Sup'R'Mod
The Sup 'R' Mod II was an RF modulator sold by M&R Enterprises in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It allowed the connection of computers and other devices with composite video outputs to a television.[1]
History
Apple Inc.Apple wanted to provide users of their Apple II computers with a way to view color output on a television, but they had trouble getting FCC approval, because the RF modulation solution they were using was too noisy. Apple made an arrangement with a small nearby company, called M&R Enterprises, to manufacture and sell the devices. While Apple could not sell the modulator and computer as a package, retail computer dealers could sell both devices to the end user.[2]
Marty Spergel, who ran M&R Electronics, was told by Steve Jobs that it might sell as many as 50 units a month. Spergel later estimated that he had sold about 400,000 units.[3]
The Sup 'R' Mod II began selling in April 1978, for $29.95.[4]
Technical features
The modulator presented a color signal on UHF channel 33.[4] It came with a bit of double-sided tape to allow the user to attach it to the side of the computer case.
References
- ^ "Apple II History - Sup'R'Mod".
- ^ "3-The Apple II". Apple II History.
- ^ Levy, Steven (1984). Hackers: Heroes of the Computer Revolution. New York: Dell Publishing Co. pp. 260–261.
- ^ a b "Apple Contact, issue #1" (PDF).