History of Technology

First Television

Sep 7, 1927

Electronic Television was first successfully demonstrated in San Francisco on Sept. 7, 1927 by Philo Taylor Farnsworth, a 21-year-old inventor who had lived in a house without electricity until he was 14.

First Television Program

1928

America’s first television program was called The Queen’s Messenger. That program was first shown in 1928 by WRGB station.

First Mechanical Television Set

1928

America’s first commercially produced television sets were based on the mechanical television system – made by John Baird’s television designs. These sets were shown off to the public in September 1928

First Television Station

Jul 2, 1928

The first mechanical tv station was called W3XK and was created by Charles Francis Jenkins. That TV station aired its first broadcast on July 2, 1928.

First Television Commercial

Jul 1, 1941

The first commercial broadcast in America did not take place until July 1, 1941, which is when the first American advertisement aired. The ad was for a Bulova watch and lasted for 10 seconds. It aired on NBC.

First Color Television

1946

Color television was placed on the backburner for about 20 years. In 1946, the idea of color television was renewed in earnest. CBS was the first company to create a color television set.

First Television Remote

1955

The first “true” remote control was produced by Zenith and released in 1955. This remote control could turn the television on or off and change the channel. It was also completely wireless.

First VCR

1969

The first relatively convenient and low-cost VCR was introduced by the Sony Corporation in 1969.

First DVD

1996

The Digital Video Disc (DVD) is introduced.

First Flat Screen and HDTV

1997

Flat screen TVs and HDTVs are introduced for the first time.