When using this document, keep the following in mind:ntialGeneral Notice

1. This document is confidential. By accepting this document you acknowledge that you are boundby the terms set forth in the non-disclosure and confidentiality agreement signed separately and /inthe possession of SEGA. If you have not signed such a non-disclosure agreement, please contact
SEGA immediately and return this document to SEGA.

de2. This document may include technical inaccuracies or typographical errors. Changes are periodically made to the information herein; these changes will be incorporated in new versions of the
document. SEGA may make improvements and/or changes in the product(s) and/or the
program(s) described in this document at any time.

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3. No one is permitted to reproduce or duplicate, in any form, the whole or part of this document
without SEGA’S written permission. Request for copies of this document and for technicalinformation about SEGA products must be made to your authorized SEGA Technical Services
representative.
4. No license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patents, copyrights, trademarks, orother intellectual property rights of SEGA Enterprises, Ltd., SEGA of America, Inc., or any third
party.

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5. Software, circuitry, and other examples described herein are meant merely to indicate the characteristics and performance of SEGA’s products. SEGA assumes no responsibility for any intellectual
property claims or other problems that may result from applications based on the examples
describe herein.

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6. It is possible that this document may contain reference to, or information about, SEGA products(development hardware/software) or services that are not provided in countries other than Japan.
Such references/information must not be construed to mean that SEGA intends to provide such
SEGA products or services in countries other than Japan. Any reference of a SEGA licensed product/program in this document is not intended to state or simply that you can use only SEGA’slicensed products/programs. Any functionally equivalent hardware/software can be used instead.
7. SEGA will not be held responsible for any damage to the user that may result from accidents or any
other reasons during operation of the user’s equipment, or programs according to this document.

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NOTE: A reader's comment/correction form is provided with thisdocument. Please address comments to :SEGA of America, Inc., Developer Technical Support (att. Evelyn Merritt)
150 Shoreline Drive, Redwood City, CA 94065

SEGA may use or distribute whatever information you supply in any way
it believes appropriate without incurring any obligation to you.

(11/2/94- 002)

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Boot ROM
User's ManualDoc. # ST-079B-R3-011895© 1995 SEGA. All Rights Reserved.

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READER CORRECTION/COMMENT SHEETKeep us updated!
If you should come across any incorrect or outdated information while reading through the attacheddocument, or come up with any questions or comments, please let us know so that we can make therequired changes in subsequent revisions. Simply fill out all information below and return this form to
the Developer Technical Support Manager at the address below. Please make more copies of this form if
more space is needed. Thank you.
General Information:

Phone

Document number

ST-079B-R3-011895

Document nameBoot ROM User's Manual

Date

Corrections:
Correction

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pg. #

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Chpt.

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Your NameSE

Questions/comments:

Fax:

Where to send your corrections:(415) 802-1717
Attn: Evelyn Merritt,
Developer Technical Support

Mail:

SEGA OF AMERICA
Attn: Evelyn Merritt,
Developer Technical Support
150 Shoreline Dr.
Redwood City, CA 94065

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REFERENCES

KenKyusha New Japanese-English Dictionary
1974 Edition

2.

Nelson’s Japanese-English Character Dictionary
2nd revised version

3.

Microsoft Computer Dictionary

4.

Japanese-English Computer Terms Dictionary
Nichigai Associates
4th version

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1.

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In translating/creating this document, certain technical words and/or phrases were interpretedwith the assistance of the technical literature listed below.

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Boot ROM
User’s Manual

Boot ROM User's Manual

1

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction ................................................................................................... 3

2.0 Boot ROM Process Flow .............................................................................. 4
Process Flow ................................................................................................ 4
Precautions ................................................................................................... 5
Differences in the Product Version and Target Box Version .......................... 5de

3.0 Boot ROM Functions .................................................................................... 6
SEGA SATURN Logo Display ...................................................................... 6
Game Startup ............................................................................................... 7
Service Program Information ........................................................................ 8
Executing the Multiplayer .............................................................................. 8
Changing System Settings ......................................................................... 11

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4.0 Troubleshooting .......................................................................................... 12
Message Displays ...................................................................................... 12
Problems .................................................................................................... 12

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5.0 Glossary ..................................................................................................... 14

2

1.0

IntroductionntialThis manual explains the functionality of the SEGA SATURN boot ROM. Because theboot ROM is incorporated in the SEGA SATURN hardware itself, it starts up automatically when the unit is powered on or is reset.
After the SATURN's power is turned on or the reset button is pressed, the boot ROM
plays a role in determining its operation. Its main functions include displaying the
SEGA SATURN logo, booting up games, providing low-level services for applications, and executing the Multiplayer (also called the Audio CD Control Panel) thatplays various types of CDs.

deBefore the game begins, the boot ROM checks for a SEGA SATURN game disc anddetermines if it is a standard SEGA SATURN game disc. See the DISC Format Standard Specifications (ST-040) document for more details on the standard SEGA SATURN game disc format.

