Coleco ADAM external HDMI video card that plugs into the side expansion module
I have not looked at the schematics on the ADAM computer, however maybe it is possible for a hardware engineer to design a white HDMI expansion module box that plugs into the side expansion module on the ADAM computer. Then both standalone ADAM computer owners and ColecoVision owners with Expansion module #3 could have a HDMI output on their ADAM computer without needing to make internal hardware modifications. I have heard from some ADAM owners that one of the reasons why they did not pay around $270 to get their existing ADAM internally upgraded for the F18A video board is because of the possible risks involved in upgrading a system that is almost 35 years old (plus the F18A with HDMI is currently out of stock).
If it was possible to design an external HDMI video card for the ADAM computer it would cost more than the F18A. However, I believe ADAM owners would be more willing to upgrade to HDMI if they did not have to modify their existing internal ColecoVision video board.
The ADAM HDMI expansion module would plug into the side of the ADAM computer. It would be a white box that had a HDMI output port on the back. Possible a on/off button on top of the HDMI expansion module would turn the device on and off. The only reason why one would want to turn the HDMI expansion module off is if they wanted to use the ColecoVision’s composite video output for the Expansion module #1 Atari 2600 adapter. This also means the ADAM HDMI Expansion module would need to have a Expansion module interface on the side so that the OPCODE Supergame module and ATARI 2600 adapter can still be used. ColecoVision owners would want to use Expansion module #3 the ADAM computer with the HDMI adapter, since cosmetically plugging the HDMI expansion module in the front of the ColecoVision would not look good cosmetically. The ADAM computer can get away with this since the expansion is on the side.
The big question is can digital binary video and audio data be sent out of the main side ADAM Expansion module interface? If the answer is yes then a hardware engineer could design an external HDMI graphics card for the ADAM computer. With special software the HDMI graphics card could turn on advanced features like native 16:9 and stereo sound for special new ColecoVision games. With a special flexible ribbon cable plugged directly into the ColecoVisions front Expansion, ColecoVision owners could also use the HDMI graphics card adapter. The HDMI graphics card adapter could be placed on the side of the ColecoVision instead of the front when using a modern flexible ribbon cable.
Personally I would purchase two HDMI expansion modules for the ColecoVision/ADAM for around $300+ each if this product existed. When ones ADAM computer breaks they just unplug the HDMI graphics card from the broken ADAM and plug it into a spare ADAM. This is a product that would be popular for both ColecoVision and ADAM owners.