# MOS Technology VIC-II

> family of video display controllers used in Commodore 64 and C128 home computers

**Wikidata**: [Q1639225](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1639225)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MOS_Technology_VIC-II)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mos-technology-vic-ii

## Summary
The MOS Technology VIC-II is a family of video display controllers developed by MOS Technology. It served as a crucial integrated circuit for the graphical output of the popular Commodore 64 and Commodore 128 home computers. This model series had its inception in 1982.

## Key Facts
- Developed by MOS Technology.
- Inception in 1982.
- Used in Commodore 64 and Commodore 128 home computers.
- Known by aliases including VIC-II, 6567, 6566, 8562, 8566, 8565, 6569, and 8564.
- Classified as a model series.
- Functions as a video display controller, which is a type of integrated circuit.
- Based on the earlier MOS Technology VIC series.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the MOS Technology VIC-II?
A: The MOS Technology VIC-II is a family of video display controllers. Developed by MOS Technology, it is an integrated circuit primarily used in the Commodore 64 and Commodore 128 home computers to manage their video output.

### Q: When was the MOS Technology VIC-II introduced?
A: The MOS Technology VIC-II had its inception in 1982. It was subsequently integrated into home computers released around that time.

### Q: Which computers utilized the MOS Technology VIC-II?
A: The MOS Technology VIC-II was notably used in the Commodore 64 and Commodore 128 home computers. It was a core component for their graphical capabilities.

### Q: Who developed the MOS Technology VIC-II?
A: The MOS Technology VIC-II was developed by MOS Technology. This company was also responsible for other key components in Commodore's line of home computers.

### Q: What is the relationship between VIC-II and VIC?
A: The MOS Technology VIC-II is based on the earlier MOS Technology VIC. The VIC was a series of video display controller ICs used in Commodore home computers, with its inception in 1979.

## Why It Matters
The MOS Technology VIC-II holds significant importance as the video display controller for two of the most iconic and successful home computers of the 1980s: the Commodore 64 and the Commodore 128. As a critical integrated circuit, the VIC-II was directly responsible for generating all on-screen graphics, defining the visual experience for millions of users worldwide. Its capabilities, including sprite handling and scrolling, were instrumental in the development of a vast library of games and applications, making the Commodore 64 a dominant force in the home computing and gaming markets. The VIC-II's design and features allowed for a rich graphical environment that was competitive for its era, contributing to the enduring legacy and cultural impact of the Commodore machines. Without the VIC-II, the visual identity and widespread appeal of these computers would have been fundamentally different, underscoring its role as a cornerstone technology in the history of personal computing.

## Notable For
- Being the primary video display controller for the highly successful Commodore 64 home computer.
- Defining the graphical capabilities and visual experience of the Commodore 64 and Commodore 128.
- Its role as a key integrated circuit developed by MOS Technology for mass-market home computers.
- Being a significant evolution from its predecessor, the MOS Technology VIC.

## Body
### Overview
The MOS Technology VIC-II is a family of video display controllers. It is classified as a model series and functions as a subclass of video display controllers. As an integrated circuit, it is a fundamental component for managing video output in computer systems.

### Development and Inception
The VIC-II was developed by MOS Technology. Its inception date is recorded as 1982. This marked a significant advancement in video display technology for home computers.

### Usage and Integration
The MOS Technology VIC-II was notably used in two prominent home computers: the Commodore 64 and the Commodore 128. In these systems, it was responsible for generating and controlling all graphical output displayed on the screen.

### Nomenclature and Aliases
The entity is formally known as MOS Technology VIC-II. It also has several recognized aliases, including:
*   VIC-II
*   6567
*   6566
*   8562
*   8566
*   8565
*   6569
*   8564
*   MOS Technologies VIC II
*   VIC -II

### Relationship to Predecessor
The MOS Technology VIC-II is based on the earlier MOS Technology VIC. The VIC was a series of video display controller integrated circuits that also found use in Commodore home computers, with its inception dating back to 1979. The VIC-II represented an evolution of this prior technology.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013