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View Full Version : Question about Viewmaster Interactive Vision


rolenta
03-21-2009, 01:53 AM
Okay, I'm stumped here and hoping someone has the answer. In 1989, Viewmaster/Ideal released a bizarre console called the Videmaster Interactive Vision. The system used videotapes, and then displayed the video along with generated computer graphics that were used to play games. The console was designed for use by pre-schoolers.

Here's my question: While scouring the web, I've found a few sites that discussed the Viewmaster Interactive Vision. Several of these sites said that the system was named the TOY OF THE YEAR in 1989. My question is: WHO AWARDED the system that title?

I've tracked down one of the many consultants who worked on the console, and he remembered that the system was named Toy of the Year. But he can't remember who named it that.

Can anyone help?
slapdash
03-22-2009, 07:03 PM
I couldn't find anything either (well, it's not the British Toy Retailers Association), but I'd think it was maybe the New York Toy Fair. Dunno. You'd think the system box might crow that, but I don't have a box, even if I could dig out my system.
qbertandernie
03-23-2009, 02:40 AM
i checked my box...its from 1988, so no mention of any 'toy of the year' accredidation...

sorry :(
Marriott_Guy
03-23-2009, 06:21 PM
I have a few of these units and nothing mentions it. I have read this on numerous occassions as well (Toy of the Year) but have yet to be able to substantiate this claim. My guess is that it is true in some way, with possibly the source being a small time operation of some sort.
slapdash
03-25-2009, 08:48 PM
And all the web pages probably borrow that appellation from one source. I thought maybe IC When would have it, but the history pages seem to be gone, and one archive.org page didn't find any mention. Dang. But View-Master is still around, right? Maybe someone there (or whatever the parent company is now) is keeping track of their history?
PingvinBlueJeans
03-25-2009, 09:02 PM
Here's my question: While scouring the web, I've found a few sites that discussed the Viewmaster Interactive Vision. Several of these sites said that the system was named the TOY OF THE YEAR in 1989. My question is: WHO AWARDED the system that title?
Probably someone from Jersey.
rolenta
03-26-2009, 12:14 AM
Actually, the consultant that I contacted was from Danbury, CT :)