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Re:VHS-C: when a lazy idea stumbles towards perfection [video] by bsimpson on Friday August 22, 2025 @09:43AM (#44984615)
YT recently recommended his explanation of how pre-computer pinball machines worked to me - a series of 3, hour-long videos. Gave me something to look forward to on my commute. I shared it with everyone I know, and now I'm sharing it with you:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ue-1JoJQaEg

Fascinating (and insanely impressive) to see how a bunch of switches and stepper motors implement complex logic.

Re:VHS-C: when a lazy idea stumbles towards perfection [video] by cubefox on Friday August 22, 2025 @12:14PM (#44986347)
Early arcade video games (pre Space Invaders) also didn't use universal microprocessors but relied only on circuit boards without software.
Re:VHS-C: when a lazy idea stumbles towards perfection [video] by ddingus on Saturday August 23, 2025 @12:50AM (#44993257)
TTL logic, timers, oscillators, triggers, and more.

The circuit is the game.

Re:VHS-C: when a lazy idea stumbles towards perfection [video] by throwup238 on Friday August 22, 2025 @11:13AM (#44985618)
Not from the same Youtuber but that video reminded me of another great one about how mechanical bowling alley machines work: https://youtu.be/Iod6uwUGM2E
Re:VHS-C: when a lazy idea stumbles towards perfection [video] by thevillagechief on Friday August 22, 2025 @12:20PM (#44986427)
I find myself randomly recommending his videos to friends in the middle of conversations. Content like this is why I love YouTube.
Re:VHS-C: when a lazy idea stumbles towards perfection [video] by mrandish on Saturday August 23, 2025 @12:07AM (#44993057)
I've been a huge fan of these videos. They explain electro-mechanical pinball machines incredibly well plus they're beautifully photographed. A remarkable amount of effort, thought and care went into creating them.