History of Television in Timeline
Television is a telecommunication medium that transmits moving images and sound, and also refers to the physical television set itself. A mass medium, television is used for advertising, entertainment, news, and sports. It differs from radio by transmitting visual and audio signals, not just audio.
August 1900: First documented usage of the term Television
In August 1900, the Russian scientist Constantin Perskyi used the term 'television' in a paper that he presented in French at the first International Congress of Electricity, which ran from 18 to 25 August 1900 during the International World Fair in Paris.
August 1900: Constantin Perskyi coins the word television
On 24 August 1900, Constantin Perskyi coined the word television in a paper read to the International Electricity Congress at the International World Fair in Paris. Perskyi's paper reviewed the existing electromechanical technologies, mentioning the work of Nipkow and others.
1904: Televista name proposal
In 1904, 'televista' was proposed as a name for a technology for sending pictures over distance.
1906: Raster Images Produced in CRT
In 1906, Max Dieckmann and Gustav Glage in Germany achieved a milestone by producing raster images for the first time using a cathode-ray tube (CRT).
1907: Adamian Experiments with Color Television
In 1907, Hovannes Adamian experimented with color television.
1907: CRT Used to Display Geometric Shapes
In 1907, Russian scientist Boris Rosing successfully used a CRT on the receiving end of an experimental video signal. He was able to display simple geometric shapes onto the screen.
1907: Amplification tube technology makes television design practical
In 1907, developments in amplification tube technology by Lee de Forest and Arthur Korn, among others, made television design practical.
1907: First attested anglicized version of the term Television
In 1907, the anglicized version of the term television appeared and was still described as "...a theoretical system to transmit moving images over telegraph or telephone wires".
March 1908: Adamian Patents Color Television in Germany
On March 31, 1908, Hovannes Adamian patented a color television project in Germany, patent No. 197183.
April 1908: Adamian Patents Color Television in Britain
On April 1, 1908, Hovannes Adamian patented a color television project in Britain, patent No. 7219.
1908: Campbell-Swinton Describes Distant Electric Vision
In 1908, Alan Archibald Campbell-Swinton described how "distant electric vision" could be achieved using a cathode-ray tube as both a transmitting and receiving device in a letter published in Nature.
1909: First demonstration of live image transmission
In 1909, Georges Rignoux and A. Fournier gave the first demonstration of the live transmission of images in Paris, using a matrix of 64 selenium cells as an electronic retina.
1910: Adamian Patents Color Television in Russia
In 1910, Hovannes Adamian patented a color television project in Russia, patent No. 17912.
1911: Campbell-Swinton expands on his vision
In 1911, Alan Archibald Campbell-Swinton expanded on his vision of using a cathode-ray tube as both a transmitting and receiving device in a speech given in London.
1911: Zworykin and Rosing create early television system
In 1911, Boris Rosing and his student Vladimir Zworykin created a system that used a mechanical mirror-drum scanner to transmit crude images over wires to the "Braun tube" (cathode-ray tube or "CRT") in the receiver.
1913: Jenkins publishes article on Motion Pictures by Wireless
In 1913, Charles Francis Jenkins published an article on "Motion Pictures by Wireless".
March 1914: Experiments Conducted by Campbell-Swinton, Minchin, and Stanton
Before March 1914, Alan Archibald Campbell-Swinton, G. M. Minchin and J. C. M. Stanton conducted experiments attempting to generate an electrical signal by projecting an image onto a selenium-coated metal plate scanned by a cathode ray beam.
1921: First image sent via radio waves
In 1921, Édouard Belin sent the first image via radio waves with his belinograph.
March 1922: Jenkins files patent for transmitting pictures over wireless
On 13 March 1922, Charles Francis Jenkins filed U.S. Patent No. 1,544,156 (Transmitting Pictures over Wireless).
1922: First CRT with Hot Cathode Developed and Commercialized
In 1922, John B. Johnson and Harry Weiner Weinhart of Western Electric developed the first cathode-ray tube to use a hot cathode, which became a commercial product.
December 1923: Jenkins transmits moving silhouette images
In December 1923, US inventor Charles Francis Jenkins transmitted moving silhouette images for witnesses.
