Television is a telecommunication medium used to transmit moving images and sound. The term can also refer to the physical television set. It is a mass medium used for advertising, entertainment, news, and sports. Television can do more than radio, which only transmits audio signals.
August 1900: Constantin Perskyi coins "television"
Constantin Perskyi coined the word "television" in a paper presented at the International Electricity Congress in Paris on August 24, 1900. His paper reviewed existing electromechanical technologies, including the work of Nipkow and others.
August 1900: First documented usage of "television"
Constantin Perskyi, a Russian scientist, first used the term "television" in a paper presented at the International Congress of Electricity during the International World Fair in Paris in August 1900.
1904: Early names for image transmission technology
Terms like "telephote" (1880) and "televista" (1904) were proposed for image transmission technology before "television" became widely adopted.
1906: First Raster Images in a CRT
Max Dieckmann and Gustav Glage produced the first raster images in a CRT in 1906, a major advancement toward electronic displays.
1907: Boris Rosing's CRT Image Display
Boris Rosing used a CRT to display simple geometric shapes from an experimental video signal in 1907, pioneering the use of CRTs as display devices.
1907: Adamian Experiments with Color TV
Hovannes Adamian conducted experiments with color television as early as 1907.
1907: Amplification tube technology makes television practical
In 1907, advancements in amplification tube technology by Lee de Forest and Arthur Korn, among others, made the practical design of television systems possible.
1907: Anglicized "television"
The anglicized form of "television" emerged in 1907, initially denoting a theoretical system for transmitting moving images over telegraph or telephone wires.
April 1908: Adamian Patents Color Television in Britain
Following his German patent, Adamian patented his color television system in Britain in April 1908.
1908: Campbell-Swinton's Proposal for "Distant Electric Vision"
Alan Archibald Campbell-Swinton published a letter in Nature in 1908, proposing the use of a cathode-ray tube for both transmitting and receiving "distant electric vision."
1909: First Live Image Transmission Demonstration
Georges Rignoux and A. Fournier conducted the first demonstration of live image transmission in Paris in 1909, using a matrix of 64 selenium cells and a Kerr cell to transmit a low-resolution image several times per second.
1910: Adamian Patents Color TV in Russia
Adamian patented his color television system in Russia in 1910.
1911: Rosing and Zworykin's Mechanical Television System
In 1911, Boris Rosing and Vladimir Zworykin developed a system that transmitted crude images using a mechanical mirror-drum scanner and a cathode-ray tube, although limitations in sensitivity and lag prevented moving images.
1911: Campbell-Swinton's Public Speech on Electric Vision
In 1911, Campbell-Swinton expanded on his vision of "distant electric vision" in a speech in London, reported by The Times and the Journal of the Röntgen Society, advocating for the use of cathode-ray tubes.
1913: Publication on Motion Pictures by Wireless
Charles Francis Jenkins published an article titled "Motion Pictures by Wireless" in 1913, a significant contribution to early television theory.
March 1914: End of Campbell-Swinton's Early Experiments
Campbell-Swinton's early experiments with G.M. Minchin and J.C.M. Stanton on generating electrical signals for television transmission ended in March 1914 with Minchin's death.
1921: First Image Transmission via Radio Waves
Édouard Belin achieved the first image transmission using radio waves with his belinograph in 1921.
March 1922: Patent Filing for Transmitting Pictures over Wireless
In March 1922, Jenkins filed a patent for transmitting pictures over wireless, demonstrating his forward-thinking approach to television technology.
1922: First Commercial Hot-Cathode CRT
The first cathode-ray tube using a hot cathode, developed by John B. Johnson and Harry Weiner Weinhart of Western Electric, became commercially available in 1922.
December 1923: Transmission of Moving Silhouette Images
Charles Francis Jenkins transmitted moving silhouette images for witnesses in December 1923, marking a crucial step towards electronic television.
1923: Zworykin Begins CRT Experiments
Vladimir Zworykin started experimenting with cathode-ray tubes (CRT) for image creation and display in 1923.
1924: Kálmán Tihanyi's Charge Storage Technology
Kálmán Tihanyi began developing charge-storage technology in 1924, addressing the low sensitivity to light in camera tubes.
March 1925: Baird's First Public Demonstration of Televised Silhouette Images
John Logie Baird conducted the first public demonstration of televised silhouette images in motion at Selfridges in London in March 1925. Due to low contrast limitations, a ventriloquist's dummy, "Stooky Bill," was used.