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Refer to the System Program User’s Guide and the Backup Library User’s Manual in the
SATURN System Library User's Guide (ST-162-R1) for information on using the service
programs.

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This manual supports the non-Japanese version of the SEGA SATURN boot ROM(used in SEGA SATURN for North America NTSC, European PAL, Asian NTSC
countries other than Japan, etc.). Therefore, please be aware that certain boot ROM
functions described in this manual will operate differently on SEGA SATURN units
equipped with Japanese boot ROMs.

Boot ROM User's Manual

3

2.0

Boot ROM Process FlowntialProcess Flow

The game starts if the SEGA SATURN game disc is recognized while the SEGA
SATURN logo is displayed. The Multiplayer is executed if the SEGA SATURN gamedisc is not recognized.
Power ONor RESETSMPC RESET?

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N

Y
Set date and time

Pressing
L and R buttons?

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N

N

Pressing
A button?
N

Y

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Game
cartridge?

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Y
SystemSavedatasettings
control
screenscreenN
SEGA SATURN logo
animation display

GAME CD?

Y

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N

Multiplayer

GAME-CD
startsGAME cartridge
startsFigure 1. Overview of the boot ROM Process Flow

4

Precautionsntial• When a CD has not been inserted or if the CD door is open, the Multiplayer will
display the following:“Drive empty”• “Drive door open”•• A game cartridge has priority of execution over the SATURN application CDROM if one is inserted. To boot up the SEGA SATURN game disc, turn off thepower and remove the cartridge.

deDifferences in the Product Version and Target Box Version

nfi• In addition to the functionalities of the boot ROM in the mass production versionof the SEGA SATURN, the target box version has functions for checking SCSI
devices and SIMM memory for debug support before starting the game. Afterthe SCSI devices and SIMM memory are checked and a file named IP.BIN is
found, startup of the game is continued. See the Simple CD Simulator User's
Manual (ST-161-R1) for more details.

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• With the target box version, the game can be started from the write-once CD
without using the System Disc.

Boot ROM User's Manual53.0 Boot ROM Functions

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SEGA SATURN Logo Display
Hardware and initialization checks are performed before the SEGA SATURN logo isdisplayed, while a SEGA SATURN game disc check is performed while the logo isbeing displayed. The game starts if the disc is recognized as a SEGA SATURN gamedisc. The Multiplayer is executed if the SEGA SATURN game disc is not recognized.

deAfter resetting the SMPC, the SEGA SATURN logo is displayed after the Set Clockscreen appears. Press the RESET button while pressing the A button to skip the logo
animation and to go directly to the Multiplayer. Press the RESET button whilepressing LEFT or RIGHT on the Control Pad to skip the logo animation and to go
directly to the System Settings screen. Press any button to skip the logo animationand to go directly to the game.
Precautions Concerning the Memory Manager Screen

nfi• Because initialization is done automatically when first using the SEGA
SATURN's internal backup RAM, select “Clear” to delete all data or when datacannot be loaded.

••“Not cleared!”“Not removed!”

Co• The following messages indicate that the SEGA SATURN’s backup RAM has
failed. For more information, please call SEGA Developer Technical Support inyour area.

• Do not turn off the power while initializing, deleting, or copying backup
memory. Data may be destroyed if the power is turned off during those operations. Perform initialization of backup memory if data cannot be loaded.

!

GA• Delete Screen (as described in the SEGA SATURN instruction manual.)No.:
Data number.
Name:
Data name on the backup RAM. An abbreviation of the game's nameis written automatically.
These functions below are not handled by the boot ROM. Please handle them separately
within each application.

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Comment:
Memory used:
Memory available:

Comments for backup data.
Amount of memory used by all data in backup RAM.
Amount of available memory in backup RAM.

The data above can be scrolled through by pressing up or down on the D-Pad.

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Game Startupntial

In order to prevent unauthorized and illegal production and sale of game software,
the SEGA SATURN game disc is checked to see whether it has a boot code before thegame begins. Be sure to insert the boot code in the designated location of the SEGA
SATURN game disc. The game will not start if the boot code cannot be recognized.
The content and preparation of the boot code are explained in the DISC Format
Standard Specifications (ST-040) document.
Starting the Game(as explained in the SEGA SATURN Instructional Manual)

Turn on the television.
Set the television to external video input mode.
Press the OPEN button to open the CD door.
Place the SEGA SATURN game disc label side up into the SEGA SATURN CD
unit.
5. Close the CD door.
6. The game automatically begins when the power button is pressed.

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3.
4.