1923: Zworykin Begins Developing Electronic Camera Tube
In 1923, while working for Westinghouse Electric, Vladimir Zworykin began developing an electronic camera tube.
1924: Tihanyi Begins Work on Charge-Storage Technology
Beginning in 1924, Kálmán Tihanyi started developing charge-storage technology to solve the problem of low light sensitivity in transmitting or "camera" tubes. His solution was a camera tube that accumulated and stored electrical charges throughout each scanning cycle.
March 1925: First public demonstration of televised silhouette images in motion
On 25 March 1925, Scottish inventor John Logie Baird gave the first public demonstration of televised silhouette images in motion at Selfridges's department store in London. He televised a ventriloquist's dummy named "Stooky Bill".
June 1925: Jenkins publicly demonstrates synchronized transmission of silhouette pictures
On 13 June 1925, Charles Francis Jenkins publicly demonstrated synchronized transmission of silhouette pictures. Also in 1925, Jenkins transmitted the silhouette image of a toy windmill in motion.
1925: Dieckmann and Hell Submit Patent Application
In 1925, Dieckmann and Hell submitted a patent application for their Lichtelektrische Bildzerlegerröhre für Fernseher (Photoelectric Image Dissector Tube for Television) in Germany.
1925: Theremin develops mirror drum-based television
In 1925, Leon Theremin had been developing a mirror drum-based television, starting with 16 lines resolution.
1925: Zworykin's Demonstration of Camera Tube
In 1925, Vladimir Zworykin demonstrated his electronic camera tube, but the image was dim, with low contrast and poor definition.
January 1926: First public television demonstration
On 26 January 1926, John Logie Baird demonstrated the transmission of an image of a face in motion by radio before members of the Royal Institution. This is widely regarded as the world's first true public television demonstration.
March 1926: Tihanyi Patents Radioskop Television System
In March 1926, Hungarian engineer Kálmán Tihanyi filed a patent application in Hungary for a television system he called "Radioskop", which used fully electronic scanning and display elements and the principle of "charge storage" within the scanning tube.
May 1926: Theremin demonstrates near-simultaneous moving images
On 7 May 1926, Leon Theremin electrically transmitted and then projected near-simultaneous moving images on a 5-square-foot (0.46 m) screen.
October 1926: Campbell-Swinton Announces Experimental Results
In October 1926, Campbell-Swinton announced the results of some "not very successful experiments" he had conducted with G. M. Minchin and J. C. M. Stanton in a letter to Nature. They had attempted to generate an electrical signal by projecting an image onto a selenium-coated metal plate that was simultaneously scanned by a cathode ray beam.
December 1926: Takayanagi demonstrates television system with CRT display
On 25 December 1926, Kenjiro Takayanagi demonstrated a television system with a 40-line resolution that employed a Nipkow disk scanner and CRT display at Hamamatsu Industrial High School in Japan.
December 1926: Takayanagi Demonstrates Fully Electronic TV System
On December 25, 1926, Japanese inventor Kenjiro Takayanagi demonstrated a TV system with a 40-line resolution that employed a CRT display at Hamamatsu Industrial High School in Japan. This was the first working example of a fully electronic television receiver.
April 1927: Bell Labs demonstrates mechanical television
On 7 April 1927, Herbert E. Ives and Frank Gray of Bell Telephone Laboratories gave a dramatic demonstration of mechanical television, transmitting images from Washington to New York City via copper wire and radio link. Secretary of Commerce Herbert Hoover was among the subjects telecasted.
September 1927: Farnsworth Transmits First Image
On September 7, 1927, US inventor Philo Farnsworth's image dissector camera tube transmitted its first image, a simple straight line, at his laboratory in San Francisco.
1927: Theremin achieves 100-line image resolution
By 1927, Leon Theremin had achieved an image of 100 lines in his television system.
1927: Baird transmits signal over telephone line
In 1927, John Logie Baird transmitted a signal over 438 miles (705 km) of telephone line between London and Glasgow.
1927: RCA Asserts Patent Interference Against Farnsworth
In 1927, RCA, which acquired the Westinghouse patent, asserted that the patent for Farnsworth's image dissector was written so broadly that it would exclude any other electronic imaging device.
1927: Term TV meaning television as a medium
In 1927, the term TV started being used to mean 'television as a medium'.
