Mattel's 1979 'Master Component' was among the first home consoles to reach the TV through an internal RF modulator: a single captive cable carries the modulated audio and video to an included RF box, which connects to the television's coaxial antenna input. The original model has both a hardwired power cord and hardwired controllers, so nothing on the main unit is user-swappable except the RF-box connection. Composite output is only possible through an aftermarket A/V modification.
Mattel’s 1979 console with an internal RF modulator, hardwired power cord, and hardwired controllers.
Device Information
- Manufacturer
- Mattel
- Release Year
- 1979
- Model Number
- 2609 (Master Component)
- Category
- Gaming Console
Available Ports
| Connector | Quantity | Label | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| RF Antenna Input (Coaxial) | 1 | RF to TV (via RF box) | Internal RF modulator feeds the included RF box to the TV coaxial antenna |
Notes & Compatibility
TV output is RF over coaxial antenna via the internal modulator and included RF box (modeled as the RF antenna connection). The original 1979 unit has a hardwired power cord and hardwired controllers (both kept in prose, not modeled as user ports). Composite A/V requires an aftermarket mod. Later models (Intellivision II, System III) differ.