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Quitting the Game(as explained in the SEGA SATURN Instructional Manual)Co

1. During the game or after the game has ended, press the RESET button whilepressing the A button. The Multiplayer screen will appear after the SEGA logo.
2. Press the OPEN button to open the CD door
3. Turn off the SEGA SATURN power.
4. Unplug the power cable from the outlet.
Returning to the Title Screen of the GameTo return to the title screen during a game, press the A, B, and C button along with
the START button.
This function is not handled by the boot ROM. Include this feature within each application.

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Boot ROM User's Manual

7Service Program Information
System Programs

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Setting up and referencing the interrupt processing routine.
Setting, referencing, and modifying the SCU Interrupt mask status.
Simple semaphoring.
System clock change
SCU interrupt routine priority change.
CD Multiplayer execution.
Power-on memory initialization.

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The services below can be used by the application. These service programs must be
used when performing these tasks.

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For more information, see the System Program User’s Manual of the SATURN System
Library User’s Guide (ST-162-R1).
Backup Librarynfi

A search and read/write functions to a backup memory device are provided by the
Backup Library. This library must be used when accessing the internal backup
RAM. (Currently, the library must also be used to access external backup RAM
devices. Additional libraries will be distributed by SEGA for accessing external
memory devices that may be released in the future.)Co

For more information see the Backup Library User’s Manual of the SATURN System
Library User’s Guide (ST-162-R1).
Executing the Multiplayer
When the Multiplayer is started, user-interface function buttons are displayed on thescreen. Operation of the Multiplayer is done with a SEGA SATURN input peripheral, such as the standard SEGA SATURN Control Pad.
How to Operate the Control Pad• D-Pad:• Start button:• A button:• B button:• C button:

Highlight and Move cursor
Start the game
SelectCancelSelectRepeat one song
Stop
Play / Pause
Skip backward (song skip & search)
Skip forward (song skip & search)SE• X button:• Y button:• Z button:• LEFT:• RIGHT:GA

The functions of each button on the Control Pad are explained below. The X, Y, Z,
LEFT, and RIGHT buttons are used to control the playback of music CDs.

Note:

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To skip one song, briefly press LEFT or RIGHT on the Control Pad. To perform a search,press and hold down LEFT or RIGHT on the Control Pad.

1.

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2

3

4

5

6

7

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Multi-Button

ntialButtons for Basic Controls

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The Saturn button (the button icon resembles the planet Saturn) is displayedwhen a SEGA SATURN CD is inserted.
System Settings

3.

Hide Controls button

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The System Settings screen for managing global system functions is displayedwhen this button is pressed.

Pressing this button replaces the Multiplayer control panel with the backgroundscreen (screen saver). (CD+G graphics are displayed instead of the backgroundscreen if a CD+G disc is being played.)
Skip Backward button (song skip & search)

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4.

Skips a song in the reverse direction when pressed briefly. Scans through a songbackwards when pressed and held.
5.

Play / Pause button

6.

Skip Forward button (song skip & search)

7.

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Skips a song in the forward directions when pressed briefly. Scans through asong forwards when pressed and held.
Repeat button

Cycles through Repeat One Song, Repeat All Songs, and Cancel Repeat settings.

8.
9.

Stop button

Advanced Controls button

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Switches between the Basic Controls and the Advanced Controls user interfaces.

Boot ROM User's Manual

9Adjust Vocals button

2.

Program Sequence button

3.

Adjust Surround Effect button

4.

Scan Intros button

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Buttons forAdvanced Controls

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When this button is set, all songs are successively played from the start for 10
seconds.
Show Time button

This button switches the time display of the Multiplayer screen.
6.

Shuffle Tracks button

7.

Clear All Settings button

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When this button is set, songs on the CD are played in a different sequence.
Cancels all functions set by the operation buttons.
Repeat A-B button

9.

Basic Controls button

Note:

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8.

The following button pairs may not be used simultaneously: Program Sequence/Tracks,
Repeat A-B/Scan Intros, Adjust Surround/Adjust Vocals. The settings of one button will
always override those made with the other button in the pair.

Mute Vocals

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The Mute Vocals (voice cancellation) feature reduces the audio volume of vocals bydecreasing the center channel volume of a stereo recording. This feature will not
eliminate vocals completely. Because the audio volume of the entire song is decreased, voice cancellation is not recommended for songs recorded in mono. Even if
a recording is in stereo, the voice cancellation effect is generally not effective on folk
music, spoken word performances, classical music, duets, songs with strong chorus
or echo effects, and songs in which the singer's voice is not positioned in the centerchannel of the stereo audio mix.

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Changing System Settings
It is possible to change System Settings on the SEGA SATURN such as the internal
clock and the Multiplayer's language display.
Date and Time Settings

Menu items on the Set Clock screen can be selected by pressing LEFT or RIGHT on
the Control Pad, and changed by pressing UP or DOWN on the D-Pad. To change
the time and date and return to the System Settings screen, select “Exit” and press
the C button.
The application may utilize the clock data set by the user, but the application itself must notchange the settings. Only the user may change the clock settings from the Set Clock menu
screen.