June 1925: Public Demonstration of Synchronized Pictures
Jenkins publicly demonstrated the synchronized transmission of silhouette pictures in June 1925, a landmark event in television history.
1925: Dieckmann and Hell's Patent Application
Dieckmann and Hell filed a patent application in Germany for their "Photoelectric Image Dissector Tube for Television" in 1925, predating Farnsworth's US application.
1925: Theremin's Early Television Development
Leon Theremin began developing mirror drum-based television in 1925, starting with 16-line resolution, marking early advancements in Soviet television technology.
1925: Zworykin's Image Demonstration
Zworykin demonstrated an electronic camera tube in 1925, but the image quality was poor and the technology remained in the laboratory stage.
January 1926: World's First True Public Television Demonstration
Baird demonstrated the transmission of a human face in motion via radio in January 1926 to the Royal Institution, showcasing light, shade, and detail using a Nipkow disk system.
March 1926: Kálmán Tihanyi's Radioskop Patent Application
In March 1926, Kálmán Tihanyi filed a patent application in Hungary for his "Radioskop" television system, which utilized fully electronic scanning and display elements, and introduced the principle of "charge storage" within the camera tube.
May 1926: Leon Theremin's Electrically Transmitted Images
In the Soviet Union, Leon Theremin electrically transmitted and projected near-simultaneous moving images on a 5-square-foot screen in May 1926.
October 1926: Campbell-Swinton's Experiments and Publication
Campbell-Swinton published results of his experiments with G.M. Minchin and J.C.M. Stanton in October 1926, detailing attempts to generate electrical signals by projecting images onto a selenium-coated plate scanned by a cathode ray beam.
December 1926: Kenjiro Takayanagi's Television Demonstration
Kenjiro Takayanagi demonstrated a 40-line resolution television system, using a Nipkow disk and CRT display, at Hamamatsu Industrial High School in Japan in December 1926.
December 1926: Kenjiro Takayanagi's TV System Demonstration
On December 25, 1926, Kenjiro Takayanagi demonstrated the first working example of a fully electronic television receiver with a 40-line resolution, utilizing a CRT display, at Hamamatsu Industrial High School in Japan.
April 1927: Bell Telephone Laboratories Demonstration
Bell Telephone Laboratories gave a significant demonstration of mechanical television in April 1927, showcasing both small and large viewing screens with synchronized sound, transmitted via wire and radio.
September 1927: Farnsworth's Image Dissector Transmits First Image
On September 7, 1927, Philo Farnsworth's image dissector camera tube successfully transmitted its first image, a simple line, marking a pivotal moment in electronic television.
1927: Theremin's Improved Image Resolution
By 1927, Theremin improved his television system to achieve a 100-line image resolution, marking a substantial advancement in early television technology.
1927: Baird's Long-Distance Television Signal Transmission
In 1927, Baird successfully transmitted a television signal over a 438-mile telephone line between London and Glasgow.
1927: Farnsworth Patents Image Dissector
Philo Farnsworth patented his Image Dissector, a key component in electronic television technology, in 1927.
1927: "Television as a medium"
The use of the term "television" to refer to the medium itself dates back to 1927.
January 1928: Experimental Television Station W2XB Launched
WRGB, considered the world's oldest television station, traces its origins back to an experimental station, W2XB, founded in January 1928, in Schenectady, NY. Known as "WGY Television," it broadcast from the General Electric factory.
July 1928: Baird Demonstrates First Color Transmission
John Logie Baird demonstrated the world's first color transmission in July 1928 using a mechanical system with colored filters.
August 1928: First 3D Television Demonstration
John Logie Baird gave the first public demonstration of a 3D television system at his company in London in August 1928. He employed various techniques using electromechanical and cathode-ray tube methods.
September 1928: Farnsworth's Public Demonstration
Philo Farnsworth held a press demonstration of his improved electronic television system on September 3, 1928, considered the first electronic television demonstration.
1928: Zworykin Patents Color Transmission
Vladimir Zworykin received a patent for a color transmission version of his earlier camera tube in 1928.
1928: Tihanyi's Patent Refinements and Zworykin's Color Transmission Patent
In 1928, Tihanyi made further refinements to his television system, filing a subsequent patent application. Vladimir Zworykin received a patent for a color transmission version of his 1923 patent application.
