TI History: RF Modulator

[Stuart]

I'm currently reading a book all about Atari, and the TI-99/4 gets a mention with a little snippet that I haven't heard before (assuming its true).

 

Apparently a TI salesman shows up at Atari one day to demonstrate a fibre optic cable that has a receiver and transmitter moulded on the ends. One of the problems that early home computer companies (Atari, TI, Apple ...) were having was getting FCC approval for the RF modulator. Atari say that they could use the fibre optic cable to electrically isolate the computer from the RF modulator, then they only need to get FCC approval for the modulator and cable - not the computer as well [not sure why, but ...]. But they think that the FCC wouldn't accept that, so they don't pursue it as they want to stay on good terms with the FCC. The TI salesman goes back to the office and tells the TI home computer group about Atari's suggestion. They apparently *do* design an RF modulator with a fibre optic connecting cable and submit to the FCC for approval ... but the FCC reject it.

[+Ksarul]

I'll have to look at my prototype 99/4 motherboard and see how they connected the integrated RF modulator. . .