Dina 2 in one (2-in-1)
Type Console Clone Developer Bit Corporation
Release Date 1986-Feb Region(s) United States, Taiwan
Initial Price $40 USD Games Released Compatible with ColecoVision and Sega SG-1000
DW FACTS
     by Dark Watcher with added content from Marriott_Guy
Bit Corporation had their stake in the videogame industry for years creating games for the Atari 2600.  Being a Korean based company allowed them the ability to overlook copyright and patents. In the mid 1980s Bit Corporation created a line of computers (the BIT-60 and BIT-90) that were compatible with both Atari 2600 and ColecoVision cartridges.  In 1986 they went a step further and created a console called the DINA 2 in one (2-in-1).

The DINA 2-in-1 was an impressive clone.  This slim console could play both ColecoVision and Sega SG-1000 cartridges. It came equipped with Nintendo N.E.S styled control pads and even had a built in game called Meteoric Shower (pictured to the right).  Since the DINA control pads did not contain the numeric keypad of the actual ColecoVision controller, they were mounted on the unit itself.  It also sported a "pause" button that could be used for SG-1000 games.  An expansion port resides on the back of the console, but for the most part this was not utilized (described in more detail below).

Elsewhere in the world Coleco was feeling the pains of the Videogame Crash.  Britain-based company Telegames eventually purchased the rights to the ColecoVision console and bought most of Coleco's stock.  Rather then selling Coleco's bulky unit, Telegames began manufacturing and distributing the Bit Corporation designed DINA 2-in-1.  In 1988 the renamed DINA became the Telegames Personal Arcade.  The unit was only available for mail order through Telegames USA, a Texas-based videogame mail-order store.  Retail price?  Only $40 USD.

As impressive as the Telegames Personal Arcade was for the price, it did have its share of flaws.  The console was not compatible with all ColecoVision carts.  Part of the reason was due to the lack of a second player numeric keypad.  The Atari 2600 adaptor and other expansion devices were incompatible due to the positioning of the power and RF connectors.  Some units had a manufacturing defect that caused the system to draw too much power into the motherboard causing damage after long term play.

FACT:  Telegames Personal Arcade was only advertised as a Colecovision alternative. Western gamers were never aware of its Sega SG-1000 capabilities.  Owners probably mistaken the additional slot as an expansion port.  The rumor that the SG-1000 slot was disabled in models by Telegames is completely false.


Above picture courtesy of Sega Retro
 
MODELS
     Officially licensed releases
The Bit Corporation and Telegames Personal Arcade are virtually identical, with the exception the obvious branding variations.
Some pictures courtesy of Sega Retro
CLONES
     Non-licensed hardware releases
This system is a clone.
 
CONSOLE RATINGS
     by 98PaceCar
Consoles are rated based upon the available technology at the time of its release.  A 10 point scale is utilized, with 10 being excellent.

CRITERIA RATING NOTES & COMMENTS
Console Design 05 The Dina 2-in-1 is a relatively bland looking console, but the idea of having both ColecoVision and Sega SG-1000 compatibility in a single package is appealing, at least to hard core collectors.
Console Durability 04 Some of the had problems with failing motherboards and the overall build quality is low, as would be expected in what amounts to an unauthorized clone console.
Controllers 04 The controllers for the Dina 2-in-1 are usable, but nothing exceptional.
Graphics 07 Effectively marketed as a ColecoVision compatible alternative, the Dina is able to play a large amount of the ColecoVision library which gives it access to some impressive games.
Audio 07 Again, as a ColecoVision clone, the Dina is more than capable in the sound department.
Media 08 Though no Dina specific carts were released, the Dina had access to some of the hardiest cartridges released in the ColecoVision releases.
Game Library 07 If the Dina were fully compatible with the ColecoVision library, it would have scored higher here.  The incompatibilities pull it down a bit as it isn't a true replacement for a ColecoVision.  SG-1000 capabilities bring it back up a notch, though SG-1000 cartridges are extremely difficult to source outside of Japan.
Gamer Value 03 The incompatibilities the Dina suffers form as well as its relatively high price bring down the gamer value to a point where I wouldn't recommend it to someone wanting to play, unless SG-1000 is a desire.
Collector Value 06 The Dina is a tough console to find, especially in working condition.  The fact that it's a clone brings down the value in some collector's eyes.  Also watch for the Telegames version of the same console.

SPECS & MANUALS
     For the hardware enthusiasts out there - all the detail you\we love.
The Bit Corporation and Telegames version are nearly identical, with the exception of a little change in branding on the front of the console.  The Bit Corp. model included the power supply (AC 127V,  60 Hz) while the Telegames Personal Arcade did not.  Neither system included an instruction manual. 
Processor Type  Processor Speed  Other Processor Information RAM \ Video RAM
NEC 780-C (Zilog 780A clone) 3.25 MHz Texas Instruments TMS9929A VDC 8 KB \ 16 KB
Screen Resolution Color Palette Polygons \ Sprites Audio
256 x 192 16 colors 32 Sprites Texas Instruments SN76489A
(3 Channel)
Media Format Media Capacity Games Released Other Supported Formats
Cartridge 32 KB ColecoVision & Sega SG-1000 compatible Sega SG-3000
Internal Storage External \ Removable Storage Game Controllers Other Game \ Peripheral Devices
8 KB ROM None D-Pad, 2 Buttons None
Controller Ports Network Ports Other Ports Audio \ Video
Two (2) None Expansion port RF
Power Supply - External Other Outputs  Other Details \ Notes
Input: AC 110V, 60 Hz
Output: +12V 300mA, -5V 900mA, +5V 100mA
None Channel 13 (NTSC) utilized instead of the standard channel 3/4.
Manuals
The Telegames Personal Arcade did not come with an owner's manual.  I don't believe the Bit Corp version did either.

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