3 00:00:12,360 --> 00:00:15,920 People with characters who have imagination, confidence in 4 00:00:15,920 --> 00:00:18,280 themselves, faith in the future, and a very 5 00:00:18,280 --> 00:00:21,440 positive attitude to life, which means simply that 6 00:00:21,440 --> 00:00:24,880 they never, ever, take no for an answer. 7 00:00:25,360 --> 00:00:28,400 Like Joe Radley, driller of fine holes for 8 00:00:28,400 --> 00:00:29,380 the electronics boom. 9 00:00:30,180 --> 00:00:33,120 Like George Taylor, who has turned £15 of 10 00:00:33,120 --> 00:00:35,940 holiday money into a £3 million business. 11 00:00:35,940 --> 00:00:40,020 Like Clive Sinclair, electronics wizard, who can beat 12 00:00:40,020 --> 00:00:42,020 the Japs and the Americans at their own 13 00:00:42,020 --> 00:00:42,320 game. 14 00:00:43,940 --> 00:00:46,620 I consider it very much my role to 15 00:00:46,620 --> 00:00:47,920 foresee the future. 16 00:00:48,780 --> 00:00:52,760 For example, I anticipate totally automatic personalised cars 17 00:00:52,760 --> 00:00:56,300 powered by electricity drawn from internal batteries or 18 00:00:56,300 --> 00:00:56,840 the mains. 19 00:00:57,420 --> 00:00:58,700 That's a very real goal. 20 00:01:14,970 --> 00:01:18,110 Starting in the early 1960s, Sinclair has introduced 21 00:01:18,110 --> 00:01:20,350 the world to a series of remarkable technological 22 00:01:20,350 --> 00:01:20,890 advances. 23 00:01:21,230 --> 00:01:23,950 Miniature amplifiers, personal in-ear radios, and his 24 00:01:23,950 --> 00:01:27,310 real breakthrough, the world's first slimline pocket calculator. 25 00:01:27,870 --> 00:01:29,810 Sinclair went on to produce dozens of models 26 00:01:29,810 --> 00:01:32,150 before foreign manufacturers flooded the market. 27 00:01:36,820 --> 00:01:39,200 Undaunted, Sinclair moved on to the world's first 28 00:01:39,200 --> 00:01:40,380 digital quartz watch. 29 00:01:42,740 --> 00:01:45,060 But faulty components spelt disaster. 30 00:01:50,220 --> 00:01:53,200 Faced with financial ruin, Sinclair had to turn 31 00:01:53,200 --> 00:01:55,160 to the government for help, selling a share 32 00:01:55,160 --> 00:01:57,500 of his company to the National Enterprise Board 33 00:01:57,500 --> 00:01:59,320 in order to fund future projects. 34 00:01:59,540 --> 00:02:02,020 What we've brought in is public investment and 35 00:02:02,020 --> 00:02:02,840 business know-how. 36 00:02:03,440 --> 00:02:06,080 And we're confident the portable television we've developed 37 00:02:06,080 --> 00:02:07,440 together will be a great success. 38 00:02:13,070 --> 00:02:15,110 This is claimed to be the world's first 39 00:02:15,110 --> 00:02:17,430 truly commercial pocket television. 40 00:02:17,870 --> 00:02:20,250 It's being launched by an English company in 41 00:02:20,250 --> 00:02:22,510 London today, in America later this week. 42 00:02:23,010 --> 00:02:24,230 This is one of the things we hope 43 00:02:24,230 --> 00:02:25,890 will be making money for Britain this year 44 00:02:25,890 --> 00:02:26,830 and in years to come. 45 00:02:27,330 --> 00:02:28,770 Whether it does or not, you can at 46 00:02:28,770 --> 00:02:31,030 least say that it works and that it 47 00:02:31,030 --> 00:02:32,170 goes into your pocket. 48 00:02:38,680 --> 00:02:40,820 The answer is no. 49 00:02:41,740 --> 00:02:42,860 But why? 50 00:02:43,300 --> 00:02:45,180 Have you even looked at these accounts? 51 00:02:46,040 --> 00:02:48,260 We're in no position to throw away taxpayers' 52 00:02:48,560 --> 00:02:50,940 money on concept products. 53 00:02:51,260 --> 00:02:53,880 This is not a concept product. 54 00:02:54,120 --> 00:02:55,380 It's Dreamland, Clive. 55 00:02:55,380 --> 00:02:57,660 We're running a proper business here. 56 00:02:58,280 --> 00:02:59,800 Not an amusement arcade. 57 00:03:01,180 --> 00:03:03,480 There is no more research money for the 58 00:03:03,480 --> 00:03:03,720 car. 59 00:03:04,680 --> 00:03:05,100 I'm sorry. 60 00:03:08,240 --> 00:03:09,480 Nothing personal, Clive. 61 00:03:14,400 --> 00:03:19,640 Who are these people? 62 00:03:20,200 --> 00:03:21,620 What do they think they're running here? 63 00:03:22,280 --> 00:03:25,200 What's the point of funding an invention if 64 00:03:25,200 --> 00:03:27,040 you can't stop at the inventor? 65 00:03:30,280 --> 00:03:30,760 Clive. 66 00:03:32,580 --> 00:03:33,540 Jesus Christ! 