1928: First Transatlantic Television Signal
In 1928, Baird Television Development Company broadcast the first transatlantic television signal, a milestone in the history of broadcasting, connecting London and New York. This also marked the first shore-to-ship transmission.
1928: Launch of WRGB
WRGB, the world's first television station (then W2XB), began broadcasting in 1928 from General Electric in Schenectady, NY, known as "WGY Television."
June 1929: Bell Labs Demonstrates Mechanical Color TV
Bell Laboratories demonstrated a mechanically scanned color television system in June 1929.
1929: Farnsworth Eliminates Mechanical Parts and Transmits First Live Human Images
Farnsworth removed all mechanical parts from his television system in 1929 and transmitted the first live human images, including a close-up of his wife.
1930: Farnsworth Begins Work on Multipactor
In 1930, Philo Farnsworth started developing the "Multipactor" to amplify signals in his television system, addressing power limitations of the Image Dissector.
1930: Tihanyi's Patent Declared Void and Work on Multipactor Begins
Tihanyi's patent was declared void in Great Britain in 1930. Philo Farnsworth began working on the "Multipactor" to address power issues in his Image Dissector.
August 1931: Manfred von Ardenne's Public Demonstration
Manfred von Ardenne publicly demonstrated a fully electronic television system using a CRT for both transmission and reception at the Berlin Radio Show in August 1931.
1931: Zworykin Divides Patent Application
Zworykin divided his original 1923 patent application, leading to further patent disputes with Farnsworth.
1931: Guillermo González Camarena Begins TV Experiments
Mexican inventor Guillermo González Camarena began his television experiments, known as "telectroescopía," in 1931.
1931: RCA's Iconoscope and Zworykin's Patent Division
RCA incorporated Tihanyi's charge storage principle into their "iconoscope" design in 1931. Zworykin divided his original 1923 patent application.
1931: Farnsworth Demonstrates Multipactor
Philo Farnsworth demonstrated the "Multipactor" in 1931, showcasing its potential for signal amplification, but it suffered from durability issues.
1931: First Outdoor Remote Broadcast
In 1931, Baird achieved another first with the outdoor remote broadcast of The Derby, showcasing the growing capabilities of television technology.
May 1932: RCA Achieves 120 Lines of Resolution
RCA surpassed Theremin's image resolution in May 1932, reaching 120 lines, a new milestone in television clarity.
1932: Ultra-Short Wave Television Demonstration
Pushing technological boundaries, Baird demonstrated ultra-short wave television in 1932, paving the way for advancements in broadcasting technology.
1932: EMI Team Patents the Emitron
The EMI engineering team, led by Isaac Shoenberg, patented the "Emitron" camera tube in 1932, a crucial technology for the BBC's early television broadcasts.
December 1933: Ardenne's First Television Picture Transmission
On December 24, 1933, Manfred von Ardenne achieved his first successful transmission of television pictures.
1933: Improved Image Quality of Mechanical Television
Despite limitations, the image quality of 30-line mechanical television broadcasts significantly improved by 1933, particularly in the UK using the Baird system.
1933: RCA Introduces the Iconoscope
RCA introduced the "Iconoscope," an improved camera tube based on Tihanyi's charge storage principle, in 1933.
August 1934: Farnsworth's Public Demonstration of All-Electronic TV
Philo Farnsworth gave the first public demonstration of an all-electronic television system with a live camera at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia on August 25, 1934.
1934: Ardenne's Public Television Service Test Runs
In 1934, Manfred von Ardenne conducted test runs for a public television service in Berlin, paving the way for regular broadcasts.
1934: EMI Patents Super-Emitron and CPS Emitron
EMI patented the super-Emitron and CPS Emitron, significantly more sensitive camera tubes than the original Emitron and iconoscope, in 1934.
1934: Zworykin and Telefunken Partner on "Image Iconoscope"
In 1934, Vladimir Zworykin collaborated with Telefunken, resulting in the creation of the "image iconoscope," known as the "Superikonoskop" in Germany. This tube shared similarities with the super-Emitron.
1935: Higher Resolution Mechanical Television Systems
Higher resolution mechanical television systems, reaching 180 lines, were introduced in 1935 by Compagnie des Compteurs in Paris and Peck Television Corp. in Montreal.
1935: World's First Electronically Scanned Television Service
The Fernsehsender Paul Nipkow, the world's first electronically scanned television service, launched in Berlin in 1935.
