It was first released in October 1990, and initial versions were heavily based on the Commodore Amiga computer system, using the video-friendly aspects of that system's hardware to deliver the product at an unusually low cost. Later iterations of the product use IBM-compatible systems and work with the Microsoft Windows operating system.
The Video Toaster is made by NewTek. The first wire-wrapped Video Toaster was designed by NewTek engineer Brad Carvey, brother of Saturday Night Live veteran Dana Carvey. Dana's nerdy character Garth Algar in the Wayne's World comedy sketches and movies is based on his brother.
External links
http://www.videotoaster.com NewTek's Video Toaster website
http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/2.05/flying.toasters.html