ADVERTISEMENT

Last Updated:
2024-11-07 10:49:09

Television

Electronic medium for entertainment and news
Television
Television
Electronic medium for entertainment and news

Television is an electronic medium that broadcasts audio-visual content, delivering entertainment, news, and educational programming to viewers worldwide. It uses transmitted signals to display moving images and sound, connecting audiences to real-time events, fictional stories, and global information, making it one of the most influential mass media platforms.

Community for Timeline Editors
Place where unique editors like you interact
114/153
1831
Joseph Henry's and Michael Faraday's work with electromagnetism

Joseph Henry and Michael Faraday's research on electromagnetism in 1831 paved the way for the era of electronic communication to start.

1856
Development of practical facsimile system

Italian priest Giovanni Caselli developed the first practical facsimile system, working on telegraph lines, from 1856 onward. This system allowed for the transmission of still images through telegraph lines.

1873
Discovery of photoconductivity of selenium

Willoughby Smith, an English electrical engineer, discovered the photoconductivity of the element selenium in 1873. This discovery led to the development of various technologies including telephotography and electronic image scanning devices.

1878-01
First Sketch of a TV

In 1878, the first sketch of a television was created, marking the initial conceptualization of this revolutionary technology.

1880
George Carey builds rudimentary system with selenium cells

In 1880, George Carey constructed a basic system using numerous small light-sensitive selenium cells.

1881
Sheldon Bidwell experiments with telephotography

In 1881, Sheldon Bidwell conducted experiments with telephotography, which is another form of the photophone.

1884
Paul Nipkow develops system for sending images through wires

In 1884, Paul Nipkow created a system that allowed images to be transmitted through wires using spinning discs. This invention, known as an electric telescope, laid the foundation for the development of television.

1897
Invention of the Cathode-Ray Tube

In 1897, German physicist Karl Ferdinand Braun invented the first cathode-ray tube, which became the foundation for all modern television cameras and receivers.

1900-08-24
Coining of the Word Television

Constantin Perskyi coined the word television in a paper presented at the International Electricity Congress at the World's Fair in Paris on August 24, 1900. He referenced the work of Nipkow and others in his paper.

1904
German Patent for Color Television System

In 1904, a German patent for a color television system was mentioned, marking the first instance of color television being documented.

1907
Boris Rosing transmits black-and-white silhouettes

In 1907, Boris Rosing transmitted black-and-white silhouettes of simple shapes using a mechanical mirror-drum apparatus as a camera and a cathode-ray tube as a receiver.

1907
Campbell Swinton and Boris Rosing suggest using cathode ray tubes for image transmission

In 1907, Campbell Swinton and Boris Rosing independently proposed the use of cathode ray tubes for transmitting images. They both worked on developing electronic scanning methods to reproduce images.

1907
Boris Rosing combines Nipkow's disk and cathode ray tube for first working mechanical TV system

In 1907, Boris Rosing successfully combined Nipkow's disk and a cathode ray tube to create the first operational mechanical television system.

1908
Alan Archibald Campbell-Swinton's Proposal for 'Distant Electric Vision'

In 1908, Alan Archibald Campbell-Swinton, a fellow of the UK Royal Society, proposed the concept of 'distant electric vision' using a cathode ray tube (Braun tube) as both a transmitting and receiving device.

1909
Instantaneous Image Transmission by Georges Rignoux and A. Fournier

Georges Rignoux and A. Fournier demonstrated instantaneous transmission of images in Paris in 1909 using a matrix of selenium cells and a mechanical commutator.

1911
Creation of System by Boris Rosing and Vladimir Zworykin

In 1911, Boris Rosing and Vladimir Zworykin developed a system using a mechanical mirror-drum scanner to transmit crude images to a cathode-ray tube receiver.

1914-05
Archibald Low's Television System Demonstration

Archibald Low demonstrated his television system called 'Televista' in May 1914. His invention utilized a matrix detector and a mosaic screen with an electro-mechanical scanning mechanism.

1919
Formation of the Radio Corporation of America (RCA)

In 1919, the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) was established, marking a significant development in the history of broadcasting and communication.

1924
First Moving Silhouette Image Transmission

In 1924, John Logie Baird achieved the first transmission of a moving silhouette image using a mechanical system based on Paul Nipkow's model.

1925-03-25
First True Mechanical TV

On March 25, 1925, the first true mechanical television was developed, laying the foundation for the future of television technology.

1925-06-13
Jenkins demonstrates synchronized transmission of silhouette pictures

Charles Francis Jenkins publicly demonstrated the synchronized transmission of silhouette pictures using a Nipkow disk and a lensed disk scanner with a 48-line resolution.