January 1928: Experimental station W2XB founded
On January 13, 1928, WRGB claims its roots to an experimental station founded, broadcasting from the General Electric factory in Schenectady, NY, under the call letters W2XB. It was popularly known as "WGY Television" after its sister radio station.
July 1928: Baird Demonstrates First Color Transmission
On July 3, 1928, John Logie Baird demonstrated the world's first color transmission.
August 1928: First demonstration of Stereoscopic 3D television
On August 10, 1928, John Logie Baird demonstrated stereoscopic 3D television for the first time at his company's premises in London. This was achieved using electromechanical and cathode-ray tube techniques.
September 1928: Farnsworth Demonstrates Electronic Television System
By September 3, 1928, Philo Farnsworth had developed his electronic television system sufficiently to hold a demonstration for the press, widely regarded as the first electronic television demonstration.
1928: First transatlantic television signal
In 1928, Baird's company (Baird Television Development Company/Cinema Television) broadcast the first transatlantic television signal between London and New York and the first shore-to-ship transmission.
1928: Tihanyi Refines Television System
In 1928, Kálmán Tihanyi made further refinements to his television system, included in a patent application.
1928: Zworykin Receives Patent for Color Transmission Version
In 1928, Vladimir Zworykin received a patent for a color transmission version of his 1923 patent application.
1928: Start of WRGB, the world's first television station
In 1928, WRGB, then W2XB, was started as the world's first television station. It broadcast from the General Electric facility in Schenectady, NY.
June 1929: Bell Labs Demonstrates Color Television
In June 1929, Bell Laboratories demonstrated mechanically scanned color television.
1929: Baird's involvement in German television and establishment of France's first television company
In 1929, John Logie Baird became involved in the first experimental mechanical television service in Germany. In November of the same year, Baird and Bernard Natan of Pathé established France's first television company, Télévision-Baird-Natan.
1929: Farnsworth Improves Television System
In 1929, Philo Farnsworth further improved his television system by eliminating a motor generator, removing all mechanical parts. He also transmitted the first live human images with his system, including an image of his wife.
1930: Tihanyi's Patent Declared Void in Great Britain
In 1930, Kálmán Tihanyi's patent was declared void in Great Britain, leading him to apply for patents in the United States.
1930: Farnsworth Begins Work on Multipactor Device
In 1930, Philo Farnsworth began working on a completely unique "Multipactor" device.
August 1931: Von Ardenne Demonstrates Television System at Berlin Radio Show
In August 1931, Manfred von Ardenne gave a public demonstration of a television system using a CRT for both transmission and reception at the Berlin Radio Show, the first completely electronic television transmission.
1931: First outdoor remote broadcast
In 1931, John Logie Baird made the first outdoor remote broadcast of The Derby.
1931: Tihanyi's Breakthrough Incorporated into RCA's Iconoscope
In 1931, Kálmán Tihanyi's breakthrough charge-storage technology was incorporated into the design of RCA's "iconoscope".
1931: González Camarena Begins Television Experiments
In 1931, Mexican inventor Guillermo González Camarena began his experiments with television (telectroescopía).
1931: Farnsworth Demonstrates Multipactor Device
In 1931, Philo Farnsworth demonstrated the "Multipactor" device, which could amplify a signal reportedly to the 60th power or better.
1931: Zworykin Divides Original Patent Application
In 1931, Vladimir Zworykin divided his original 1923 patent application.
May 1932: RCA surpasses Theremin's resolution
In May 1932, RCA achieved an image resolution of 120 lines, surpassing Theremin's earlier achievement of 100 lines.
1932: Demonstration of ultra-short wave television
In 1932, John Logie Baird demonstrated ultra-short wave television.
1932: EMI Team Patents Emitron
In 1932, the EMI engineering team led by Isaac Shoenberg applied for a patent for a new device they called "the Emitron", which formed the heart of the cameras that they designed for the BBC.
December 1933: Ardenne Achieves First Transmission of Television Pictures
On December 24, 1933, Manfred von Ardenne achieved his first transmission of television pictures.
1933: Improved image quality of Baird system
By 1933 the UK broadcasts using the Baird system were remarkably clear due to technical advances in image quality.