67 00:03:34,020 --> 00:03:35,640 What the bloody hell's the matter with you? 68 00:03:35,780 --> 00:03:37,400 I don't give a shit about components. 69 00:03:37,560 --> 00:03:39,000 Just get it working! 70 00:03:39,540 --> 00:03:40,920 What the bloody hell do you think I 71 00:03:40,920 --> 00:03:41,760 pay you for? 72 00:03:42,580 --> 00:03:45,100 For fuck's sake, I'm surrounded by incompetents. 73 00:03:45,440 --> 00:03:46,480 At the top end I've got people who 74 00:03:46,480 --> 00:03:48,000 don't know their art from their elbow. 75 00:03:48,260 --> 00:03:50,260 At the bottom end I've got people who 76 00:03:50,260 --> 00:03:52,460 can't even answer a fucking telephone! 77 00:03:55,900 --> 00:03:56,880 Sorry about that. 78 00:03:58,600 --> 00:03:59,900 Yes, maybe later. 79 00:04:19,769 --> 00:04:21,050 Come on, pub. 80 00:04:31,860 --> 00:04:34,580 Cheers, man. 81 00:04:40,540 --> 00:04:43,060 I've had enough of these Bolshevik penny pinchers. 82 00:04:43,960 --> 00:04:45,800 And bugger technical instruments. 83 00:04:46,440 --> 00:04:48,560 We've taken technical instruments and hi-fi as 84 00:04:48,560 --> 00:04:49,480 far as they can go. 85 00:04:49,720 --> 00:04:51,240 I've watched the pocket calculator. 86 00:04:51,240 --> 00:04:53,900 We invented the hijacked by the Japanese in 87 00:04:53,900 --> 00:04:55,280 their ugly plastic grot. 88 00:04:56,040 --> 00:04:57,680 I'll be damned if they take away my 89 00:04:57,680 --> 00:04:58,040 car. 90 00:04:59,500 --> 00:05:01,900 They don't have the first idea about Sinclair 91 00:05:01,900 --> 00:05:02,600 Radionics. 92 00:05:02,900 --> 00:05:05,680 Can't they see we exist to push barriers? 93 00:05:06,660 --> 00:05:08,280 We won't be constrained like this. 94 00:05:10,140 --> 00:05:11,540 What's that line from Browning? 95 00:05:12,400 --> 00:05:14,800 A man's reach must exceed his grasp or 96 00:05:14,800 --> 00:05:15,840 what's a heaven for? 97 00:05:17,120 --> 00:05:18,000 Who's that for? 98 00:05:19,100 --> 00:05:20,020 No grudges. 99 00:05:21,120 --> 00:05:21,660 You know me. 100 00:05:26,760 --> 00:05:29,180 As inventors we're obliged to dream. 101 00:05:29,780 --> 00:05:31,800 To be unconstrained in our quest for progress. 102 00:05:31,920 --> 00:05:33,580 Always to be pushing up the barriers. 103 00:05:34,040 --> 00:05:35,780 But we must never forget that allied to 104 00:05:35,780 --> 00:05:38,780 innovation is a clear Sinclair aesthetic. 105 00:05:40,580 --> 00:05:44,640 Practicality, simplicity and elegance are the pillars of 106 00:05:44,640 --> 00:05:45,040 my vision. 107 00:05:45,160 --> 00:05:45,880 Remember that, boys. 108 00:05:46,440 --> 00:05:48,180 Elegance above all. 109 00:05:49,640 --> 00:05:50,980 Excuse me, Clive. 110 00:05:51,140 --> 00:05:52,540 I'd like you to meet a friend of 111 00:05:52,540 --> 00:05:54,220 mine, Herman Hauser. 112 00:05:54,360 --> 00:05:55,760 Herman, this is Clive Sinclair. 113 00:05:56,280 --> 00:05:57,720 Oh, a pleasure to meet you. 114 00:05:58,220 --> 00:05:58,700 German? 115 00:05:59,160 --> 00:06:01,260 I'm Austrian, a common error. 116 00:06:01,840 --> 00:06:03,580 I was just talking about the importance of 117 00:06:03,580 --> 00:06:05,300 elegance in innovative design. 118 00:06:05,680 --> 00:06:07,240 Oh, as with your black watch? 119 00:06:07,560 --> 00:06:08,380 Oh, yes. 120 00:06:08,960 --> 00:06:10,660 But your watch didn't work properly. 121 00:06:11,860 --> 00:06:14,120 Elegance and functionality, no? 122 00:06:16,260 --> 00:06:18,520 Herman's doing a Ph.D. at the Cavendish. 123 00:06:19,220 --> 00:06:20,660 It's on oxidisation. 124 00:06:21,440 --> 00:06:22,840 Yes, well, some of us didn't go to 125 00:06:22,840 --> 00:06:24,180 university, did we, Chris? 126 00:06:25,040 --> 00:06:27,140 We prefer the cut and thrust of the 127 00:06:27,140 --> 00:06:27,840 real world. 128 00:06:30,460 --> 00:06:33,380 But I'm sure watching things rust has its 129 00:06:33,380 --> 00:06:33,820 interest. 130 00:06:38,160 --> 00:06:39,780 I'm sorry, you'll have to forgive him. 131 00:06:45,020 --> 00:06:46,760 Chris, Clive here. 132 00:06:47,060 --> 00:06:48,340 I'd like to have a word with you 133 00:06:48,340 --> 00:06:48,920 in private. 134 00:06:49,300 --> 00:06:51,080 Meet me in the Rolls in five minutes. 135 00:07:01,510 --> 00:07:04,410 We've had six months of this state control, 136 00:07:04,870 --> 00:07:06,690 and it's been even worse than I thought. 