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.
Device Information
- Manufacturer
- Mattel
- Release Year
- 1979
- Model Number
- 2609 (Master Component)
- Category
- Gaming Console
Source: manufacturer product page · Last updated: · How we verify port data →
Available Ports
| Connector | Quantity | Power (PD) | Capabilities | 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 |
Same ports, other brands
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. Modern TV route: the RF box puts out an analogue channel (NTSC on the US 2609; a UK unit needs a TV that tunes UK analogue channels), so it only shows on a TV with an analogue tuner. No tuner: an RF-to-HDMI analogue tuner box, or an old VCR as the tuner (RF in, composite out). The composite mod is the clean fix.