1933: RCA Introduces Improved Camera Tube, Iconoscope
In 1933, RCA introduced an improved camera tube called the "Iconoscope" by Zworykin, which relied on Tihanyi's charge storage principle. The new tube had a light sensitivity of about 75,000 lux.
August 1934: Farnsworth Demonstrates All-Electronic Television System
On August 25, 1934, Philo Farnsworth gave the world's first public demonstration of an all-electronic television system, using a live camera, at the Franklin Institute of Philadelphia and for ten days afterward.
1934: Test Runs for Public Television Service
In 1934, Manfred von Ardenne conducted test runs for a public television service.
1934: Zworykin Shares Patent Rights with Telefunken
In 1934, Zworykin shared some patent rights with the German licensee company Telefunken.
1934: EMI Develops Super-Emitron and CPS Emitron
In 1934, the EMI team developed and patented two new camera tubes dubbed super-Emitron and CPS Emitron, solving the efficiency problem of the original iconoscope (or Emitron).
1935: 180-line systems installed in Paris and Montreal
In 1935, Compagnie des Compteurs installed a 180-line system in Paris and Peck Television Corp. started a 180-line system at station VE9AK in Montreal.
1935: Patent Office Finds Priority of Invention for Farnsworth
In 1935, The U.S. Patent Office examiner found priority of invention for Farnsworth against Zworykin, disagreeing with RCA's claim.
1935: First 3D television produced
In 1935, the first 3D television was produced, representing a significant milestone in the development of television technology.
1935: World's First Electronically Scanned Television Service Starts in Berlin
In 1935, the world's first electronically scanned television service, the Fernsehsender Paul Nipkow, started in Berlin.
November 1936: BBC Begins High-Definition Television Service
On November 2, 1936, a 405-line broadcasting service employing the Emitron began at studios in Alexandra Palace and transmitted from a specially built mast. This was the world's first regular "high-definition" television service.
November 1936: BBC began transmitting the world's first public regular high-definition service
On November 2, 1936, the BBC began transmitting the world's first public regular high-definition service from the Alexandra Palace in north London, marking a pivotal moment in the history of television broadcasting.
1936: Image Iconoscope Becomes Industrial Standard
From 1936, the image iconoscope (Superikonoskop) became the industrial standard for public broadcasting in Europe.
1936: Peak resolution of Baird's mechanical system on BBC telecasts
In 1936, Baird's mechanical system reached a peak of 240 lines of resolution on BBC telecasts, through the use of rapidly developed 17.5 mm film.
1936: Tihanyi Describes Principle of Plasma Display
In 1936, Kálmán Tihanyi described the principle of plasma display, the first flat-panel display system.
1936: Live Broadcast of Summer Olympic Games from Berlin
In 1936, the Fernsehsender Paul Nipkow provided a live broadcast of the Summer Olympic Games from Berlin to public places all over Germany.
1937: Campbell-Swinton's experiments repeated successfully
In 1937, H. Miller and J. W. Strange from EMI, and H. Iams and A. Rose from RCA repeated Alan Archibald Campbell-Swinton's experiments and successfully transmitted "very faint" images with the original Campbell-Swinton's selenium-coated plate.
1937: BBC Uses Super-Emitron for Outside Broadcast
On Armistice Day 1937, the BBC used the super-Emitron for outside broadcasting for the first time. The general public could watch on a television set as the King laid a wreath at the Cenotaph.
February 1938: Baird Makes First Color Broadcast
On February 4, 1938, Baird made the world's first color broadcast from Baird's Crystal Palace studios to London's Dominion Theatre.
May 1939: Tihanyi Granted U.S. Patent for Transmitting Tube
In May 1939, Kálmán Tihanyi was granted the U.S. patent for his transmitting tube, which had been purchased by RCA prior to its approval.
September 1939: RCA Agrees to Pay Farnsworth for Patent Rights
In September 1939, RCA agreed to pay Farnsworth US$1 million over ten years, in addition to license payments, to use his patents, after losing an appeal in the courts.
September 1939: RCA Agrees to Pay Royalties to Farnsworth
In September 1939, RCA agreed to pay the Farnsworth Television and Radio Corporation royalties over the next ten years for access to Farnsworth's patents.