137 00:07:08,230 --> 00:07:12,910 This interference in my business is intolerable. 138 00:07:14,430 --> 00:07:16,850 I've asked you here because I trust you, 139 00:07:16,930 --> 00:07:17,070 Chris. 140 00:07:17,070 --> 00:07:23,190 I want you to consider yourself freed from 141 00:07:23,190 --> 00:07:25,430 your employment at Sinclair Radionics. 142 00:07:25,590 --> 00:07:25,770 What? 143 00:07:25,910 --> 00:07:27,430 Don't worry, you'll still work for me. 144 00:07:29,070 --> 00:07:31,210 I hold another company name. 145 00:07:32,470 --> 00:07:34,610 Science of Cambridge is a shell, no more 146 00:07:34,610 --> 00:07:35,010 than that. 147 00:07:35,990 --> 00:07:37,870 But I want you to start operating it. 148 00:07:39,130 --> 00:07:39,650 Right. 149 00:07:40,330 --> 00:07:42,250 I've rented a property in King's Parade. 150 00:07:42,910 --> 00:07:44,950 Probably start with a couple of small projects. 151 00:07:45,910 --> 00:07:48,210 There are some of those calculated chips down 152 00:07:48,210 --> 00:07:48,810 in the store. 153 00:07:49,010 --> 00:07:50,610 Do help yourself to those. 154 00:07:52,990 --> 00:07:53,470 Okay. 155 00:07:55,030 --> 00:07:57,090 I mean, I have been speaking to Herman 156 00:07:57,090 --> 00:07:59,050 about a basic microcomputing kit. 157 00:07:59,150 --> 00:08:01,670 Yes, yes, what you'll be doing is preparing 158 00:08:01,670 --> 00:08:04,030 the ground for me to move in when 159 00:08:04,030 --> 00:08:07,030 this Stalinist shibboleth crumbles, as it surely will. 160 00:08:07,690 --> 00:08:10,210 You, Chris, will be keeping the flame alive. 161 00:08:51,620 --> 00:08:53,140 He'll drive you up the wall, but there 162 00:08:53,140 --> 00:08:54,220 is something about him. 163 00:08:54,880 --> 00:08:58,220 An absolute belief in what he's doing, and 164 00:08:58,220 --> 00:09:00,020 he's loyal to his staff like nobody else. 165 00:09:00,780 --> 00:09:01,680 You know he took me and Jim up 166 00:09:01,680 --> 00:09:02,480 when we were just kids. 167 00:09:03,460 --> 00:09:05,540 And this whole thing, starting this company, it's 168 00:09:05,540 --> 00:09:05,980 been great. 169 00:09:06,480 --> 00:09:07,900 A real chance to show what I can 170 00:09:07,900 --> 00:09:08,080 do. 171 00:09:09,320 --> 00:09:11,100 He's coming to see the new computing kit 172 00:09:11,100 --> 00:09:11,360 tomorrow. 173 00:09:13,100 --> 00:09:14,260 I think he's going to like it. 174 00:09:15,360 --> 00:09:16,400 Now, whose move? 175 00:09:18,140 --> 00:09:19,020 What is a pawn? 176 00:09:21,620 --> 00:09:24,040 A piece whose only function is to protect 177 00:09:24,040 --> 00:09:24,480 the king. 178 00:09:25,440 --> 00:09:28,180 To lay down his life, if necessary, as 179 00:09:28,180 --> 00:09:29,840 part of a greater plan. 180 00:09:30,520 --> 00:09:33,160 But the object of the game, this is 181 00:09:33,160 --> 00:09:34,800 to kill the king. 182 00:09:36,200 --> 00:09:39,220 Now, are you a pawn, Chris, or a 183 00:09:39,220 --> 00:09:40,360 bigger piece on the board? 184 00:09:49,000 --> 00:09:49,520 Checkmate. 185 00:09:55,110 --> 00:09:56,230 No, it's not. 186 00:09:58,290 --> 00:09:59,430 Well, maybe you're right. 187 00:09:59,430 --> 00:10:01,210 I don't really know the rules. 188 00:10:17,120 --> 00:10:18,080 CPU. 189 00:10:19,480 --> 00:10:20,800 RAM chips. 190 00:10:21,500 --> 00:10:23,320 Eight-digit LED display. 191 00:10:24,360 --> 00:10:25,920 Five-volt regulator. 192 00:10:27,100 --> 00:10:29,800 It's a basic microprocessing system. 193 00:10:30,300 --> 00:10:33,960 It's a kit to make your own computer 194 00:10:34,260 --> 00:10:35,000 at home. 195 00:10:36,900 --> 00:10:38,340 Whatever for? 196 00:10:44,720 --> 00:10:47,660 Right, well, you can find out how chips 197 00:10:47,660 --> 00:10:52,240 work, how to programme using computer language. 198 00:10:52,360 --> 00:10:54,200 Once they've got that, they'll want more powerful 199 00:10:54,200 --> 00:10:55,880 computers, computers we can produce. 200 00:10:56,920 --> 00:10:57,340 Hmm. 201 00:10:58,880 --> 00:11:00,960 Hardly going to have IBM quaking in their 202 00:11:00,960 --> 00:11:01,400 boots. 203 00:11:02,160 --> 00:11:03,820 It's a bloody ugly thing. 204 00:11:05,480 --> 00:11:06,840 But it's better than nothing. 205 00:11:09,100 --> 00:11:11,220 Some people like putting these things together, I 206 00:11:11,220 --> 00:11:11,420 suppose. 