Blog Post #4 - EOTO 1

History of the Television

Can you imagine a world with no television? For many of us, it is difficult to imagine going even a week without television. However, if you were to talk to someone from only a hundred years ago, they probably would be astonished. Personally, I find it hard to put into perspective that a fully working television was not created 100 years ago because it is such a hallmark of American life today.

History of the TV

The first electrical TV was invented by a self-taught boy, Philo Farnsworth, in 1927. Farnsworth claimed that he invented a TV when he was fourteen; however, there was not enough information to prove his claims. For now, most people agree that he was twenty-one when his first successful system transmitted images. However, it is important to note that he could not have completed this invention without the work of Vladimir Zworykin; therefore, both are credited for this success. Vladimir Zworykin was a Russian inventor before fleeing his country due to the Russian Civil War.

Before 1927, several inventors attempted to make mechanical systems. Most notably, John Baird gave the first public demonstration of a television system in London. These mechanical systems were the first to transmit images and the first to be sold publically. Although these proved somewhat successful, they quickly fell off due to the work of Farnsworth and Zworykin.

A few television stations started to emerge throughout the next several decades since the start of the electric television. The first regular station was the National Broadcasting Company (NBC), followed by CBS, ABC, and the BBC. Many of these companies started as radio stations which television overtook.

Complications with the System

Although the electric television was a wonderful success during the early 20th century, it had several complications. First was the price of the system. During its early stages, the television cost around $445. To put that number into perspective, the average American salary during the same time was around $35 per month, which in total is $420 per year. Therefore, only rich people were able to afford them. 

Not long after its release, World War II began which further increased the issue of sales. However, although the war dropped the amount of sales, its end brought a boom to the television market and brought around the "golden age" of television not long after.

Another prominent issue was standardizing the systems. After the war, several manufacturers were getting into the television business. With this, several different systems arose with no status quo. This made it difficult for broadcasting companies to cast their shows to every system without wasting resources. At the same time, colored television was already hitting the market, but no systems could receive it because it required extra bandwidth. To solve this issue, the National Television System Committee was formed and met in 1941 and 1953 to solidify a standard that all companies must follow.

Impact on Today's Society

Since its creation almost 100 years ago, television has drastically changed our society and culture. It has both positive and negative effects on our knowledge, actions, and mental health. 

On the negative side, what is shown on television can harm viewers and the world as a whole. For example, events such as 9/11, the JFK assassination, the Challenger explosion, natural disasters, and more have all been shown on live television. Although there is some protection for live viewers, such as a delay, it raises the question of what should be shown to public television and how an entity protects its viewers from violence and destruction. When traumatic events are shown to live audiences, how does it affect mental health, actions, and generations as a whole?

On the other hand, television is the number one way that most people get their information, news, and entertainment. In 1962, the first TV satellite was launched into space, which made it possible for broadcasts to reach anywhere in the world. This made worldwide news possible at the touch of a button.

Additionally, some may argue that TV can bring people together, not only through news and sharing of information but also by using it as a bonding activity. For many families, couples, and friends watching TV together is an important and intimate part of daily life.