Perdio 'Portorama' portable television receiver, 1962.

A Perdio Portorama portable television receiver, c. 1960.

Perdio (PERsonal raDIO) were a relatively small manufacturer formed in the second half of the 1950s and specialised in the production of transistor radios. The Portorama was their first ‘all transistor’ television. It cost about £53-0-5 plus tax when new and had an 8½ inch screen and would operate from AC mains, external 12V battery or internally fitted batteries. Although often quoted to be the first British portable transistor television, it was predated by both Pye (with their model TT1) and Ferguson (with their 'Transvista' model).The Portorama had a built-in battery which meant that for portable use it was covered by your home television licence.