1926-05-07
Léon Theremin's Mirror Drum-based Television

Léon Theremin developed a mirror drum-based television system, starting with 16-line resolution in 1925 and eventually achieving 100 lines by 1927. He electrically transmitted and projected near-simultaneous moving images on a five-foot square screen.

1926-12-25
Kenjiro Takayanagi Demonstrates TV System in Japan

On December 25, 1926, Kenjiro Takayanagi demonstrated a TV system with a CRT display at Hamamatsu Industrial High School in Japan, marking an early advancement in television technology.

1927-04-07
Herbert E. Ives and Frank Gray demonstrate mechanical television

Herbert E. Ives and Frank Gray of Bell Telephone Laboratories gave a dramatic demonstration of mechanical television with small and large viewing screens, capable of reproducing reasonably accurate, monochromatic moving images.

1927-04-09
First Long Distance TV Transmission

Bell Telephone and the U.S. Department of Commerce conduct the first long distance use of TV between Washington D.C. and New York City. Secretary of Commerce Herbert Hoover expressed the significance of this event as the transmission of sight for the first time in history.

1927-09-01
First Electronic TV

The first electronic television was unveiled on September 1, 1927, revolutionizing the way images and sounds were transmitted and received.

1927-09-07
First Successful Demonstration of Electronic Television

Philo Taylor Farnsworth successfully demonstrated electronic television in San Francisco on September 7, 1927. He had been working on the system since 1920, and it uses electronic signals to produce images on a video screen.

1927-09-18
CBS

On September 18, 1927, CBS, one of the major American television and radio networks, was established, playing a significant role in broadcasting history.

1928-01-13
World's Oldest Television Station - WRGB

WRGB claims to be the world's oldest television station, founded on January 13, 1928, broadcasting from the General Electric factory in Schenectady, NY. This station played a significant role in the early development of television.

1928-07-02
First Regularly Scheduled TV Service in the US

The first regularly scheduled television service in the United States began on July 2, 1928, authorized by the Federal Radio Commission. This event marked the early days of television broadcasting in the US.

1928-08-10
First Demonstration of Stereoscopic 3D Television

John Logie Baird demonstrated stereoscopic 3D television for the first time on August 10, 1928, using electro-mechanical and cathode-ray tube techniques.

1928-09-11
The Queen's Messenger live drama broadcast

On September 11, 1928, The Queen's Messenger, a one-act play, was broadcasted live on television for the first time in the world.

1931-04-26
WGBS radio and W2XCR television debut

On April 26, 1931, General Broadcasting System's WGBS radio and W2XCR television made their regular broadcasting debut in New York City, showcasing Broadway stars and offering a diverse programming schedule.

1931-07-21
CBS's W2XAB first regular television schedule

CBS's New York City station W2XAB started broadcasting their first regular seven-day-a-week television schedule on July 21, 1931, featuring prominent figures like Mayor Jimmy Walker and musical talents.

1932-08-22
BBC Launches Regular Service

On August 22, 1932, BBC launched its own regular service using Baird's 30-line electromechanical system. This marked a significant milestone in the history of television broadcasting.

1933
Western Television Limited's Mechanical Television System Demonstration

In 1933, Western Television Limited showcases its mechanical television system through tours and demonstrations at Eaton's stores in Toronto, Montreal, and Winnipeg. This event provided the public with a glimpse of early television technology.

1934-08-25
Philo Farnsworth's Public Demonstration of All-Electronic Television System

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 on August 25, 1934.

1935-02-13
Official Inauguration of Television in France

The official inauguration of television in France took place on February 13, 1935. The program was broadcast in 60 lines and featured actress Béatrice Bretty in Paris.

1936-06-15
Don Lee Broadcasting's high definition television demonstration

On June 15, 1936, Don Lee Broadcasting initiated a one-month-long demonstration of high definition television in Los Angeles, showcasing a 300-line image from motion picture film.

1936-07-07
RCA's 343-line electronic television broadcast

RCA and NBC demonstrated a 343-line electronic television broadcast in New York City on July 7, 1936, incorporating live and film segments, marking a milestone in television technology.

1936-11-02
World's First Public High-Definition TV Service

On November 2, 1936, the BBC began transmitting the world's first public regular high-definition service from Alexandra Palace in London. This event is considered the birthplace of TV broadcasting as we know it today.

1937-03-09
Experimental transmissions of electronic television in Moscow

On March 9, 1937, experimental transmissions of electronic television took place in Moscow using equipment manufactured by RCA.