1935: U.S. Patent Office Favors Farnsworth
The U.S. Patent Office ruled in favor of Philo Farnsworth in 1935, recognizing his priority of invention over Vladimir Zworykin's conflicting patent claims.
1935: First 3D Television Produced
The first 3D television set was produced in 1935, marking an early step in the development of this technology.
November 1936: World's First High-Definition Television Service
On November 2, 1936, the world's first regular high-definition television service began broadcasting from Alexandra Palace in London, using the Emitron camera tube.
November 1936: BBC Begins First Regular High-Definition Television Service
The BBC launched the world's first public regular high-definition television service from Alexandra Palace in London in November 1936, marking a pivotal moment in broadcasting history.
1936: Live Broadcast of 1936 Summer Olympics
The 1936 Summer Olympic Games in Berlin were broadcast live to public venues across Germany, a landmark achievement for television broadcasting.
1936: Image Iconoscope as European Broadcasting Standard
The image iconoscope became the standard for public broadcasting in Europe starting in 1936, used for events such as the Berlin Olympic Games.
1936: Plasma Display Principle Described
Kálmán Tihanyi described the principle of the plasma display, the first flat-panel display system, in 1936.
1936: 240 Lines of Resolution
Baird's mechanical system reached its peak resolution of 240 lines on BBC telecasts in 1936, though this involved filming the scene and scanning the wet film, not directly scanning the scene.
1937: First Live Outside Broadcast by the BBC
The BBC conducted the first live outside broadcast using the super-Emitron on Armistice Day, 1937, capturing a live street scene.
1937: Successful Transmission of Images using Campbell-Swinton's Method
Two teams, one from EMI and one from RCA, successfully transmitted images using Campbell-Swinton's selenium-coated plate method in 1937, validating his early concepts.
February 1938: Baird's First Color Broadcast
John Logie Baird made the world's first color broadcast in February 1938, sending a 120-line image from his studios to a projection screen.
May 1939: Tihanyi's U.S. Patents Granted and Acquired by RCA
In May 1939, Kálmán Tihanyi was granted U.S. patents for his transmitting and receiving tubes, which incorporated the charge storage principle. RCA acquired these patents prior to their approval.
September 1939: RCA Agrees to Pay Farnsworth
In September 1939, RCA agreed to pay Farnsworth US$1 million over ten years, plus licensing fees, recognizing Farnsworth's patents after a legal battle.
September 1939: RCA and Farnsworth Agreement
In September 1939, RCA agreed to pay royalties to Farnsworth Television and Radio Corporation, allowing them access to Farnsworth's patents.
1939: Goldmark's Electro-Mechanical System
Peter Carl Goldmark introduced an electro-mechanical color television system while at CBS in 1939. It utilized an Iconoscope sensor along with a system of rotating color filters.
1939: RCA and Farnsworth at the New York World's Fair
RCA and Farnsworth showcased their television technologies at the 1939 New York World's Fair, demonstrating advancements in live outside broadcasting.
1939: End of Mechanical Telecasts
The era of mechanical television came to an end in 1939 with the final broadcasts from stations operated by various US public universities.
August 1940: Goldmark Introduces Electro-Mechanical System
Peter Carl Goldmark introduced an electro-mechanical color television system at CBS in August 1940, using a rotating filter disc.
August 1940: CBS Begins Color Field Tests
CBS initiated experimental color field tests using film in August 1940.
1940: Heimann Produces Superikonoskop
The German company Heimann started producing the Superikonoskop in 1940.
1940: Baird Begins Work on Telechrome
John Logie Baird started working on a fully electronic color television system called Telechrome in 1940. This system utilized two electron guns aimed at either side of a phosphor plate to create a limited-color image. Baird also experimented with creating 3D images using this technology.
1940: Baird Demonstrates Hybrid Color TV
John Logie Baird demonstrated a hybrid color television system in 1940, combining a black-and-white display with a rotating color disc.
1940: González Camarena Patents Trichromatic Field Sequential System
Guillermo González Camarena patented his "trichromatic field sequential system" for color television in 1940.
February 1941: NBC's First Color Field Test
NBC conducted its first color television field test in February 1941.
June 1941: CBS Begins Daily Color Field Tests
CBS commenced daily color field tests on June 1, 1941.
July 1941: FCC Allows Advertisements on Television
In July 1941, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the U.S. permitted television stations to broadcast advertisements, but mandated public service programming as a licensing requirement. This marked a key moment in the commercialization of television.
