This odd looking device is an Exidy 12" Video Display that has been modified to accept a tape drive.  The parts for this modification was designed by a company called MECA, who provided the 'digital intelligent tape drive' and circuit board (which contained its own RAM, ROM, and CPU).  The intelligent tape drive had 1 MB of storage capacity and was rated at a transfer rate of 8,000 baud.  The two knobs on the side controlled the Read and Record levels, while the two switches allowed the user to turn the monitor and tape drive on/off separately.  It is unknown if MECA sold this mod only as a kit or also sold completed units.