207 00:11:11,420 --> 00:11:14,240 Is this the best furniture you could find? 208 00:11:16,740 --> 00:11:17,800 Uh, well, uh, yes. 209 00:11:18,040 --> 00:11:19,900 Well, it doesn't exactly smack of the Sinclair 210 00:11:19,900 --> 00:11:20,460 brand. 211 00:11:22,100 --> 00:11:23,960 Still, it won't be long before I'm out 212 00:11:23,960 --> 00:11:25,840 of this NEB cage, then we can really 213 00:11:25,840 --> 00:11:26,420 get cracking. 214 00:11:28,000 --> 00:11:30,000 Start work on some serious products. 215 00:11:39,000 --> 00:11:40,180 You've got to face facts. 216 00:11:42,120 --> 00:11:44,740 Sales of the television have been disappointing. 217 00:11:45,700 --> 00:11:49,280 I've had a little more time and further 218 00:11:49,280 --> 00:11:49,640 investment. 219 00:11:50,160 --> 00:11:50,400 What? 220 00:11:50,920 --> 00:11:51,620 More money? 221 00:11:52,420 --> 00:11:58,320 As I keep telling you, innovation is not 222 00:11:58,320 --> 00:12:00,740 something you can pay for in Green Shield 223 00:12:00,740 --> 00:12:01,460 stamps. 224 00:12:02,020 --> 00:12:02,820 Excuse me. 225 00:12:03,020 --> 00:12:06,060 We've pumped nearly eight million into Sinclair Radionics. 226 00:12:08,020 --> 00:12:08,960 For what? 227 00:12:10,080 --> 00:12:12,340 The taxpayer has to get something back for 228 00:12:12,340 --> 00:12:12,880 their investment. 229 00:12:13,580 --> 00:12:15,820 There are some areas of the business we 230 00:12:15,820 --> 00:12:17,060 can salvage. 231 00:12:18,920 --> 00:12:19,480 Salvage? 232 00:12:20,360 --> 00:12:22,400 It's time to break this business up. 233 00:12:25,020 --> 00:12:26,540 We're calling in the receivers. 234 00:12:31,060 --> 00:12:33,240 It'll be wonderful to be running my own 235 00:12:33,240 --> 00:12:33,980 company again. 236 00:12:34,280 --> 00:12:35,220 Oh, it's marvellous. 237 00:12:35,620 --> 00:12:37,040 It's been a terrible time for Clive. 238 00:12:37,560 --> 00:12:39,100 So nice to see him happy and relaxed 239 00:12:39,100 --> 00:12:39,360 again. 240 00:12:40,300 --> 00:12:44,600 So a brave new future lies before us. 241 00:12:46,160 --> 00:12:49,120 I've mapped out a number of new products 242 00:12:49,120 --> 00:12:50,840 the company might set about developing. 243 00:12:51,760 --> 00:12:53,700 Those communists at the NEB have got the 244 00:12:53,700 --> 00:12:56,260 instruments and the calculators both dive held onto 245 00:12:56,260 --> 00:12:56,820 the television. 246 00:12:57,960 --> 00:13:00,200 And the car is still mine. 247 00:13:01,440 --> 00:13:03,500 Yes, I was going to suggest that we 248 00:13:03,500 --> 00:13:06,260 try developing a new, upgraded microcomputer. 249 00:13:06,260 --> 00:13:10,700 Chris, it's an amusing little gizmo aimed at 250 00:13:10,700 --> 00:13:11,380 a few hobbyists. 251 00:13:11,560 --> 00:13:12,620 No, it's something I want to pursue. 252 00:13:12,940 --> 00:13:14,600 Well, it's not exactly the Commodore PET. 253 00:13:15,220 --> 00:13:16,480 No, it's not meant to be. 254 00:13:16,500 --> 00:13:16,920 It's a brand. 255 00:13:16,980 --> 00:13:18,380 Did your Prussian friend put you up to 256 00:13:18,380 --> 00:13:18,620 this? 257 00:13:20,320 --> 00:13:21,400 I don't know what you mean. 258 00:13:23,400 --> 00:13:25,160 I don't wish to discuss it any further. 259 00:13:25,980 --> 00:13:26,880 I wonder why that is. 260 00:13:29,820 --> 00:13:31,160 I beg your pardon. 261 00:13:31,360 --> 00:13:33,520 Look, I'm sorry, Clive, but I've always believed 262 00:13:33,520 --> 00:13:35,440 in what you've been trying to do. 263 00:13:35,640 --> 00:13:38,180 Now I'm asking for the chance to take 264 00:13:38,180 --> 00:13:38,620 this forward. 265 00:13:38,780 --> 00:13:40,720 I feel I can do something with this. 266 00:13:40,840 --> 00:13:41,920 It's a worthwhile project. 267 00:13:41,960 --> 00:13:43,420 It's pointless, amateurish, ugly. 268 00:13:43,620 --> 00:13:45,720 All I am asking is that you allow 269 00:13:45,720 --> 00:13:48,040 me the chance to develop the idea. 270 00:13:54,790 --> 00:13:55,030 No. 271 00:13:55,930 --> 00:13:56,950 But why? 272 00:13:57,270 --> 00:13:59,030 Because we haven't got the funds to waste. 273 00:13:59,970 --> 00:14:02,990 We have to concentrate on developing authentic Sinclair 274 00:14:02,990 --> 00:14:05,470 products like the television, the electric car. 275 00:14:05,470 --> 00:14:06,350 The car? 276 00:14:06,870 --> 00:14:08,590 For Christ's sake, Clive, what car? 277 00:14:12,030 --> 00:14:13,930 Get out of my bloody house. 