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Invention of Flexible Photographic Film
In 1884, George Eastman invented the first flexible photographic film. Photographic film allowed multiple images to be stored onto a plastic coated strip. These images could then viewed later. The invention of the flexible photographic film can be considered the beginning of video (Exact Date Unknown). (The History of Film, Television & Video). -
Motion Picture Camera
In the year of 1887, Thomas Edison has his kinetograph (motion picture camera) patented. In the image at left, Edison (right) is demonstrating his invention. (Exact Date Unknown). -
First Public Demonstration
The first public demonstration of motion pictures is displayed in France (Exact Date Unknown). -
Dickson Shoots Numerous Short Motion Pictures
From 1891-1895, the company Dickson shoots numerous 15 second motion pictures using Thomas Edison's kinetograph. Even though short, these motion pictures were one of the first "videos" shot by a professional business.(Exact Date Unknown). -
Cathode Ray
The development of the Cathode Ray Tube is used to produce television images, ten years after it was invented. -
First Television Broadcast
In 1936, the first television broadcast was made available in London. The broadcast displayed the British play, "The Man with the Flower in His Mouth". This broadcast layed the foundation of home broadcasting. View the First Television Broadcast -
Proposal for Color T.V.
The first proposal for a color TV broadcast is made by George Valensi. This proposal sparked new ideas for the television industry. (Exact date unknown). -
The Blue Network
The Blue Network, part of NBC, became the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in 1946. The Blue Network, back in the 1930's and 40's known as NBC Blue, was sold to Edward Noble. Noble was the owner of Life Savers candy at the time. He was then given the rights to change the network name to "American Broadcasting Company". -
Increase In Viewers
By year's end, the number of TV households grew to 20 million, up 33% from 1950. U.S. advertisers spent a record $288 million on TV time. From 1950-1953, television in the household sparked from 3,000,000 to 17,000,000. -
Color Broadcasting
Color broadcasting officially arrives in the U.S. on Dec. 17 when FCC approves a modified version of the RCA system. The arrival of color broadcasting allowed viewers to view broadcasts in the color they are recorded in. Color broadcasting was a major advancement in the development of television. -
The Invention of the Video Recorder
In 1956, the Video Recorder, along with videotape, is introducted by Ampex Corp. Video recorders allowed movies and videos to be recorded directly onto videotapes. Videotapes were mainly used for storing scientific or medical data. It then became common to store home videos or other personal videos on the videotape. -
Reports on Commericials
"Variety" reports in May that during a typical week, viewers encounter 420 commercials. This totals out to 5 hours and 8 minutes. Around this time, television advertising started to become more common. -
Worldwide TV Advertising
By August of 1957, more countries worldwide allowed TV advertising than forbid it. -
Television Legs?
In an October report in the Journal of the American Medical Association, Dr Meyer Naide identifies "television legs", which were blood clots that result from watching TV too long -
Videotape and Cable
In 1958, there were 525 cable TV systems serving 450,000 subscribers in the U.S. In February, CBS takes out a two page ad in "TV Guide" in which it warns the public: "Free television as we know it cannot survive alongside pay television. "Advertising Age" reported that videotape is catching on like wildfire. By October, 61 TV stations in the U.S. used tape. -
Television Campaigning
The first of the four "great debates" between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon is broadcasted on Sept. 26, breaking new ground in presidential campaigning. -
"I Have a Dream"
On Aug. 28, Dr. Martin Luther King delivers his famous "I have a dream" speech as millions watch on TV. -
Color TV Booms
Date Varies) In the year of 1965, color TV flourishes. NBC leads the way and begins to use the phrase "The Full Color Network". -
Manufacturing
Around December of 1968, manufacturers produced about 11.4 million TV sets, up from the 5.7 million sets made in 1960. -
Commercial Shortening
Exact Date Unknown) In 1971, the transition from 60-seconds to 30-seconds for the standard length for commericials takes hold. This was a large change in the advertising community. -
Effects on Children
Effective January 1st, 1973, NAB and other networks agree to reduce commercial time in children's weekend fare from 16 minutes an hour to 12 minutes an hour. This "law" was placed because of the growing concern on TV's effect on children. -
Advertising Booms
In the year of 1977, gross TV advertising revenues rise to $7.5 billion, which was 20% of all U.S. advertising -
The Children's Television Act
(Exact Date Unknown) In 1990, the Children's Television Act took effect, limiting the amount of commercials in children's TV programming. It also required operators to carry at some programming to meet children's educational needs -
Digital Satellite Dishes
In mid-January, digital satellite dishes are released. They became the biggest selling electronic item in history, next to the VCR. -
Additional Curbs
On January 1st, 1975, the NAB's policy on limiting non-program material in weekend children's fare to 10 minutes per hour became effective. -
Flat Screens and HDTV
Flat screen and HDTV sales rise in the year of 2005. These types of televisions are usually very thin, and contain high image quality. When first released, these TVs were very expensive. -
3D Television
In 2012, most TV manufactures released high definition 3D sets. In order to view television in 3D, you must wear modern LCD glasses that lets you view video in clear 3D.
