Editing Macintosh TV

{{Infobox computer
| name         = Macintosh TV
| image        = [[File:Macintosh_TV.png]]
| caption      = Macintosh TV
| manufacturer = Apple Computer, Inc.
| type         = All-in-one Personal Computer
| release_date = October 25, 1993
| discontinued = February 1, 1995
| price        = US$2,079
| units_sold   = ~10,000
| cpu          = Motorola 68030 @ 32 MHz
| memory       = 5 MB RAM (4 MB soldered + 1 MB SIMM, expandable to 8 MB)
| storage      = 160 MB SCSI hard drive, 2X CD-ROM drive
| display      = Built-in 14" Sony Trinitron color CRT (640×480 pixels)
| sound        = Stereo 8-bit, 22 kHz
| dimensions   = 17.9" H × 13.5" W × 16.5" D (45.5 × 34.3 × 41.9 cm)
| weight       = 40.5 lbs (18.4 kg)
| os           = System 7.1 – Mac OS 7.6.1
| predecessor  = [[Macintosh LC 520]]
| successor    = [[Power Macintosh G3 All-in-One]]
| codename     = Peter Pan, LD50
| model        = M1580
}}
The '''Macintosh TV''' was an all-in-one personal computer with integrated television capabilities, released by Apple Computer on October 25, 1993.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://lowendmac.com/1993/mac-tv/ |title=Mac TV |publisher=Low End Mac |access-date=2026-02-10}}</ref> It was Apple's first attempt at computer-television convergence. The Macintosh TV shared the external chassis design of the [[Macintosh LC 520]] but featured a distinctive black case, making it the first black desktop Macintosh to be sold in North America.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_classic/specs/mac_tv.html |title=Apple Macintosh TV Specs |publisher=EveryMac.com |access-date=2026-02-10}}</ref>

The Macintosh TV was based on a modified [[Macintosh LC 550]] logic board<ref>{{cite web |url=https://appletothecore.me/files/macintosh_tv.php |title=1993 Macintosh TV |publisher=AppleToTheCore |access-date=2026-02-10}}</ref> and included a built-in cable-ready TV tuner card that could display NTSC television signals on the 14" Sony Trinitron CRT. However, TV viewing completely took over the screen—users could not watch television in a window while using the computer.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macintosh_TV |title=Macintosh TV |publisher=Wikipedia |access-date=2026-02-10}}</ref> The system could capture still frames from television broadcasts as PICT files.

With approximately 10,000 units produced during its short production run, the Macintosh TV is one of the rarest Macintosh models and has become a collector's item.<ref>{{cite book |last=Standefer |first=Robert |title=Macintosh Switcher's Guide |publisher=Pearson |page=26}}</ref>

== Architecture and Processor ==

The Macintosh TV uses a Motorola 68030 processor running at 32 MHz. Despite the 32 MHz CPU clock, the system bus operates at only 16 MHz, making the Macintosh TV approximately 15% slower than the 25 MHz [[Macintosh LC III]] and [[Macintosh LC 520]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://lowendmac.com/1993/mac-tv/ |title=Mac TV |publisher=Low End Mac |access-date=2026-02-10}}</ref>

Key processor specifications:
* '''CPU:''' Motorola MC68030 @ 32 MHz
* '''FPU:''' None (no socket available)
* '''Bus Speed:''' 16 MHz
* '''Performance:''' 7.0 MIPS
* '''L1 Cache:''' 256 bytes data + 256 bytes instruction (on-chip)
* '''ROM:''' 1 MB
* '''Gestalt ID:''' 88
* '''ROM ID:''' $067C

The system requires System Enabler 404 when running System 7.1.

== Memory and Storage ==

=== RAM Configuration ===

The Macintosh TV shipped with 5 MB of RAM (4 MB soldered on the logic board plus a 1 MB SIMM):
* '''Soldered RAM:''' 4 MB
* '''SIMM Slot:''' 1 × 72-pin (accepts 1 MB or 4 MB modules)
* '''Maximum RAM:''' 8 MB
* '''RAM Speed:''' 80 ns minimum

The single expansion slot accepts only 1 MB or 4 MB SIMMs, limiting the maximum configuration to 8 MB total.

=== Storage Systems ===

* '''Hard Drive:''' 160 MB SCSI (internal)
* '''Optical Drive:''' 2× CD-ROM (SCSI, caddy-loading)
* '''Floppy Drive:''' 1.44 MB SuperDrive (manual inject)
* '''SCSI Interface:''' DB-25 external connector

== Display and Graphics ==

The Macintosh TV features a built-in 14" Sony Trinitron aperture grille CRT:
* '''Display Type:''' Sony Trinitron color CRT
* '''Screen Size:''' 14" diagonal
* '''Native Resolution:''' 640 × 480 pixels
* '''VRAM:''' 512 KB (non-expandable)
* '''Color Depth:''' 8-bit (256 colors) in computer mode
* '''TV Display:''' 16-bit color when in TV mode

The display can show either computer output or television input, but not simultaneously. The TV tuner provides 16-bit color television images, while computer graphics are limited to 8-bit (256 colors).