278 00:14:20,480 --> 00:14:21,380 Get out! 279 00:14:36,210 --> 00:14:37,610 Is everything all right? 280 00:14:38,390 --> 00:14:38,910 It's nothing. 281 00:14:40,210 --> 00:14:41,850 He'll be back at work tomorrow morning. 282 00:14:53,090 --> 00:14:55,010 I can't believe what I said. 283 00:14:55,010 --> 00:14:56,490 You don't know what he thinks of that 284 00:14:56,490 --> 00:14:56,830 car. 285 00:14:58,030 --> 00:14:59,370 Christ, what have I done? 286 00:14:59,990 --> 00:15:00,730 Freed yourself. 287 00:15:01,730 --> 00:15:03,350 You've had a taste of being the boss 288 00:15:03,350 --> 00:15:04,090 and you liked it. 289 00:15:04,610 --> 00:15:05,330 There's no going back. 290 00:15:05,870 --> 00:15:06,890 So what am I going to do? 291 00:15:08,330 --> 00:15:10,030 My father wants to know if I'm coming 292 00:15:10,030 --> 00:15:11,350 back to work in the family firm. 293 00:15:11,890 --> 00:15:12,690 What are they in? 294 00:15:13,950 --> 00:15:14,690 They make wine. 295 00:15:14,890 --> 00:15:15,150 Really? 296 00:15:15,230 --> 00:15:15,830 I didn't know that. 297 00:15:16,590 --> 00:15:17,830 But I like Cambridge. 298 00:15:18,710 --> 00:15:20,750 I've been thinking of starting a business here. 299 00:15:21,410 --> 00:15:22,350 Computers interest me. 300 00:15:23,670 --> 00:15:25,210 Maybe you could do with a partner. 301 00:15:26,790 --> 00:15:27,390 Seriously? 302 00:15:28,330 --> 00:15:30,290 You'd give all that up to go into 303 00:15:30,290 --> 00:15:31,030 business with me? 304 00:15:32,650 --> 00:15:34,790 Have you ever tried Austrian wine, Chris? 305 00:15:36,190 --> 00:15:39,530 If you had, you might understand. 306 00:16:07,710 --> 00:16:10,930 As the Americans would say, a golden handshake. 307 00:16:11,530 --> 00:16:13,070 Good luck with your future endeavours. 308 00:16:31,370 --> 00:16:33,590 Ten thousand pounds, you say. 309 00:16:35,910 --> 00:16:38,030 What sort of business, did you say it 310 00:16:38,030 --> 00:16:38,130 was? 311 00:16:40,390 --> 00:16:40,950 Computers. 312 00:16:41,830 --> 00:16:43,010 Oh, I see. 313 00:16:43,390 --> 00:16:43,930 How interesting. 314 00:16:45,650 --> 00:16:47,090 Very science fiction. 315 00:16:51,430 --> 00:16:54,050 Well, we like to help new concerns where 316 00:16:54,050 --> 00:16:54,550 we can. 317 00:16:55,290 --> 00:16:57,610 Just need to check a few bona fides. 318 00:16:57,990 --> 00:16:58,730 You know how it is. 319 00:16:59,950 --> 00:17:02,490 Tell me again, which college were you at? 320 00:17:06,569 --> 00:17:07,450 That one. 321 00:17:11,849 --> 00:17:12,470 Jolly good. 322 00:17:13,310 --> 00:17:15,010 Thought as much, just by looking at you. 323 00:17:25,990 --> 00:17:27,010 A fresh start. 324 00:17:54,050 --> 00:17:54,590 Better. 325 00:18:03,860 --> 00:18:06,800 They say in business, the key to success 326 00:18:06,800 --> 00:18:08,600 is to use the resources you have. 327 00:18:08,800 --> 00:18:12,220 Well, here in Cambridge, we have one resource 328 00:18:12,220 --> 00:18:12,860 in abundance. 329 00:18:14,440 --> 00:18:16,040 Cambridge Processor Group. 330 00:18:19,220 --> 00:18:21,440 They build computer systems for fun. 331 00:18:24,100 --> 00:18:25,380 Our secret weapon. 332 00:18:43,400 --> 00:18:45,500 Steve, Steve Furber. 333 00:18:46,800 --> 00:18:49,360 Could we, could we have a word? 334 00:18:55,880 --> 00:18:56,680 That's him. 335 00:18:57,180 --> 00:18:57,740 Roger Wilson. 336 00:18:59,180 --> 00:19:00,560 Spent the summer of it there, building and 337 00:19:00,560 --> 00:19:02,800 programming a computerised cow feeding device for a 338 00:19:02,800 --> 00:19:03,600 farm up in Harrogate. 339 00:19:13,810 --> 00:19:15,730 The computer journals you asked for. 340 00:19:18,490 --> 00:19:20,210 You said you wanted all of them. 341 00:19:22,090 --> 00:19:22,890 Thank you, Nigel. 342 00:19:37,320 --> 00:19:39,200 It was nearly 2,000 pounds. 343 00:19:49,660 --> 00:19:51,060 Still too much. 344 00:19:57,840 --> 00:19:59,140 They're so expensive. 345 00:20:03,390 --> 00:20:04,930 But why so expensive? 346 00:20:04,930 --> 00:20:23,090 You must 347 00:20:23,090 --> 00:20:24,690 observe the British tea ritual. 348 00:20:27,090 --> 00:20:28,030 Thank you. 349 00:20:30,430 --> 00:20:33,170 So, we all know the MK14. 350 00:20:34,450 --> 00:20:35,010 Sinclair. 