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History of Television

1897

German physicist Dr. Karl Ferdinand Braun created the world's first cathode ray tube (CRT) - the technology at the heart of every television ever produced.

1936

The birth of commercial television broadcasts - paving the way for network television (and later, cable) to bring a window on the world into hundreds of millions of homes around the globe.

1945

There were fewer than 7,000 working TV sets in the country and only nine stations on the air; three in New York, two each in Chicago and Los Angeles, and one each in Philadelphia and Schenectady, N.Y.

1954

On New Years Day 1954, transfixed Americans caught their first glimpse of the future of TV during NBC's coast-to-coast colorcast of the Tournament of Roses parade, which used newly approved National Television System Committee (NTSC) color standards.

1960

Television sets in American homes pass the 60 million mark.

1962

Telestar 1 satellite launched, thus opening doors for television satellite transmission and allowing intercontinental transmission when in proper position.

1965

With only two exceptions, NBC announces all prime time programs to be in color.

1969

Apollo 11 moonwalk is transmitted and broadcast live from the moon.

1974

97% of American homes have at least one TV set and it is on at least five hours per day.

1984

Stereo television authorized.

1990

Number of television stations broadcasting in United States: 1446.