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Language Settings

The display language on the Multiplayer screen can be selected from the following
six languages: English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, and Japanese.
For applications that support multilingual operation, the default language used by the applications is determined from the language selected by the user in the Set Language menu screen.
When there is a function that lets the user change the language setting within an application,
settings must be changed so that the setting will be reflected in the Multiplayer's System
Settings.

Help Window Settings

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Selects whether or not to display help windows in the Multiplayer screen.
Help window settings may not be referred to and changed from the application.

Audio Output Settings

Enables switching between stereo and mono audio output of music CDs, CD+G and
CD+EG discs.
The default audio output setting for applications that must be selected from the user Audio
Output setting. When there is a function in which the user may change the audio output
setting within the application, the user setting must be reflected in the Multiplayer's Audio
Output System setting as well.

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Sound Effects Settings

Turns the sound effects ON/OFF in the Multiplayer screen.
The sound effect setting cannot be referred to and changed from the application.

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Boot ROM User's Manual

11

4.0

Troubleshooting

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Message Displays“Game disc unsuitable for this system”

This message appears if a non-SEGA SATURN CD is inserted in the SEGA
SATURN. Be sure to check the type of CD being used. (The disc may still be
used as an audio CD if audio data is present.)•deThis message may be displayed if the data side of the CD (side on which thegame name is not printed) is dirty. In such cases, use a soft, dry cloth to remove
dirt from the data side of the disc.
“Disc unsuitable for this system”

This message is displayed if the inserted CD has no music data. Be sure tocheck the type of CD being used.
•“Drive empty”

nfiThis message is displayed when a CD has not been inserted, the CD is damaged,
the CD is inserted upside down, or the type of CD inserted cannot be recognizedby the SEGA SATURN. In cases like these, check the type of CD being used.
•“Game cartridge unsuitable for this system”

Troubleshooting Tips•

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Displayed when a non-SEGA SATURN cartridge is inserted in the SEGA
SATURN. Be sure to check the type of cartridge being used.

The Multiplayer screen does not appear.

Make sure the game cartridge is not plugged into the cartridge slot.
•

The SEGA SATURN CD game won’t start.

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Is the disc upside down?
Is the disc dirty?
Are there scratches on the disc?
•

CD, CD+G, CD+EG audio output is in mono.

Is the Audio Output setting on mono (when using the SEGA SATURN stereo
AV cable or SEGA SATURN S-video cable)?
The set clock screen always appears when the power is turned on. Data saved in the
SEGA SATURN's internal backup RAM is gone.

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Was the lithium battery installed properly?
Is the lithium battery dead?

•The power LED does not turn on immediately after the power button is pressed.

The power LED may take 1 or 2 seconds to turn on. This is normal for the
SEGA SATURN.

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The SEGA SATURN game disc will not start up.

•

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Be sure to include the boot code in the designated location of the SEGA SATURN
game disc. If the boot code cannot be recognized, the game will not start up. See
the Disc Format Standard Specifications (ST-040) document for more details.
• The SEGA SATURN game disc starts up, but does not operate with the mass-production
SEGA SATURN.

If there is something wrong with the operation of the SEGA SATURN (besides what is listed
above), press the RESET button or turn the power button off and on. If this does not help,
remove the battery cover and press the master reset switch. (If this is done while game data is
being saved, the data may be lost instead of being saved.)

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The problem is one of the following:1) The boot code has not been included on the disc..
2) A System Disc is not being used.
The game will not operate if the maker ID is not correctly entered on the disc.
For more information, see the Disc Format Standard Specifications (ST-040)
document.

If the system still does not run normally after the operations above are performed, remove
the power cable from the electrical outlet and contact SEGA Developer Technical Support forassistance.

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The function of the target box POWER ON RESET switch is somewhat different than anormal power on/off cycle. If the POWER ON RESET switch does not work properly,press the power button off and on.
The target box master reset switch is the SMPC RESET switch.

Boot ROM User's Manual13

Glossary
Term

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5.0

Meaning

This format is used to describe a typical commercially available
music CD with pre-recorded digital audio data.

CD+G

This CD format standard uses subcode data on the disc to display
text and graphics on a TV that is synced to music. Karaoke CD
systems that are capable of displaying, simple graphics and lyrics
on the TV screen use this CD+G format. The graphics resolution
supported by the CD+G format is 288H x 192V pixels. Up to 16
colors from a palette of 4096 colors may be used simultaneously.

CD+EG

This format is an improvement over the CD+G format. Two
separate 256-color screen areas may be displayed simultaneously.
In addition, special video effects, such as cuts between 2 frames
and screen fade-in, are possible with this format.

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CD-DA

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