1938
DuMont manufactures the first all-electronic television set for sale to the North American public

In 1938, Allen B. DuMont established the DuMont television network as a competitor to RCA and produced the first all-electronic television set available for purchase by the North American public, a pioneering advancement in television technology.

1939-04-30
First Publicly Accessible Television Broadcast at 1939 World's Fair

David Sarnoff, president of RCA, unveiled the first commercial publicly accessible television broadcast during the opening ceremonies of the 1939 World's Fair in Flushing NY. FDR became the first president to be televised on this day.

1939-05-13
Start of Television Broadcasting in Japan

Television broadcasting in Japan began on May 13, 1939, making it one of the earliest countries to have an experimental television service. The broadcasts initially used a 441-line system.

1939-07-22
First Television Transmitter Operation in Rome, Italy

On July 22, 1939, the first television transmitter in Rome, Italy, began operations at the EIAR station. It utilized a 441-line system developed in Germany for its broadcasts.

1939-09-01
BBC TV Service Suspended Due to WWII

The outbreak of the Second World War on September 1, 1939, led to the abrupt suspension of the BBC TV service to prevent enemy aircraft from using transmissions as beacons. The service resumed after the war in 1946.

1940-08-29
CBS Field-Sequential Color System Demonstration

On August 29, 1940, Hungarian engineer Peter Carl Goldmark introduced an electro-mechanical color system at CBS, which contained an Iconoscope sensor. The system involved spinning discs with red, blue, and green filters to create color images.

1940-09-03
German Occupation of French Television

French television was seized by the German occupation forces after the transmitter of the Eiffel Tower was sabotaged. Technical and financing agreements were signed to resume the service.

1941
First Commercial Television Station in the US

The first commercial television station began broadcasting in the United States in 1941, marking the beginning of television becoming a staple in most American households by the 1950s.

1941-02-20
NBC First Field Test of Color Television

On February 20, 1941, NBC (owned by RCA) conducted its first field test of color television. This test marked an important milestone in the development of color broadcasting.

1941-05-02
FCC adopts NTSC television engineering standards

The FCC adopted NTSC television engineering standards on May 2, 1941, setting the resolution, frame rate, scanning method, and sound transmission for television broadcasts.

1941-12-07
Pearl Harbor Attack Televised

The attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese on December 7th, 1941, became the first major news story to be broken by television, highlighting the medium's role in broadcasting significant events.

1943-05-07
First Broadcast of Fernsehsender Paris

The first broadcast of Fernsehsender Paris (Paris Télévision) was transmitted from rue Cognac-Jay, marking the beginning of regular broadcasts lasting until August 16, 1944.

1944-08-16
Practical Color Television System Demonstration by John Logie Baird

On August 16, 1944, John Logie Baird demonstrated a practical color television system called Telechrome. This system used cyan and magenta phosphors to produce a limited-color image.

1944-10-01
Resumption of Television Service in Paris

Television service resumed in Paris after the liberation of the city, with broadcasts transmitted from the Cognacq-Jay studios.

1945-10
Arthur C. Clarke's Proposal for Satellite Communication System

In October 1945, Arthur C. Clarke proposed a global communications system based on satellites, which later influenced the development of satellite television.

1946-06-07
Television Broadcasting Resumes in England

Television broadcasting resumed in England on June 7th, 1946, after a halt during World War II. This marked a significant moment in the post-war era of television.

1947-06-03
First official electronic television broadcast in Canada

On June 3, 1947, Canadian General Electric engineers in Windsor received the first official electronic television broadcast in Canada from the new U.S. station WWDT in Detroit. This marked a significant milestone in television broadcasting.

1947-09-30
First Telecast of a World Series Game

The first telecast of a World Series Game took place on September 30th, 1947, featuring The New York Yankees vs. the Brooklyn Dodgers. This event marked a milestone in sports broadcasting.

1947-12-29
Debut of Howdy Doody

Howdy Doody, the first children-targeted show, began its run on December 29th, 1947, on NBC. This marked a significant development in children's television programming.

1948-11-04
Start of 625-line television broadcasts in Moscow

The transmissions in 625-line format started in Moscow on November 4, 1948.

1948-11-20
François Mitterrand's Broadcast Standard Decree

François Mitterrand decreed a broadcast standard of 819 lines in France, leading to broadcasting in this definition by the end of 1949.

1950-08-27
First Live Broadcast from European Continent

The first live broadcast from the European continent was made on August 27, 1950. This event contributed to the expansion of television broadcasting across borders.

1951-09-04
First coast-to-coast telecast

On September 4th, 1951, the first coast-to-coast telecast was aired as President Truman spoke to 13 million television sets.