== TV Tuner Functionality ==

The Macintosh TV's TV tuner card occupies the space normally used for a Processor Direct Slot (PDS) in LC 500 series machines:
* '''Tuner Type:''' Cable-ready NTSC tuner
* '''Input:''' F-type RF connector (antenna/cable)
* '''Additional Inputs:''' Composite Video-In, Stereo Audio Input (RCA-type)
* '''Frame Capture:''' Single frames can be captured as PICT files
* '''Limitations:''' Cannot display TV in a window; TV mode takes over entire screen

A credit card-sized infrared remote control was included for TV functions and is compatible with Sony televisions.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macintosh_TV |title=Macintosh TV |publisher=Wikipedia |access-date=2026-02-10}}</ref>

The TV tuner is compatible only with NTSC broadcast standards used in North America and Japan. PAL and SECAM regions were not supported.

== Audio Capabilities ==

* '''Sound Output:''' Stereo 8-bit, 22 kHz
* '''Speakers:''' Built-in stereo speakers
* '''Audio Output:''' 3.5mm stereo headphone jack
* '''TV Audio Input:''' RCA stereo jacks for external sources

== Input/Output and Expansion ==

=== Port Configuration ===

{| class="wikitable" style="width:70%"
|-
! Port !! Type !! Function !! Notes
|-
| ADB || Mini-DIN-4 || Keyboard/Mouse || 2 ports (daisy-chain capable)
|-
| Serial (Modem) || Mini-DIN-8 || RS-422/RS-232 || Up to 57.6 kbps
|-
| Serial (Printer) || Mini-DIN-8 || RS-422/LocalTalk || AppleTalk networking capable
|-
| SCSI || DB-25 || External SCSI || Requires termination for external devices
|-
| Audio In || RCA × 2 || Stereo TV Audio Input || For external video sources
|-
| Video In || RCA || Composite Video Input || For external video sources
|-
| RF In || F-type || Antenna/Cable TV || NTSC only
|-
| Audio Out || 3.5mm jack || Headphones/Speakers || Stereo output
|-
| Remote IR || Infrared || Remote Control Receiver || Front panel
|}

=== Expansion Limitations ===

The Macintosh TV has '''no expansion slots'''. The TV tuner card occupies the space normally used for the LC PDS slot found in other LC 500 series machines. This makes the Macintosh TV one of the least expandable Macintosh computers:
* No PDS slot
* No Comm Slot
* No video output
* Cannot add Ethernet internally
* Cannot add an FPU

== Design and Appearance ==

The Macintosh TV is notable for its distinctive '''black''' enclosure, making it the first black desktop Macintosh sold in North America (and second only to the [[Macintosh Portable]] backlit model globally). The complete package included:
* Black case (LC 520 chassis design)
* Black [[Apple Keyboard II]] (M0487)
* Black [[Apple Desktop Bus Mouse II]] (M2706)
* Grey CD-ROM drive tray (an often-noted aesthetic inconsistency)
* Credit card-sized infrared remote control

The black color scheme was intended to position the Macintosh TV as a consumer electronics device suitable for the living room rather than a traditional beige computer for the office.

Apple later produced a black [[Macintosh Performa 5420]] for markets outside the United States, incorporating many Macintosh TV concepts with a more capable processor.

== General Maintenance ==

For detailed maintenance practices including cleaning, PRAM battery management, connector corrosion prevention, and voltage adjustments, refer to the dedicated [[Macintosh TV General Maintenance]] page.

== PCB Schematics & Service Manual ==

The Macintosh TV features three main PCBs: the '''Logic Board''', '''Analog Board''', and '''TV Tuner Board'''.

=== Apple Service Manual ===

The Macintosh TV is covered by the Apple Service Source manual for the LC 520/550/575 series, as it shares the same chassis and many components. The official service documentation can be found at [http://www.applerepairmanuals.com/the_manuals_are_in_here/LC_520_550_575.pdf LC 520/550/575 Service Source] (PDF).

All Apple Service Manuals can be found on the [[:Category:Apple Service Source|Apple Service Source]] page.

== Capacitor Replacement Guide ==

Detailed capacitor replacement guidelines for the logic board and TV tuner board can be found on the [[Macintosh TV Capacitor Replacement Guide]] page.

== Retrobrite ==

The Macintosh TV's black plastic case does not yellow like beige Macintosh computers. However, the case may fade or develop a brownish tint from UV exposure over time. For information on treating yellowed plastics on other vintage Macintosh computers, see the [[Retrobrite]] page.