1939: Farnsworth and RCA Broadcast Live Street Scene
In 1939, Farnsworth and RCA would broadcast a live street scene from cameras installed on the roof of neighboring buildings at the New York World's Fair.
1939: Goldmark Introduces Electro-Mechanical System
In 1939, Peter Carl Goldmark introduced an electro-mechanical color television system at CBS.
1939: End of mechanical telecasts in the US
In 1939, the last mechanical telecasts ended at stations run by public universities in the United States.
August 1940: CBS Begins Experimental Color Field Tests Using Film
CBS began experimental color field tests using film as early as August 28, 1940.
August 1940: CBS Demonstrates Color System to FCC
On August 29, 1940, CBS demonstrated its field-sequential color system to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
1940: Baird Starts Work on Telechrome
As early as 1940, Baird had started work on a fully electronic system he called Telechrome.
1940: Heimann Produces and Commercializes Superikonoskop
From 1940 to 1955, Heimann produced and commercialized the Superikonoskop.
1940: Baird Pioneers Hybrid Color Television
In 1940, John Logie Baird publicly demonstrated a color television combining a black-and-white display with a rotating colored disk.
1940: González Camarena Patents Color Television System
In 1940, Mexican inventor Guillermo González Camarena patented the "trichromatic field sequential system" color television.
February 1941: NBC Makes First Field Test of Color Television
On February 20, 1941, NBC made its first field test of color television.
June 1941: CBS Begins Daily Color Field Tests
On June 1, 1941, CBS began daily color field tests.
July 1941: FCC allowed broadcast advertisements
In July 1941, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the U.S. allowed television stations to broadcast advertisements, but required public service programming commitments as a condition for a license.
July 1941: First paid television advertisement in the United States
On July 1, 1941, the first official, paid television advertisement was broadcast in the United States on New York station WNBT for Bulova watches before a baseball game. The ad displayed a modified WNBT test pattern resembling a clock.
1941: United States Implements 525-Line Television
In 1941, the United States implemented 525-line television.
1941: Term TV meaning a television set
In 1941, the term TV started being used to mean 'a television set'.
1941: Start of Television Commercials in the US
Since its inception in the US in 1941, television commercials have become an effective method of selling products. During the 1940s and into the 1950s, programs were hosted by single advertisers, giving them creative control over the show's content.
April 1942: War Production Board Halts TV and Radio Production
From April 22, 1942, the War Production Board halted the manufacture of television and radio equipment for civilian use.
August 1944: Demonstration of a Practical Color Television System
On August 16, 1944, a demonstration of Baird's Telechrome was the first example of a practical color television system.
1944: Baird Comments on Fully Electronic Device
As early as 1944, Baird had commented to a British government committee that a fully electronic device would be better.
1944: Soviet Union Designs 625-Line Television Standard
In 1944, the world's first 625-line television standard was designed in the Soviet Union.
August 1945: War Production Board Resumes TV and Radio Production
On August 20, 1945, the War Production Board resumed the manufacture of television and radio equipment for civilian use.
October 1945: Arthur C. Clarke proposed a worldwide communications system
In October 1945, British science fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke proposed a worldwide communications system that would function by means of three satellites equally spaced apart in Earth orbit, published in the Wireless World magazine.
1946: Baird's Death Ends Telechrome Development
Baird's untimely death in 1946 ended the development of the Telechrome system.
1946: 625-Line Television Standard Becomes National Standard
In 1946, the 625-line television standard designed in the Soviet Union became a national standard.
1948: Cable Television Originated
In 1948, cable television originated in areas where over-the-air reception was limited. Large "community antennas" were constructed, and cable was run from them to individual homes.
1948: First Broadcast in 625-Line Standard
In 1948, the first broadcast in 625-line standard occurred in Moscow.
1952: Philips Produces and Commercializes Image Iconoscope and Multicon
From 1952 to 1958, the Dutch company Philips produced and commercialized the image iconoscope and multicon.
1952: Ibuka Predicts Transistor TV Sets
In 1952, Sony founder Masaru Ibuka predicted that transistors would lead to smaller, portable television sets.
August 1953: First TV ad in Asia
On August 28, 1953, the first TV advertisement broadcast in Asia was on Nippon Television in Tokyo, advertising Seikosha (now Seiko) by displaying a clock with the current time.
