We saw this X post from BillyTime!Games;
Which pointed us to the tutorial for the video at the top of the page about setting up the SEGA Channel. What is the SEGA channel, you ask?
The SEGA Channel was a subscription service for the SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive that ran from 1994 to 1998. It was a groundbreaking idea, essentially a precursor to modern-day game subscriptions. For a monthly fee, subscribers received a special adapter that plugged into their console and connected to a cable TV line. This allowed them to access a rotating library of about 50 games, which would change monthly. The service was a digital content delivery system that also offered game demos, cheats, and exclusive titles, all delivered through the existing cable infrastructure.
The video is a guide on how to emulate the Sega Channel on a PC using files created by Billy Time Games. It provides a step-by-step tutorial on setting up the custom menus and broadcasts, which are designed to mirror the original Sega Channel service from the 90s.
The tutorial walks you through:
- Downloading the necessary files and organizing them.
- Configuring RetroArch, the emulator used to run the Sega Channel.
- Accessing custom menus and broadcasts that update based on your computer’s date.
- Running the service on a Windows PC, with mentions of options for Linux and Raspberry Pi as well.
Essentially, the video is a comprehensive walkthrough for anyone interested in recreating the Sega Channel experience on their own computer. So definitely check it out, if you want to experience an important and innovative piece of SEGA history.