== Troubleshooting ==

A comprehensive troubleshooting guide addressing power issues, video problems, TV tuner malfunctions, Sad Mac errors, and capacitor-related symptoms is available on the [[Macintosh TV Troubleshooting]] page.

== Technical Details ==
<templatestyles src="Template:StyledTable/styles.css" />

=== System Architecture at a Glance ===
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:90%; text-align:center;"
! Sub-system !! Specification (Macintosh TV, October 1993)
|-
| '''CPU''' || Motorola 68030 @ 32 MHz
|-
| '''Bus width''' || 32-bit data • 32-bit address
|-
| '''System Bus''' || 16 MHz
|-
| '''ROM''' || 1 MB
|-
| '''RAM''' || 5 MB standard (expandable to 8 MB)
|-
| '''Video''' || 640 × 480 @ 8-bit (256 colors)
|-
| '''VRAM''' || 512 KB (non-expandable)
|-
| '''Sound''' || 8-bit stereo • 22 kHz
|-
| '''TV Tuner''' || Cable-ready NTSC, 16-bit color display
|-
| '''Disks''' || 1.44 MB floppy, 160 MB HDD, 2× CD-ROM
|-
| '''Ports''' || ADB × 2, Serial × 2, SCSI DB-25, Audio/Video In
|}

=== Power Specifications ===
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:70%; text-align:center;"
|+'''Power Requirements'''
! Parameter !! Specification
|-
| '''Input Voltage''' || 90V-264V AC
|-
| '''Frequency''' || 47-63 Hz
|-
| '''Maximum Power''' || 60 Watts
|-
| '''Current Draw''' || 0.5 Amps
|-
| '''BTU per Hour''' || 205.2
|-
| '''PRAM Battery''' || 3.6V lithium (half-AA size)
|}

=== Operating System Compatibility ===
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:70%; text-align:center;"
|+'''Supported System Software'''
! Version !! Notes
|-
| '''System 7.1''' || Requires System Enabler 404
|-
| '''System 7.1.1 (System 7 Pro)''' || Supported
|-
| '''System 7.5''' || Supported
|-
| '''System 7.5.1''' || Supported
|-
| '''System 7.5.3''' || Supported
|-
| '''System 7.5.5''' || Supported
|-
| '''Mac OS 7.6''' || Supported
|-
| '''Mac OS 7.6.1''' || Maximum supported version
|}

Note: Mac OS 7.5.2 is not compatible with the Macintosh TV.

== Upgrade Options ==

Although Apple provided no official upgrade path, the Macintosh TV chassis is compatible with certain LC 500 series motherboards:
* '''[[Macintosh LC 575]] logic board:''' Provides a 33 MHz 68LC040 processor but removes TV tuner functionality
* '''Third-party accelerators:''' Limited options due to lack of PDS slot

Installing a different logic board eliminates the TV tuner capability, as the tuner card uses the PDS interface.

== Known Issues ==

* '''Limited TV utility:''' NTSC analog television broadcasts have been discontinued in most regions, rendering the TV tuner largely non-functional for over-the-air reception
* '''No expansion:''' Complete lack of expansion slots limits upgrade options
* '''Memory ceiling:''' 8 MB maximum RAM is restrictive for later System 7 versions
* '''Bus speed bottleneck:''' 16 MHz bus limits the 32 MHz CPU performance
* '''Grey CD tray:''' Aesthetic mismatch with black case
* '''TV tuner capacitor leakage:''' Non-standard capacitor sizes can make sourcing replacements difficult

== Trivia ==

* The internal codename "LD50" refers to the medical term for "lethal dose 50%"—the dose of a substance that kills 50% of test subjects<ref>{{cite web |url=http://applemuseum.bott.org/sections/computers/mactv.html |title=Macintosh TV |publisher=The Apple Museum |access-date=2026-02-10}}</ref>
* The Macintosh TV was marketed exclusively through consumer electronics channels rather than traditional computer retailers
* It was the last desktop Macintosh to use the 68030 processor
* The included remote control is compatible with Sony televisions

== Related Pages ==
* [[Macintosh TV General Maintenance]]
* [[Macintosh TV Troubleshooting]]
* [[Macintosh TV Capacitor Replacement Guide]]
* [[Macintosh LC 520]] – Chassis donor
* [[Macintosh LC 550]] – Logic board basis
* [[Sad Mac Error Codes]]
* [[CRT Discharge Procedure]]

== Service Documentation ==

The official Apple Service Source documentation for this model:

<pdf width="800" height="500">File:Macintosh_tv.pdf</pdf>

== References ==
<references />

[[Category:Apple Vintage Computers]]