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 The first version of the Video Genie System, including the right-hand Shift key that was replaced in later versions. | |
| Also known as | EG3003 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | EACA |
| Release date | 1980 |
| Operating system | Microsoft LEVEL II BASIC |
| CPU | Zilog Z80 @ 1.76 MHz |
| Memory | 16 KB, expandable to 64 KB |
| Removable storage | Cassette tape |
| Display | Composite or RF monochrome TV; 64×16 / 32×16 characters; 128×48 semigraphics |
| Input | 51-key keyboard |
Video Genie (or simply Genie) is a discontinued series of computers produced by Hong Kong–based manufacturer EACA during the early 1980s. Computers from the Video Genie line are mostly compatible with the Tandy TRS-80 Model I computers and can be considered a clone, although there are hardware and software differences.
There are five machines in this series: Video Genie System (first version and second version), Genie I, II and III.
Although the Video Genie name was used in Western Europe, the machines were sold under different names in other countries. The Video Genie System was sold as the Dick Smith System 80 MK I in Australia and New Zealand. Likewise, the Genie II was sold as the Dick Smith System 80 MK II. In North America, the Video Genie System was sold as the Personal Microcomputers, Inc PMC-80 and the Genie II as the PMC-81. In South Africa, the Video Genie System was sold as the TRZ-80, a name similar to its rival.[1]
In early 1983, the related Colour Genie machine was released by EACA.
- ^ Eric Lindsay, What's a TRZ-80? - or a Video Genie or a Dick Smith System 80? Archived 2008-11-20 at the Wayback Machine, 80 Microcomputing, January 1982, page 218