351 00:20:35,530 --> 00:20:36,990 I saved up for one of his hi 352 00:20:36,990 --> 00:20:37,970 -fi kits when I was a kid. 353 00:20:38,450 --> 00:20:38,950 Looked nice. 354 00:20:39,530 --> 00:20:40,810 Matt Black, System 2000. 355 00:20:41,130 --> 00:20:42,130 System 3000. 356 00:20:42,530 --> 00:20:45,250 System 2000 was in silver, 20 watts, as 357 00:20:45,250 --> 00:20:47,770 opposed to 40 watts in the System 3000. 358 00:20:49,470 --> 00:20:51,690 Whatever it was called, never bloody worked. 359 00:20:53,490 --> 00:20:55,570 Anyway, we all want to go with the 360 00:20:55,570 --> 00:20:56,590 6502 processor. 361 00:20:57,070 --> 00:20:57,550 Of course. 362 00:20:59,090 --> 00:20:59,870 It's the only choice. 363 00:21:00,750 --> 00:21:01,370 For the moment. 364 00:21:02,350 --> 00:21:03,570 Plus a whole new look. 365 00:21:04,010 --> 00:21:04,370 That's right. 366 00:21:04,490 --> 00:21:06,470 We start with kits, but we want to 367 00:21:06,470 --> 00:21:08,850 market it with a proper, ready-made, moulded 368 00:21:08,850 --> 00:21:10,730 keyboard and built-in assembler. 369 00:21:11,550 --> 00:21:13,190 The products we produce are going to be 370 00:21:13,190 --> 00:21:14,330 led by you, the engineers. 371 00:21:16,370 --> 00:21:18,370 So I'm pleased to announce that Nigel will 372 00:21:18,370 --> 00:21:20,330 be heading the new computer division. 373 00:21:20,330 --> 00:21:22,790 Not just a division, but an entirely new 374 00:21:22,790 --> 00:21:23,230 company. 375 00:21:24,270 --> 00:21:25,470 Sinclair Computers. 376 00:21:31,070 --> 00:21:32,570 A new company, gentlemen. 377 00:21:33,390 --> 00:21:34,290 A new beginning. 378 00:21:35,110 --> 00:21:36,970 Perhaps we should remind ourselves of the secret 379 00:21:36,970 --> 00:21:38,750 of the Sinclair success. 380 00:21:38,930 --> 00:21:41,890 That is, being first to market. 381 00:21:42,610 --> 00:21:44,830 Letting people know what they want before even 382 00:21:44,830 --> 00:21:45,990 they know about it. 383 00:21:46,810 --> 00:21:49,690 Now, the MK14 has been a modest success, 384 00:21:49,810 --> 00:21:51,390 as I knew it would be, appealing to 385 00:21:51,390 --> 00:21:52,510 a specialist interest. 386 00:21:53,110 --> 00:21:56,190 And yes, there are companies making more advanced 387 00:21:56,190 --> 00:21:58,770 computers, but these are affordable only for use 388 00:21:58,770 --> 00:22:00,070 in offices or laboratories. 389 00:22:01,610 --> 00:22:06,110 But is the personal computer not a desirable 390 00:22:06,110 --> 00:22:06,570 notion? 391 00:22:07,550 --> 00:22:10,410 Something every citizen would quietly crave if he 392 00:22:10,410 --> 00:22:12,050 actually knew what it was? 393 00:22:12,630 --> 00:22:13,470 This is my vision. 394 00:22:14,590 --> 00:22:19,030 A computing device in every home in Britain. 395 00:22:23,370 --> 00:22:23,690 Fair quote. 396 00:22:24,630 --> 00:22:26,610 Personal computers will become steadily cheaper. 397 00:22:27,390 --> 00:22:30,590 Prices could drop to around £100 within the 398 00:22:30,590 --> 00:22:31,910 next five years. 399 00:22:33,470 --> 00:22:33,990 Poppycock! 400 00:22:34,930 --> 00:22:37,170 Because, gentlemen, we are going to achieve that 401 00:22:37,170 --> 00:22:38,290 in a matter of months. 402 00:22:38,870 --> 00:22:40,130 Price is the key. 403 00:22:40,770 --> 00:22:42,890 Whatever happens, I want a computer that we 404 00:22:42,890 --> 00:22:45,070 can sell for the magic sum of £99. 405 00:22:45,830 --> 00:22:47,450 At that price, the man on the Clapham 406 00:22:47,450 --> 00:22:49,170 Omnibus will want one even if he has 407 00:22:49,170 --> 00:22:51,490 absolutely no idea what to do with it. 408 00:22:51,490 --> 00:22:55,110 Beg, borrow, or steal components. 409 00:22:55,430 --> 00:22:57,050 But one thing is clear in my mind. 410 00:22:57,830 --> 00:23:01,050 It has to look like this. 411 00:23:06,160 --> 00:23:08,660 Just imagine a future where anybody could go 412 00:23:08,660 --> 00:23:10,780 and buy a computer kit to programme at 413 00:23:10,780 --> 00:23:11,080 home. 414 00:23:11,400 --> 00:23:13,420 We could sell, what, 8,000, maybe even 415 00:23:13,420 --> 00:23:14,620 10,000 computers. 416 00:23:16,740 --> 00:23:19,180 What programming language are you proposing? 417 00:23:19,660 --> 00:23:20,440 Which one's the best? 418 00:23:21,380 --> 00:23:23,140 They all have their limitations. 