1953: Addition of color to broadcast television
The addition of color to broadcast television after 1953 further increased the popularity of television sets, and an outdoor antenna became a common feature of suburban homes.
July 1954: First Color Broadcast: The Marriage
On July 8, 1954, the first color broadcast (the first episode of the live program The Marriage) occurred.
September 1955: First TV ad in the U.K.
On September 22, 1955, the first TV advertisement broadcast in the U.K. was on ITV, advertising Gibbs SR toothpaste.
1955: Heimann Commercialization of Superikonoskop Ends
In 1955, Heimann's commercialization of the Superikonoskop ended.
1957: Compatible Color Mentioned in West Side Story
In 1957, "Compatible Color" featured in RCA advertisements of the period, is mentioned in the song "America", of West Side Story.
1958: Philips Commercialization of Image Iconoscope and Multicon Ends
In 1958, Philips' commercialization of the image iconoscope and multicon ended.
1959: Sony TV8-301 Developed
In 1959, Sony developed the first fully transistorized, portable solid-state television set, the 8-inch Sony TV8-301.
1960: Release of Sony TV8-301 and Sales Milestone
In 1960, Sony released the TV8-301, the first fully transistorized portable television and by 1960, Sony had sold over 4 million portable television sets worldwide.
1960: Vidicon and Plumbicon Tubes Replace Image Iconoscope
In 1960, the vidicon and plumbicon tubes replaced the image iconoscope (Superikonoskop) for public broadcasting in Europe.
July 1962: First satellite television signals from Europe to North America
On July 23, 1962, the first satellite television signals from Europe to North America were relayed via the Telstar satellite over the Atlantic Ocean, reaching over 100 million viewers.
July 1963: First geosynchronous communication satellite launched
On July 26, 1963, the first geosynchronous communication satellite, Syncom 2, was launched, marking a significant advancement in satellite technology for television transmission.
1963: Arthur C. Clarke won the Franklin Institute's Stuart Ballantine Medal
In 1963, Arthur C. Clarke won the Franklin Institute's Stuart Ballantine Medal for his 1945 proposal of a worldwide communications system using satellites.
April 1965: First commercial communications satellite launched
On April 6, 1965, the world's first commercial communications satellite, Intelsat I (Early Bird), was launched into geosynchronous orbit, marking a significant advancement in satellite communication technology.
1965: Color Transition of 1965 Announced
In 1965, it was announced that over half of all network prime-time programming would be broadcast in color that fall.
1966: GE Introduces Porta-Color Set
In the spring of 1966, GE introduced the relatively compact and lightweight Porta-Color set, which used a transistor-based UHF tuner.
October 1967: First national network of television satellites created by the Soviet Union
In October 1967, the Soviet Union created the first national network of television satellites, called Orbita, based on the Molniya satellite for rebroadcasting and delivering television signals to ground stations.
1967: Color Broadcasting Starts in Europe
In 1967, Color broadcasting in Europe started, standardized on the PAL format.
1967: Quasar Television Introduced
In 1967, the first fully transistorized color television in the United States was the Quasar television.
November 1972: First commercial North American satellite to carry television transmissions
On November 9, 1972, Canada's geostationary Anik 1 was launched as the first commercial North American satellite to carry television transmissions, marking a significant advancement in satellite communication technology.
1972: Color Set Sales Surpass Black-and-White Sales
In 1972, sales of color television sets finally surpassed sales of black-and-white sets.
1972: First All-Color Network Season
In 1972, the last holdout among daytime network programs converted to color, resulting in the first completely all-color network season.
May 1974: Launch of ATS-6, the world's first experimental Direct Broadcast Satellite
On May 30, 1974, ATS-6, the world's first experimental educational and Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS), was launched. It transmitted at 860 MHz using wideband FM and had two sound channels, focusing on the Indian subcontinent.
October 1976: First Soviet geostationary satellite for Direct-To-Home television launched
On October 26, 1976, Ekran 1, the first in a series of Soviet geostationary satellites to carry Direct-To-Home television, was launched, utilizing a 714 MHz UHF downlink frequency for reception with existing UHF television technology.
