DEC VT52

DEC's pre-ANSI terminal. Proprietary escape sequences predating ECMA-48. DEC, 1975.

📜Historical Terminal · 1975 · Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC)

https://vt100.net/docs/vt52-ug/

The DEC VT52 (1975) was DEC's first video terminal with cursor addressing — before the VT100, before ANSI escape sequences existed. It used a proprietary escape sequence language (e.g., ESC Y followed by coordinates) that was simpler but incompatible with the later ECMA-48 standard.

The VT52 matters because many terminal emulators still offer a 'VT52 compatibility mode,' and its escape sequences occasionally surface in legacy systems. The VT52's 80×24 display established the screen size that the VT100 would standardize.

Significance: First DEC video terminal with cursor addressing

Analysis2026-03-26

DEC VT52 (1975) was manufactured by Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC). First DEC video terminal with cursor addressing. This is a historical reference entry — no automated probe data is available for this terminal.

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