels up to 32 sprites a SLOW mode almost as fast as FAST mode blink free FAST mode lower case characters instead of inverse upper case Interfaces the TMS 9918A color graphics | Timex/Sinclair 1000, Downloadable |
| UHF Modulator | Replaces the VHF (ch 2-3) modulator on the ZX81 circuit board. UHF is less sensitive to the interference radiated from the computer or its peripherals. | Timex/Sinclair 1000 |
| Video Amplifier Unit | Produces composite video signal for monitor. | Sinclair ZX80, Sinclair ZX81 |
| Video Inverter Kit | Sinclair ZX80 | |
| Video Monitor Output | Converts TS 1000 to standard monitor signal. | Timex/Sinclair 1000 |
| Video Upgrade Board | Flicker-free display. 8K ROM required. The SLOW mode upgrade was a small double-sided circuit board that had to be soldered to the ZX80 PCB via several flying leads. In addition, several tracks of the ZX80 PCB had to be cut. The SLOW mode board works by generating horizontal synchronisation (HSync) pulses during the top and | MicroAce, Sinclair ZX80 |
| ZX81 Video Inverter | Circuit to invert video signal (white on black); fits inside computer. Switch to select normal or inverted video. | Timex/Sinclair 1000 |