419 00:23:24,340 --> 00:23:25,740 Then why don't you write us a better 420 00:23:25,740 --> 00:23:25,940 one? 421 00:23:26,800 --> 00:23:29,120 Look, I've heard Sinclair might be developing a 422 00:23:29,120 --> 00:23:30,160 new computer of his own. 423 00:23:31,180 --> 00:23:31,720 Is that true? 424 00:23:32,520 --> 00:23:32,980 I don't know. 425 00:23:33,920 --> 00:23:35,000 We don't speak. 426 00:23:35,300 --> 00:23:37,460 Besides, with the team we've assembled, I'm 100 427 00:23:37,460 --> 00:23:39,380 % certain that we're way ahead of Sinclair. 428 00:24:00,800 --> 00:24:03,060 Good evening, and welcome to The Muddy Programme. 429 00:24:03,340 --> 00:24:05,420 Tonight, we enter the world of the microchip 430 00:24:05,420 --> 00:24:07,660 and report on a story of British perseverance 431 00:24:07,660 --> 00:24:08,440 and invention. 432 00:24:09,120 --> 00:24:11,140 And we ask, will the personal computer be 433 00:24:11,140 --> 00:24:12,840 Clive Sinclair's ticket to a fortune? 434 00:24:14,460 --> 00:24:17,120 It took Sinclair just nine months to develop 435 00:24:17,120 --> 00:24:19,120 the ZX-80, and he began to sell 436 00:24:19,120 --> 00:24:21,120 it by mail order in March this year. 437 00:24:23,300 --> 00:24:26,660 It costs £99, measures 9 by 7 inches, 438 00:24:26,780 --> 00:24:28,520 and weighs just 12 ounces. 439 00:24:28,940 --> 00:24:30,180 All you have to do is add an 440 00:24:30,180 --> 00:24:32,580 ordinary TV and a cheap cassette recorder. 441 00:24:32,580 --> 00:24:36,620 Eventually, there'll be some 200 programmes available, mostly 442 00:24:36,620 --> 00:24:39,960 educational, some technical, and many suitable for children. 443 00:24:47,670 --> 00:24:49,450 Jesus, it's like trying to read braille through 444 00:24:49,450 --> 00:24:50,630 a pair of gardening gloves. 445 00:24:52,210 --> 00:24:53,810 Clumsy programming language. 446 00:24:54,930 --> 00:24:55,350 Limited. 447 00:24:56,590 --> 00:24:58,130 Z-80A processor. 448 00:24:58,830 --> 00:24:59,810 Big ROM. 449 00:25:01,090 --> 00:25:02,370 Nice bit of circuitry there. 450 00:25:05,150 --> 00:25:05,790 Ah. 451 00:25:06,310 --> 00:25:06,790 Well? 452 00:25:07,810 --> 00:25:08,730 It's like we thought. 453 00:25:08,930 --> 00:25:09,390 It's clever. 454 00:25:09,990 --> 00:25:11,290 Done on the cheap, but clever. 455 00:25:11,790 --> 00:25:13,790 So, we know what we're up against. 456 00:25:14,450 --> 00:25:15,950 We produce something better. 457 00:25:16,430 --> 00:25:17,170 Better keyboard. 458 00:25:17,590 --> 00:25:18,110 Bigger memory. 459 00:25:18,450 --> 00:25:19,010 Smarter chip. 460 00:25:19,310 --> 00:25:20,210 And improved language. 461 00:25:20,590 --> 00:25:22,330 I know, but the genie is out of 462 00:25:22,330 --> 00:25:22,690 the bottle. 463 00:25:22,830 --> 00:25:23,510 He's done it. 464 00:25:23,550 --> 00:25:24,470 He's got there first. 465 00:25:24,670 --> 00:25:26,230 It's a working computer for less than a 466 00:25:26,230 --> 00:25:26,430 tonne. 467 00:25:26,530 --> 00:25:28,050 It's brilliant. 468 00:25:28,510 --> 00:25:29,570 It's a clear run on us. 469 00:25:30,350 --> 00:25:31,330 Look at the positive. 470 00:25:32,210 --> 00:25:34,050 Clive is playing his hand first. 471 00:25:34,050 --> 00:25:36,090 If he is bluffing, we will know. 472 00:25:36,930 --> 00:25:39,870 If he is holding the full house, we 473 00:25:39,870 --> 00:25:41,530 will be able to look through the pack 474 00:25:41,530 --> 00:25:44,310 and find the three aces with which to 475 00:25:44,310 --> 00:25:44,710 beat him. 476 00:25:45,910 --> 00:25:47,990 You don't play cards either, do you? 477 00:25:48,490 --> 00:25:48,990 No. 478 00:25:52,680 --> 00:25:53,780 So, it goes well. 479 00:25:54,460 --> 00:25:55,800 We still need to push on. 480 00:25:56,900 --> 00:25:57,920 Progress on the ZX81? 481 00:25:59,140 --> 00:26:01,440 First specs are done, and we start work 482 00:26:01,440 --> 00:26:03,040 on an initial prototype next week. 483 00:26:03,040 --> 00:26:05,800 What about that bloody screen flicker? 484 00:26:06,340 --> 00:26:07,080 Hopefully not. 485 00:26:09,820 --> 00:26:10,440 Hm. 486 00:26:15,060 --> 00:26:15,680 Jim. 487 00:26:17,060 --> 00:26:20,040 I was wondering if you'd had any contact 488 00:26:20,040 --> 00:26:22,020 with, um... 489 00:26:22,020 --> 00:26:22,440 Chris. 490 00:26:24,860 --> 00:26:26,340 I'm always in the lab. 491 00:26:29,780 --> 00:26:31,660 I hear he might be going to market 492 00:26:31,660 --> 00:26:32,420 with a new product. 