The EACA Video Genie

The Video Genie was made by EACA in Hong Kong and is fully compatible with the Tandy TRS 80 Model 1, This apparently caused some legal problems in the US but the system apparently out sold the Tandy in the UK - mainly because of price with the 16k machine selling for around £289 + VAT (Value Added Tax)

The Video Genie is built around the Z80 processor and the basic system came with 16k of RAM and a 12k ROM containing Microsoft BASIC. It has an integral 51 key typewriter style keyboard and cassette deck. The video output - both 1Vpp and UHF - displays 64 x 16 characters, or 128 x 48 pixels. There is an interface for a second cassette recorder and an expansion interface. This allows an expansion module to be plugged in giving another 64k of RAM and facilities for discs and printer.

The Video Genie runs the vast software library of the TRS80/1, and had very active user groups.

The expansion unit with RS232 cost £215 + VAT, 32K of RAM for use with the expansion unit cost £130 +VAT and a 300K Disk drive was £410 + VAT