July 1941: First Paid TV Advertisement in the US
The first paid television advertisement aired on July 1, 1941, on WNBT (now WNBC) in New York, before a baseball game. It was a Bulova watch ad, costing between $4 and $9, and featured a modified test pattern resembling a clock.
1941: Standardization and 525-line Television
In 1941, the United States adopted the 525-line television standard, marking an important step towards standardization in the television industry.
1941: Early Television Advertising and Program Sponsorship
Starting in 1941 in the US, television commercials emerged as a new advertising method. In the early years, single advertisers often sponsored entire programs, giving them significant control over the content. This practice shifted in the 1950s towards the "magazine concept" with multiple advertisers and ad breaks.
1941: "Television" to mean "a television set"
The term "television" began being used to refer to a television set in 1941.
April 1942: War Production Board Halts TV Manufacturing
The War Production Board halted the manufacturing of television equipment for civilian use in April 1942, impacting the development of color television.
August 1944: First Practical Color Television Demonstration
John Logie Baird demonstrated the first practical color television system, called Telechrome, in August 1944. This system used two electron guns and a patterned phosphor plate to produce a limited-color image.
1944: Baird Comments on Electronic Color TV
Baird expressed his preference for a fully electronic color television device in 1944.
1944: 625-line Television Standard Designed in Soviet Union
The Soviet Union designed the world's first 625-line television standard in 1944.
August 1945: Wartime Halt on TV Manufacturing Lifted
The War Production Board's restriction on television manufacturing was lifted in August 1945.
October 1945: Arthur C. Clarke's Proposal for Satellite Communications
In October 1945, Arthur C. Clarke, a British science fiction writer, proposed a revolutionary idea for a worldwide communications system using three satellites spaced in Earth's orbit. This concept was published in the Wireless World magazine and laid the groundwork for future satellite communications.
1946: Baird's Death Halts Telechrome Development
John Logie Baird's death in 1946 ended further development of the Telechrome color television system, which used multiple electron guns and phosphors to produce color images.
1946: 625-line Standard Implemented in Soviet Union
The 625-line television standard became the national standard in the Soviet Union in 1946.
1948: Origins of Cable Television
Cable television originated in 1948 in areas with limited over-the-air reception. Large "community antennas" were erected, and cables were run to individual homes, forming the basis of early cable systems.
1948: First 625-line Broadcast
Moscow saw the first broadcast using the 625-line standard in 1948.
1948: "TV" Abbreviation First Use
The abbreviation "TV" came into use in 1948.
1952: Philips Produces Image Iconoscope and Multicon
Philips began producing and commercializing the image iconoscope and multicon in 1952.
1952: Ibuka Predicts Transistorized Televisions
Masaru Ibuka predicted the emergence of smaller, portable televisions due to the development of transistors in 1952.
August 1953: First TV Ad in Asia
On August 28, 1953, the first TV advertisement in Asia was broadcast on Nippon Television in Tokyo. It was for Seikosha (now Seiko) and featured a clock displaying the time.
1953: Introduction of Color Television Broadcasting
In 1953, color television broadcasting was introduced, significantly enhancing the viewing experience and increasing the popularity of television sets among consumers. This advancement marked a major milestone in the evolution of television technology.
July 1954: First Color Broadcast
The first color television broadcast, featuring an episode of "The Marriage," aired in July 1954. However, most broadcasting remained in black and white for the next decade.
September 1955: First TV Ad in the UK
The first TV ad broadcast in the U.K. aired on September 22, 1955 on ITV. The advertisement promoted Gibbs SR toothpaste.
1955: End of Heimann Superikonoskop Production
Heimann ceased production and commercialization of the Superikonoskop in 1955.
1957: RCA Develops Compatible Color System
In 1957, RCA developed an all-electronic color television system that was backwards compatible with existing black-and-white televisions. This system encoded color information separately from brightness information and reduced the resolution of color information to conserve bandwidth. The technology is referenced in the song "America" from West Side Story, also released in 1957.
1958: End of Philips Production
Philips ended the production of the image iconoscope and multicon in 1958.
1959: Sony Develops First Transistorized TV
Sony developed the first fully transistorized, portable television set, the TV8-301, in 1959.
1960: Vidicon and Plumbicon Replace Image Iconoscope
By 1960, the image iconoscope was replaced by the vidicon and plumbicon tubes, marking a shift in television technology.
1960: Sony Releases First Transistorized TV
Sony released the TV8-301 and it began changing TV viewership habits in 1960. By that year, Sony had sold over 4 million portable TVs.
