The Video Genie System (or simply Genie) was a series of computers produced by Hong Kong-based manufacturer EACA in the early 1980s. It was based on the Zilog Z80, which ran at 1.76MHz. It featured 16K RAM, which was expandable to 48K, and 13.5K ROM, which contained Level II BASIC. They were compatible with the Tandy TRS-80 Model I computers and could be considered a clone although there were hardware and software differences.

The Video Genie System unit included a keyboard, integral cassette player, power supply, and video and UHF modulator outputs. In early 1980 the Video Genie System cost £425 including VAT. However you needed to provide a monitor.

The computers making up the series were:

• Video Genie System (EG3003 - first version, early/mid 1980)
• Video Genie System (EG3003 - second version, late 1980)
• Genie I (EG3003 - third version, late 1981)
• Genie II (EG3008 - late 1981)
• Genie III (EG3200 - mid-1982) - a more business-oriented machine with CP/M-compatibility.

The Genie II was aimed at the small-business computer market, compared to the Genie I, which was aimed at the home computing market. It had a numeric keypad instead of the built-in cassette player that the other model had, four special-function keys and an industry-standard processor. In 1982 the standard Genie II cost £310 plus VAT; for a Genie II with expansion giving a total of 48K, two disc drived, a printer and a monitor cost £1700 in 1982.

Although Video Genie was the name used in Western Europe, the machines were sold under different names in other countries. In Australia and New Zealand they were known as the Dick Smith System 80 MK I (EG3003) and System 80 MK II (EG3008). In North America they were sold as the PMC-80 and PMC-81.

Manufacturer: EACA Computer Ltd
Date: 1980

This exhibit has a reference ID of CH42407. Please quote this reference ID in any communication with the Centre for Computing History.