1951-11-18
First Live Coast-to-Coast Commercial Television Broadcast in the U.S.

The first live coast-to-coast commercial television broadcast in the U.S. took place on November 18, 1951, during the premiere of CBS's See It Now. The broadcast showed a split-screen view of the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City and the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

1952-09-06
CBC Television Broadcasting Begins in Canada

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) started television broadcasting in Canada on September 6, 1952, from its Montreal station CBFT. The first broadcast was bilingual, in English and French.

1952-09-08
CBLT Toronto Station Goes on Air

Two days after the first broadcast, on September 8, 1952, the Toronto station CBLT started broadcasting. It became the English-speaking flagship station for Canada.

1952-12-21
Start of Television Transmissions in East Germany

Television transmissions began in East Germany using the 625-line standard developed in the Soviet Union in 1944.

1953
Introduction of NTSC compatible color television in the US

In 1953, NTSC compatible color television was introduced in the US, marking a significant advancement in television technology.

1953-05-01
Regular Television Broadcasts Begin in Czechoslovakia

Regular television broadcasts in the Prague area of former Czechoslovakia started on May 1, 1953. This marked the expansion of television service in the country.

1953-12-17
Successful Airing of Color Television System by RCA

On December 17, 1953, a successful color television system based on RCA's technology started airing in commercials. This marked a milestone in the history of color television broadcasting.

1954-01-01
First National Color Broadcast in the U.S.

The first national color broadcast in the United States took place on January 1, 1954, during the Tournament of Roses Parade. Despite this milestone, the adoption of color television was slow due to high prices and limited color programming.

1954-01-03
First Official Television Broadcast in Italy

The first official television broadcast in Italy commenced on January 3, 1954, by the RAI. This marked a significant milestone in the history of television in Italy.

1954-06-25
First live color coast-to-coast telecast

The first live color coast-to-coast telecast took place, marking a significant milestone in television broadcasting.

1955-06-25
First international North American broadcast

On June 25, 1955, Telesistema Mexicano's broadcast over XEW-TV marked the first international North American broadcast in television history.

1956
Ampex demonstrates videotape recording

In 1956, Ampex Corporation showcased the technology of videotape recording, which was initially utilized by television stations for recording and playback purposes.

1956
Invention of Zenith Space Commander remote control

Robert Adler invents the first practical remote control called the Zenith Space Commander, which was a significant advancement in television technology.

1958-10-23
Continuous Live Broadcast of Springhill Mining Disaster

Reportedly, the first continuous live broadcast of a 'breaking' news story in the world was conducted by the CBC during the Springhill mining disaster, which began on October 23, 1958. This event showcased the power of television in delivering real-time news updates to the public.

1959
Debut of Bonanza starring Lorne Greene

In 1959, the TV show Bonanza debuted, starring Canadian actor Lorne Greene.

1960
First SECAM Colour Transmission between Paris and London

In 1960, the first SECAM colour transmission took place between Paris and London, marking a significant milestone in television technology.

1961
Launch of Canadian Television Network (CTV)

In 1961, the Canadian Television Network (CTV), a privately owned network, begins operations. It marked a significant development in the television industry in Canada.

1962-07-10
First TV Satellite

AT&T launched the first TV satellite named Tel-star, allowing people to watch the same channel even if they are 1 million kilometers apart. This event marked the beginning of the Modern Television Era.

1962-07-23
First Live Satellite Signal to Britain

On July 23, 1962, the first live satellite signal was broadcast to Britain via the Telstar satellite from the United States. This event marked a milestone in global television communication.

1963-07-26
Launch of Syncom 2 Geosynchronous Communication Satellite

On July 26, 1963, Syncom 2 became the first geosynchronous communication satellite, paving the way for global television transmission.

1963-11-25
John F. Kennedy's Funeral Televised

The funeral of President John F. Kennedy is televised the day after Lee Harvey Oswald's murder. It was a somber and widely watched event, with a significant portion of American television sets tuned in to witness the ceremony.

1964
Dabney Coleman in Kraft Suspense Theatre

In 1964, Dabney Coleman appeared in an episode of Kraft Suspense Theatre titled 'The Threatening Eye' as private investigator William Gunther. This showcased his versatility as an actor.

1964-02
The Beatles debut on Ed Sullivan Show

The Beatles make their first appearance on the popular Ed Sullivan Show in 1964, marking the beginning of Beatlemania in the United States. The performance was a cultural milestone and a turning point in the history of music.

1965-04-06
Launch of Intelsat I (Early Bird) Satellite

On April 6, 1965, Intelsat I, also known as 'Early Bird', became the first commercial communications satellite in geosynchronous orbit, revolutionizing global communication.