1979: Last Black-and-White Stations Convert to Color
By 1979, even the last of the black-and-white stations had converted to color.
1983: Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983
In 1983, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act was enacted, banning advertising by external sources on the ABC's television services and ensuring its editorial independence.
1983: Schreiber Becomes Director of Advanced Television Research Program
William F. Schreiber became director of the Advanced Television Research Program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1983.
1987: Digital Light Processing (DLP) originally developed
In 1987, Digital Light Processing (DLP) was originally developed by Dr. Larry Hornbeck of Texas Instruments. DLP is a type of video projector technology that uses a digital micromirror device.
March 1990: FCC Decisions on ATV Standard
In March 1990, the FCC declared that the new ATV standard must be able to provide a genuine HDTV signal, and that it must be capable of being "simulcast" on different channels.
June 1990: General Instrument Demonstrates Digital Television Signal
Until June 1990, the Japanese MUSE standard was the front-runner. Then, a U.S. company, General Instrument, demonstrated the possibility of a digital television signal.
1990: Schreiber Retires from MIT
William F. Schreiber, who was director of the Advanced Television Research Program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology from 1983 until his retirement in 1990, thought that the continued advocacy of interlaced equipment originated from consumer electronics companies that were trying to get back the substantial investments they made in the interlaced technology.
1994: First patent filed for an "intelligent" television system
In 1994, the first patent was filed for an "intelligent" television system linked with data processing systems, using a digital or analog network. The system was designed to automatically download necessary software routines according to a user's demand and process their needs. The patent was extended the following year.
1996: Funding cuts for ABC under Howard government since 1996
Since the 1996 Howard government, the ABC has suffered progressive funding cuts under Liberal governments.
1997: First DLP-based projector introduced
In 1997, while the DLP imaging device was invented by Texas Instruments, the first DLP-based projector was introduced by Digital Projection Ltd. This marked a significant milestone in projection technology.
1998: Digital Projection and Texas Instruments awarded Emmy Awards
In 1998, Digital Projection and Texas Instruments were both awarded Emmy Awards for the invention of the DLP projector technology, recognizing its significant impact on the industry.
2007: LCD television sets surpassed sales of CRT-based television sets
In 2007, LCD television sets surpassed sales of CRT-based television sets worldwide for the first time, marking a significant shift in the television market.
2008: Global TV Market Revenue
In 2008, the global TV market had total revenues of 268.9 billion EUR which declined 1.2% in 2009.
2009: BBC TV Channels viewership in 2009
As of 2009 two main BBC TV channels were watched by almost 90% of the population each week and overall had 27% share of total viewing, despite the fact that 85% of homes were multi-channel.
2009: Global TV Market Statistics
In 2009, the global TV market encompassed 1,217.2 million TV households and total revenues of 268.9 billion EUR, a 1.2% decline from 2008. North America held the largest TV revenue market share at 39%.
2010: Slight increase in antenna use
Around 2010, a slight increase in antenna use began due to the switchover to digital terrestrial television broadcasts, offering an alternative to cable television.
2010: UK TV Licences in force in 2010
As of 2010, approximately 25 million TV licences were in force in all premises in the UK.
2010: 3D television shipments totaled 2.26 million units
In 2010, 3D television shipments totaled 2.26 million units, showing an early phase of adoption before a significant surge in popularity.
2010: Digital television and Smart TVs gain popularity
In 2010, digital television transmissions greatly increased in popularity. Also since 2010, with the invention of smart television, Internet television has increased the availability of television programs and movies via the Internet through streaming video services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, iPlayer, and Hulu.
2011: 3D television shipments totaled 24.14 million units
In 2011, 3D television shipments totaled 24.14 million units, reflecting a substantial increase in the market compared to the previous year.
2011: Television Sales in North America
In 2011, approximately 48 million television sets were sold each year in North America at an average price of US$460 and a size of 38 inches.
October 2012: Consumer Electronics Association announces "Ultra HD"
On October 17, 2012, the Consumer Electronics Association announced that "Ultra High Definition", or "Ultra HD", would be used for displays meeting certain criteria, including a minimum aspect ratio of 16:9 and the ability to present natural video at a minimum resolution of 3840×2160 pixels.
