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Electronic television was first demonstrated
Electronic television was first successfully demonstrated in San Francisco.
The system was designed by Philo Taylor Farnsworth, a 21-year-old inventor who had lived in a house without electricity until he was 14. -
Expensive Entertainment
The first commercial TVs are displayed at the World Fair in 1939. While available to consumers, these early television sets are definitely not affordable. A TV could cost up to a third of the average household yearly income. -
The first televised baseball game between Princeton and Columbia universities
RCA, the company that dominated the radio business in the United States with its two NBC networks, began broadcasting regular programs, including scenes captured by a mobile unit and, on May 17, 1939, the first televised baseball game between Princeton and Columbia universities. -
Frist TV Programms
By 1949 Americans who lived within range of the growing number of television stations in the country could watch, for example, The Texaco Star Theater (1948), starring Milton Berle, or the children's program, Howdy Doody (1947Ð60). -
"The Golden Age of Television"
The US sees a boom in cheaper television production. The average American household can finally afford a TV. The ubiquity of television and an influx of engaging, critically-acclaimed programming earns this decade the moniker, “The Golden Age of Television.” -
The Fisrt Basic Capable Network
Ted Turner launches the first basic cable network, TBS; he asks Howard Hubble to set up a cable network from a satellite feed so he can watch the Braves from Massachusetts. -
The Last Black and White TV
The last black and white TV is manufactured in 1978, making color TVs the only purchasable option in the market. -
Recoring and Cable/Satellite Footprint
VCRs become a household staple and a way for consumers to record programs and view them at their leisure. The cable/satellite footprint continues to expand with with the help of popular sitcoms like “The Cosby Show.” -
Internet service providers
Internet becomes available in the home through dial-up ISPs (Internet service providers), introducing the dawn of a competing source of content. Premium cable sees a boom through shows such as “Sex and the City” and “The Sopranos.” -
DVR and DVD
Broadcast TV moves from analog to digital. DVR (digital video recorder) changes how and when consumers view TV. Advances in LCD and plasma technology introduce affordable flat screen TVs. DVD players replace VCRs. Television programming becomes more interactive with the explosive popularity of reality TV. Shows like “American Idol” include audience voting and other interactive pieces. -
Online Digital Programming
Online digital programming is now monetized and becomes an important element of a broadcast station’s revenue strategy. Smart TVs (TVs with Internet connectivity) become more affordable and accessible. By 2018 manufacturers will only make smart TVs.
