Video / Button Hex Buffer (Atari 2600)

The Hex Buffer that is used to buffer the signals from the TIA chip and the Joysticks, allowing them to be low impedance output signals for further processing, is a 16 pin DIP chip, typically labelled with CD4050 or C010816.

For some reason on some models, including the PAL woody version, the hex buffers ground pin (pin 8) is connected to ground through the switch/power top board via pin 10 of the interconnect wire harness, instead of the main system ground. Therefore, the hex buffer and video output will not work unless the top board is also connected, or you wire the pin 8 to ground directly.