2012: UK Television Ownership and Licences in 2012
As of 2012, it was estimated that approximately 26.8 million UK private domestic households owned televisions.
2012: 3D television shipments totaled 41.45 million units
In 2012, 3D television shipments totaled 41.45 million units, according to DisplaySearch, marking a peak in the technology's popularity before a subsequent decline.
2013: Decline in the number of 3D TV viewers
As of late 2013, the number of 3D TV viewers started to decline, signaling a shift in consumer interest away from 3D television technology.
2013: Global Television Ownership
In 2013, 79% of the world's households owned a television set.
2013: Netflix earned first Primetime Emmy Award nominations
In 2013, Video on demand website Netflix earned the first Primetime Emmy Award nominations for original streaming television at the 65th Primetime Emmy Awards. Three of its series, House of Cards, Arrested Development, and Hemlock Grove, earned nominations that year.
2013: Estimated 7% of US households used an antenna
In 2013, it was estimated that about 7% of US households used an antenna for television reception, reflecting the decline of terrestrial television broadcasts due to the widespread adoption of cable.
2014: OLEDs, FED, and SED did not enter widespread production
As of 2014, technologies like OLEDs, FED, and SED, which address the weaknesses of LCDs, had not yet entered widespread production, highlighting the dominance of LCD technology in the television market.
2014: Deep funding cuts for ABC in 2014
In 2014, under the Turnbull government, the ABC suffered particularly deep funding cuts.
January 2015: Dish Network unveiled Sling TV
In January 2015, traditional cable and satellite television providers began to offer services such as Sling TV, owned by Dish Network. This marked a shift towards streaming services in the television industry.
July 13, 2015: Comcast announced an HBO plus broadcast TV package
On July 13, 2015, cable company Comcast announced an HBO plus broadcast TV package at a price discounted from basic broadband plus basic cable, offering consumers a new entertainment bundle.
2015: TV tip-over injuries in the United States
As of 2015, TV tip-overs were responsible for more than 10,000 injuries per year to children in the United States, at a cost of more than US$8 million per year in emergency care.
2015: Major TV manufacturers announced the production of smart TVs
In 2015, major TV manufacturers announced the production of smart TVs only for middle-end and high-end TVs, marking a significant step in the evolution and availability of smart television technology.
2016: DirecTV launched DirecTV Stream streaming service
In 2016, DirecTV, a satellite television provider, launched their own streaming service, DirecTV Stream, joining the trend of traditional providers offering streaming options.
2017: Study on Cable Television Exposure and Cognitive Ability
A 2017 study in The Journal of Human Resources found that exposure to cable television reduced cognitive ability and high school graduation rates for boys, especially those from more educated families.
2017: YouTube launched YouTube TV
In 2017, YouTube launched YouTube TV, a streaming service allowing users to watch live television programs from popular cable or network channels and record shows to stream anywhere, anytime. Also, 28% of US adults cite streaming services as their main means for watching television.
2018: Netflix became the world's largest streaming TV network
As of 2018, Netflix is the world's largest streaming TV network and also the world's largest Internet media and entertainment company with 117 million paid subscribers, and by revenue and market cap.
2019: 46 million U.S. households owned at least one Smart TV
As of 2019, 46 million U.S. households had at least one smart TV, indicating the increasing popularity and adoption of smart TVs in American homes.
2020: COVID-19 pandemic had a strong impact in the television streaming business
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic had a strong impact in the television streaming business with the lifestyle changes such as staying at home and lockdowns. Resulting in an increase in streaming service subscriptions.
June 2021: BBC TV licence costs in 2021
As of June 2021 the licence that funds the advertising-free BBC TV channels cost £159 for a colour TV Licence and £53.50 for a black and white TV Licence (free or reduced for some groups).
2021: Ongoing indexation freeze for ABC as of 2021
As of 2021, the ABC is facing an ongoing indexation freeze.
2025: Equivalent cost of TV tip-over injuries in 2025
As of 2015, TV tip-overs were responsible for more than US$8 million per year in emergency care to children in the United States, equivalent to US$10.87 million per year in 2025.
2025: Equivalent value of 2011 TV sales in 2025
In 2011, TVs were being sold at an average price of US$460 which is equivalent to $658 in 2025.
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