Video Genie
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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
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
In early 1983, the related Colour Genie machine was released by EACA.
Video Genie series
Video Genie System (EG3003 first version)
This is the first version of the machine, released in early/mid 1980. It has only a 51-key keyboard and is missing the CLEAR and Tab ↹ keys, as compared to the Tandy TRS-80 Model I.
Video Genie System (EG3003 second version)
The second version of the machine was released in late 1980 and has a corrected keyboard, but sacrifices the right ⇧ Shift key. This version also includes a
Genie I (EG3003 third version)
The third version, introduced in late 1981 was named Genie I, and features inbuilt
Genie II (EG3008)
The Genie II, also introduced in late 1981, has a 19-key keypad instead of the internal cassette deck. Also the keyboard was updated, adding the missing right shift key, making the keyboard 53+19 keys. It was intended for use with floppy drives, in conjunction with the EG3014 Expander.
Genie III (EG3200)
The Genie III, introduced in mid 1982, was a more business-oriented machine with CP/M-compatibility.
Features
- CPU: Zilog Z80, at 1.76 MHz
- Video: Monochrome
- 64×16 / 32×16 uppercasetext
- 128×48 block graphics
- Composite video output, cable included
- RF TV signal output, cable included
- 64×16 / 32×16
- 16 KB RAM, expandable to 48 KB
- 12 KB ROM containing Microsoft LEVEL II BASIC
- Storage: Built-in 500 baud cassette deck
- Cable for using an external cassette deck included
- Built in power supply
Peripherals
EG3014 Expander
The EG3014 Expander add-on corresponds to the Tandy TRS-80 Model I Expansion Interface. It has a
EG3016 Parallel Printer Interface
Centronics printer port add-on.
EG3050 and EG3085 Printer
Lawsuit
In early 1981, Tandy Corporation sued Personal Microcomputers Inc., EACA's American subsidiary which sold the computers as the PMC-80 and -81. Tandy cited patent and copyright infringement of the TRS-80's microcode and ROM code, as well as trademark infringement with the "-80" branding.[3] PMC maintained their innocence, charging that Tandy had not informed the company of copyright infringement before launching the suit and that Tandy was trying to eliminate competition.[4] The two companies supposedly settled out of court.[5]
Reception
See also
References
- ^ 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
- ^ The PMC‑80, by Matthew Reed
- ^ Latamore, Bert (May 1981). "Tandy Sues Personal Micro, Alleges Patent Infringement". 80 Microcomputing (17). 1001001, Inc.: 66 – via the Internet Archive.
- ^ Latamore, Bert (July 1981). "Personal Micro to Fight Shack Suit, PM Prexy Terms It Scare Tactic". 80 Microcomputing (19). 1001001, Inc.: 72–74 – via the Internet Archive.
- ^ Reed, Matthew (August 12, 2012). "Tandy Corp. v. Personal Micro Computers, Inc.". TRS-80.org. Archived from the original on August 12, 2012.
- ^ Hogan, Thom (1981-04-13). "PMC-80: TRS-80 'Workalike' Computer". InfoWorld. p. 54. Retrieved 23 January 2015.
- ^ Williams, Gregg (January 1983). "Microcomputer, British Style / The Fifth Personal Computer World Show". BYTE. p. 40. Retrieved 19 October 2013.
External links
- "Video Genie System" at home.online.no
- "A Tribute to the Dick Smith System 80" at classic-computers.org.nz
- "System-80 ROMs" at theoldcomputer.com