493 00:26:33,560 --> 00:26:35,260 Well, I have... 494 00:26:35,260 --> 00:26:37,560 He hasn't, um... 495 00:26:37,560 --> 00:26:39,360 I'm not really sure. 496 00:26:40,560 --> 00:26:41,280 It seems a shame. 497 00:26:41,560 --> 00:26:42,440 He's not still with us. 498 00:26:43,680 --> 00:26:44,660 He'd have enjoyed this. 499 00:26:51,680 --> 00:26:52,360 That's all. 500 00:27:13,360 --> 00:27:16,200 2K of RAM, twice as much as the 501 00:27:16,200 --> 00:27:17,220 ZX80. 502 00:27:17,560 --> 00:27:20,780 8K of ROM, again double what the Sinclair 503 00:27:20,780 --> 00:27:24,240 computer offers, and a proper integrated keyboard that 504 00:27:24,240 --> 00:27:25,100 won't give you arthritis. 505 00:27:26,280 --> 00:27:29,300 The Acorn Atom is the product that serious 506 00:27:29,300 --> 00:27:31,120 computer users have been waiting for. 507 00:27:31,280 --> 00:27:33,560 You seem intent on attacking Clyde Sinclair. 508 00:27:34,940 --> 00:27:35,880 No, it's not personal. 509 00:27:36,020 --> 00:27:38,280 It's a vastly superior product, that's all. 510 00:27:38,400 --> 00:27:39,240 You're attacking him again. 511 00:27:39,860 --> 00:27:41,380 It's about computers, that's all. 512 00:27:46,280 --> 00:27:49,000 It pains me to say it, but many 513 00:27:49,000 --> 00:27:51,140 of these companies won't survive this gold rush 514 00:27:51,140 --> 00:27:53,120 in the personal computing market. 515 00:27:53,660 --> 00:27:55,860 There may be many clever people in the 516 00:27:55,860 --> 00:27:58,440 industry, but business acumen is thin on the 517 00:27:58,440 --> 00:27:58,800 ground. 518 00:27:59,380 --> 00:28:00,820 Far too much of what I call kite 519 00:28:00,820 --> 00:28:03,100 -flying, that is to say, people announcing products 520 00:28:03,100 --> 00:28:05,020 that just aren't ready. 521 00:28:06,340 --> 00:28:08,580 But make no mistake, I welcome competition. 522 00:28:08,760 --> 00:28:11,680 We are a market leader, but we don't 523 00:28:11,680 --> 00:28:12,700 take our position for granted. 524 00:28:14,520 --> 00:28:15,440 Um, great. 525 00:28:16,100 --> 00:28:19,020 Okay, um, can I ask you about the 526 00:28:19,020 --> 00:28:20,040 new RAMPAC attachment? 527 00:28:21,820 --> 00:28:23,740 Yes, well, it was thought that we might 528 00:28:23,740 --> 00:28:26,760 do something to boost the machine's memory. 529 00:28:27,700 --> 00:28:29,020 Yes, right, because a lot of our readers 530 00:28:29,020 --> 00:28:30,960 are saying that the connexion's not that good, 531 00:28:31,640 --> 00:28:32,920 that they fall off. 532 00:28:36,440 --> 00:28:38,700 We are aware of this issue. 533 00:28:39,020 --> 00:28:40,840 Our engineers have looked into it, and I 534 00:28:40,840 --> 00:28:42,600 am informed that the use of a piece 535 00:28:42,600 --> 00:28:44,300 of Blu-Tack about the size of a 536 00:28:44,300 --> 00:28:46,900 runner beam will resolve the problem. 537 00:28:47,960 --> 00:28:48,500 Blu-Tack? 538 00:28:48,500 --> 00:28:49,100 Quite so. 539 00:28:50,340 --> 00:28:51,480 Well, that's genius. 540 00:28:52,620 --> 00:28:54,040 See, our readers would love that. 541 00:28:54,880 --> 00:28:56,140 Which magazine did you say? 542 00:28:57,440 --> 00:28:59,100 Um, Sinclair user. 543 00:28:59,600 --> 00:29:02,980 Ah, yes, yes, well, you have my blessing. 544 00:29:03,800 --> 00:29:04,200 Huh. 545 00:29:20,260 --> 00:29:20,660 Clive. 546 00:29:22,160 --> 00:29:22,560 Chris. 547 00:29:23,600 --> 00:29:25,420 Everything, uh, going well? 548 00:29:29,870 --> 00:29:30,710 I've given up. 549 00:29:37,720 --> 00:29:38,960 What's the progress on the new machine? 550 00:29:39,620 --> 00:29:40,980 Well, the boys in the lab are doing 551 00:29:40,980 --> 00:29:41,380 their best. 552 00:29:41,400 --> 00:29:42,140 Well, they need to do better. 553 00:29:42,140 --> 00:29:43,540 Getting it out quickly is vital. 554 00:29:44,040 --> 00:29:45,220 It needs to trump the 80, but also 555 00:29:45,220 --> 00:29:46,380 to obliterate the competition. 556 00:29:46,520 --> 00:29:47,640 We need to keep our eggs simpler. 557 00:29:48,120 --> 00:29:49,300 Take a memo to all staff. 558 00:29:49,640 --> 00:29:52,760 In this competitive environment, we cannot afford information 559 00:29:52,760 --> 00:29:54,760 to leak out about our new products. 560 00:29:54,860 --> 00:29:57,600 Be hereby notified that work on the ZX81 561 00:29:57,600 --> 00:29:58,660 is top secret.