July 1962: Telstar Satellite Broadcasts First Transatlantic TV Signals
On July 23, 1962, the Telstar satellite successfully relayed the first television signals across the Atlantic Ocean from Europe to North America. This event marked a significant milestone in satellite communication, with over 100 million viewers witnessing the broadcast.
July 1963: Launch of Syncom 2, First Geosynchronous Communication Satellite
In July 1963, the Syncom 2 satellite was launched, becoming the first geosynchronous communication satellite in history. This launch advanced the capabilities of satellite communications, paving the way for future developments in this technology.
1963: Arthur C. Clarke Receives Stuart Ballantine Medal
In 1963, Arthur C. Clarke was awarded the Franklin Institute's Stuart Ballantine Medal for his visionary proposal in 1945 of a global satellite communications system. This recognition highlighted the significance of his ideas in the development of satellite technology.
April 1965: Launch of Intelsat I, the First Commercial Communications Satellite
On April 6, 1965, the world witnessed the launch of Intelsat I, also known as "Early Bird," the first commercial communications satellite placed in geosynchronous orbit. This breakthrough enabled long-distance telephone and television broadcasts, revolutionizing global communication.
1965: Color Transition Announced
In 1965, networks announced a significant transition to color broadcasting, with over half of prime-time programming planned for color in the fall. This announcement spurred increased sales of color television sets.
1966: GE Porta-Color Introduced
GE introduced the Porta-Color, a more compact and lightweight color television set, in the spring of 1966. This set made color television viewing more flexible.
October 1967: Soviet Union Creates Orbita, First National Network of TV Satellites
In October 1967, the Soviet Union established Orbita, the first national network of television satellites. This network used highly elliptical Molniya satellites to rebroadcast and deliver television signals, marking a significant advancement in broadcasting technology.
1967: Color Broadcasting Begins in Europe
Color broadcasting using the PAL format began in Europe in 1967, after standardization in the 1960s.
1967: First Fully Transistorized Color TV
Quasar introduced the first fully transistorized color television in the United States in 1967, making color sets even more portable and efficient.
November 1972: Launch of Anik 1, First North American Satellite to Carry TV Transmissions
On November 9, 1972, Canada launched Anik 1, the first North American satellite designed to carry television transmissions. Positioned in geostationary orbit, Anik 1 played a crucial role in expanding television broadcasting capabilities across the continent.
1972: First All-Color Network Season
In 1972, daytime network programs finally switched to color broadcasting, resulting in the first entirely all-color network season.
1972: Color TV Sales Surpass Black and White
Sales of color television sets finally surpassed sales of black-and-white sets in 1972, marking a significant turning point in the television industry.
May 1974: Launch of ATS-6, World's First Experimental Educational and DBS Satellite
On May 30, 1974, the ATS-6 satellite was launched as the world's first experimental educational and Direct Broadcast Satellite. It transmitted at 860 MHz and focused on the Indian subcontinent, showcasing the potential for educational broadcasting via satellite.
October 1976: Launch of Ekran 1, First Soviet Geostationary Direct-To-Home TV Satellite
In October 1976, the Soviet Union launched Ekran 1, the first geostationary satellite designed for Direct-To-Home television transmission. It utilized UHF downlink frequency for compatibility with existing television technology, marking a significant advancement in broadcasting capabilities.
1979: Last Black and White Stations Convert to Color
By 1979, even the last remaining high-numbered UHF and low-power repeater stations in small markets converted to color broadcasting, completing the transition to color.
1983: Progressive Scanning vs. Interlaced Scanning
In 1983, the debate between progressive scanning and interlaced scanning for television displays began to heat up. The computer industry advocated for progressive scanning, citing its lack of flicker and easier compatibility with computers and the internet. The film industry also favored progressive scanning for its efficient conversion of film to digital formats. However, the consumer electronics industry and broadcasters defended interlaced scanning due to its ability to transmit higher quality pictures (1,080 lines/1,920 pixels) and the vast archive of existing interlaced programming. Some argued that resistance to progressive scanning stemmed from companies protecting their investments in interlaced technology.
1983: Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act of 1983 prohibited external advertising on the ABC's television services and ensured its editorial independence.
1987: Development of Digital Light Processing (DLP) Technology
In 1987, Dr. Larry Hornbeck of Texas Instruments developed Digital Light Processing (DLP) technology, which uses a digital micromirror device for video projection. This innovation paved the way for advancements in display technology, including digital cinema and interactive displays.