1966
First Colour Television Signals in Canada

During 1966, Canadian stations transmitted color television signals for the first time, marking a significant milestone in the history of television broadcasting.

1967-11-08
Color TV

In 1967, color TV became more popular and accessible to the general public.

1968
Development of Sony Trinitron Tube

Sony's development of the Trinitron tube in 1968 revolutionized the picture quality of color television sets, setting a new standard in the industry.

1969-07-20
First Television Transmission from the Moon

On July 20, 1969, the first television transmission from the moon was viewed by 600 million viewers globally. This historic event marked a significant milestone in space exploration and technological advancement.

1969-11-10
Sesame Street Begins Broadcasting

The children's television program Sesame Street started its broadcast, becoming a beloved and iconic show for educating and entertaining young audiences.

1972-11-09
Launch of Anik 1 Satellite for Television Transmissions

Canada's Anik 1, launched on November 9, 1972, was the first commercial North American satellite dedicated to television transmissions, enhancing broadcasting capabilities.

1974-05-30
Launch of ATS-6 Experimental Educational Satellite

ATS-6, launched on May 30, 1974, was the world's first experimental educational and Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS), demonstrating advanced transmission technologies.

1976
Introduction of Betamax by Sony

Sony introduced Betamax in 1976, which was the first home video cassette recorder, revolutionizing how people could record and watch television programs.

1977-05-10
First television broadcast in South Africa

On May 10, 1977, South Africans witnessed television for the first time as test transmissions began from the state-backed South Africa Broadcast Co. The decision came after years of banning television due to moral concerns, with broadcasts in English and Afrikaans.

1978
Rapid Increase in Television Ownership in American Households

By 1978, ninety-eight percent of American households owned television sets, a significant increase from only nine percent in 1950. Additionally, seventy-eight percent of households had color televisions, a substantial rise from 3.1 percent in 1964.

1979-10-18
FCC allows home satellite earth stations without license

On October 18, 1979, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) started permitting people to have home satellite earth stations without needing a federal government license.

1980
Launch of India's National Television Network

In 1980, India inaugurated its national television network, marking a significant milestone in the country's broadcasting history. This event played a crucial role in shaping the media landscape and cultural dissemination in India.

1981-04
Sony's Demonstration of High-Definition Television System

Sony demonstrated a wideband analog high-definition television system in April 1981, showcasing advanced video camera, monitor, and video tape recorder technology. This marked a significant advancement in television technology.

1982-04-26
Launch of first satellite channel in the UK

On April 26, 1982, the first satellite channel in the UK, Satellite Television Ltd. (later Sky1), was launched, transmitting signals from the ESA's Orbital Test Satellites.

1983
Launch of Direct Broadcast Satellite Service in Indianapolis

Direct Broadcast Satellite service commenced in Indianapolis in 1983, providing residents with a new way to access television channels.

1984
Stereo TV Broadcasts Begin

Stereo TV broadcasts started in 1984, enhancing the audio experience for viewers.

1986-12-02
Formation of Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association (SBCA)

The Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association (SBCA) was established on December 2, 1986, through a merger between SPACE and the Direct Broadcast Satellite Association (DBSA).

1989-05-26
Start of broadcast by Turkey's first private television channel Star

Turkey's first private television channel, Star, started its broadcast on May 26, 1989.

1991
CNN Coverage of Gulf War

In 1991, CNN extensively covered the Gulf War, with its reporting being so comprehensive that there were jokes about Saddam Hussein relying on CNN for military intelligence.

1992-10-01
Cartoon Network

Cartoon Network, a popular television channel dedicated to animated shows, was launched in 1992.

1993-09-13
Late Night with Conan O'Brien premieres

The late-night talk show hosted by Conan O'Brien debuts on television.

1994-09
Friends TV Show Debuts on NBC

The popular TV show 'Friends' debuts on NBC in September.

1996
Over a Billion Television Sets in Operation Worldwide

In 1996, it was reported that there were over a billion television sets in operation globally.

2010-06-09
Panasonic Introduces First 3D Television Set

On June 9th, 2010, Panasonic unveiled the world's first 3D television set. The TV was a massive 152 inches in size and required special 3D glasses for viewing to prevent eye strain. Priced at $576,000, it was considered the cheapest option available at the time.

2024
1 Billion Television Sets in Use Worldwide

By 2024, there are approximately 1 billion television sets in use worldwide, showcasing the widespread popularity and impact of television as a medium.

End of the Timeline
Television
Become an Editor of Timeline Wiki
Become an Editor of
Timeline Wiki
USD $0 for creating and editing infinite number of timelines after sign up.