March 1990: FCC Decisions on ATV Standard
In March 1990, the FCC made important decisions regarding the new Advanced Television (ATV) standard, mandating that it must be a true HDTV signal with double the resolution of existing images, capable of simulcasting, and based on new design principles while remaining incompatible with the current NTSC standard.
June 1990: General Instrument's Digital TV Demonstration
In June 1990, General Instrument demonstrated the feasibility of a digital television signal. This demonstration significantly impacted the development of television standards, prompting the FCC to delay its decision on an ATV standard.
1990: William F. Schreiber Retires
William F. Schreiber, director of the Advanced Television Research Program at MIT, retired in 1990. During his tenure, he observed the ongoing debate surrounding interlaced vs. progressive scanning and believed that the consumer electronics industry's continued support for interlaced scanning was driven by a desire to recoup investments in the technology.
1994: "Intelligent" Television System Patent Filed
A patent for an "intelligent" television system, connected to data processing systems via digital or analog networks, was filed in 1994. This system was designed to automatically download necessary software based on user demand.
1996: Start of ABC Funding Cuts
Starting in 1996 under the Howard government, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) began to experience progressive funding cuts, impacting its various outputs.
1997: Introduction of First DLP-Based Projector
In 1997, the first DLP-based projector was introduced by Digital Projection Ltd, utilizing technology developed by Texas Instruments. This marked the beginning of a new era in projection technology, influencing various applications from home theaters to professional settings.
1998: Emmy Awards for DLP Technology
In 1998, both Digital Projection and Texas Instruments received Emmy Awards for the invention of DLP projector technology. This accolade recognized the significant impact of DLP in revolutionizing video projection and display technologies.
2007: LCD TVs Surpass CRT TVs in Sales
In 2007, LCD television sets surpassed CRT-based televisions in global sales for the first time, marking a turning point in consumer preferences towards newer display technologies. This shift was accelerated by LCD's advantages in size, weight, and picture quality.
2008: Global TV Market Revenue Decline Starting Point
In 2008, the global TV market revenue began to decline, serving as a comparison point for the subsequent year's figures.
2009: BBC Viewership and Market Share
In 2009, despite the availability of numerous multi-channel options, the two main BBC channels were watched by nearly 90% of the UK population weekly, holding a 27% share of total viewing. This was despite 85% of homes having multi-channel access.
2009: Global TV Market Analysis
In 2009, the global TV market consisted of 1,217.2 million households with at least one TV, generating 268.9 billion EUR in revenue. This was a 1.2% decline compared to 2008. North America led with a 39% market share, followed by Europe (31%), Asia-Pacific (21%), Latin America (8%), and Africa and the Middle East (2%). Revenue sources were split between advertising (45-50%), subscriptions (40-45%), and public funding (10%).
2010: 3D TV Shipments Increase
3D television shipments saw a significant jump to 2.26 million units in 2010.
2010: UK TV Licenses in Force
Approximately 25 million TV licenses were in force across all premises in the UK in 2010.
2010: Resurgence in Terrestrial Television Use Begins
Around 2010, a slight increase in terrestrial television use began in the US, driven by the transition to digital broadcasts offering improved image quality and an alternative to cable for cord-cutters.
2010: Rise of Digital Television and Streaming Services
In the early 2010s, digital television transmissions gained significant popularity, alongside a shift from SDTV to HDTV, offering higher resolutions. The emergence of smart TVs around 2010 facilitated the rise of internet television, with platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, iPlayer, and Hulu providing access to diverse TV programs and movies via internet streaming.
2011: Statistics on Television Purchases in North America
In 2011, it was reported that North American consumers purchased new television sets on average every seven years, with an average household owning 2.8 TVs. Annually, 48 million units were sold at an average price of $460 and a size of 38 inches, reflecting consumer trends in the television market.
2011: 3D TV Shipments Continue to Rise
3D television shipments continued their upward trend, reaching 24.14 million units in 2011.
October 2012: CEA Defines Ultra High Definition Standards
In October 2012, the Consumer Electronics Association announced that "Ultra High Definition" or "Ultra HD" would define displays with an aspect ratio of at least 16:9 and a resolution of at least 3840×2160 pixels. This announcement set new standards for the emerging 4K and 8K TV markets.
2012: Estimated UK Households with Televisions
In 2012, it was estimated that around 26.8 million private households in the UK owned televisions.
2012: 3D TV Shipments Peak
3D television shipments peaked at 41.45 million units in 2012.
2013: Global Television Ownership and Technological Advancements
By 2013, 79% of global households owned a TV. The transition from CRT screens to energy-efficient flat-panel displays like LCDs, OLEDs, and plasma displays marked a major shift in the 2000s and 2010s. Flat-screen TVs surpassed CRTs in the early 2010s, and other display technologies were phased out by the mid-2010s. Smart TVs with integrated internet features started becoming the norm in the mid to late 2010s.
2013: Decline in 3D TV Viewership
By late 2013, the number of 3D TV viewers began to decline, signaling a shift in consumer interest.
2013: Netflix Earns First Primetime Emmy Nominations for Streaming Content
In 2013, Netflix made history by receiving its first Primetime Emmy Award nominations for original streaming television series at the 65th Primetime Emmy Awards. Series like House of Cards, Arrested Development, and Hemlock Grove were recognized, highlighting the platform's growing influence in the television industry.
2013: Decline of Terrestrial Television Broadcasts
In 2013, it was estimated that only about 7% of US households used an antenna for television reception, indicating a substantial decline in terrestrial broadcasts due to the rise of cable.
2014: LCDs Dominate Television Market
By 2014, LCDs, especially those using LED technology, had become the most widely produced and sold television display type, overtaking other technologies like plasma and rear-projection TVs. This dominance highlighted the widespread adoption and preference for LCD screens.
2014: Significant ABC Funding Cuts
In 2014, under the Turnbull government, the ABC faced particularly significant funding cuts.
January 2015: Launch of Sling TV by Dish Network
In January 2015, Dish Network introduced Sling TV, a streaming service providing an alternative to traditional cable television. This launch marked a shift in how consumers accessed television content, catering to the growing demand for online streaming options.
July 13, 2015: Comcast Announces HBO Plus TV Package
On July 13, 2015, Comcast announced a new offering that combined HBO with a broadcast TV package at a discounted price compared to basic broadband and cable. This move aimed to attract cord-cutters and enhance the value proposition of traditional cable services.
2015: Smart TVs Enter Production
Major television manufacturers announced the production of smart TVs for middle and high-end markets in 2015.
2015: TV Tip-Over Injuries in Children
In 2015, over 10,000 children in the United States were injured annually due to televisions tipping over, resulting in over US$8 million per year in emergency care costs. The design of newer flat-screen TVs, with their top-heavy and narrow bases, contributed to this risk.
2016: Launch of DirecTV Stream
In 2016, satellite provider DirecTV launched DirecTV Stream, a streaming service aimed at competing with other digital television services. This launch represented a strategic response to the increasing trend of online streaming.
2017: Study on Cable Television's Impact on Cognitive Ability
A 2017 study published in The Journal of Human Resources found a correlation between exposure to cable television and decreased cognitive ability and high school graduation rates for boys, especially those from more educated backgrounds. The study suggests that less demanding television content might displace more intellectually stimulating activities.
2017: Launch of YouTube TV Streaming Service
In 2017, YouTube introduced YouTube TV, a streaming service allowing users to watch live TV from popular channels and record shows for later viewing. The launch responded to the increasing demand for flexible television viewing options.
2018: Netflix Becomes World's Largest Streaming TV Network
By 2018, Netflix had grown to become the world's largest streaming TV network and Internet media company, boasting 117 million paid subscribers globally. This growth underscored the platform's dominance in the streaming industry.
2019: Smart TV Adoption Grows
By 2019, smart TVs became more affordable and gained popularity, with 46 million U.S. households owning at least one.
2020: Impact of COVID-19 on Television Streaming Industry
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the television streaming industry, as lockdowns and lifestyle changes led to increased consumption of streaming services. This shift highlighted the importance of digital content delivery amid global disruptions.
June 2021: BBC TV License Fee
As of June 2021, the annual television license fee for the ad-free BBC channels in the UK was £159 for color and £53.50 for black and white televisions. Discounts or exemptions were available for certain groups.
2021: Ongoing Indexation Freeze for ABC Funding
As of 2021, the ABC's funding was subject to an ongoing indexation freeze.
2023: Cost of TV Tip-Over Injuries Adjusted for Inflation
The cost of TV tip-over injuries to children in the United States reached the equivalent of US$10.28 million annually in 2023 when adjusted for inflation.