History of Television

John Baird

Nov 8, 1926

In 1926, John Baird operated a television system with 30 lines of resolution system running at 5 frames per second.

First Television Station License

Nov 8, 1928

The Federal Radio Commission issues the first television station license (W3XK) to Charles Jenkins.

Iowa State

Nov 9, 1933

Iowa State (W9Xk) started broadcasting twice weekly television programs in cooperation with radio station WSUI.

CBS

Nov 9, 1937

CBS begins its TV development.

David Sarnoff

Nov 9, 1939

RCA's David Sarnoff used his company's exhibit at the 1939 World's Fair as a showcase for the 1st Presidential speech (Roosevelt) on television and to introduce RCA's new line of television receivers, some of which had to be coupled with a radio if you wanted to hear sound.

Cable Television

Nov 9, 1948

Cable television is introduced in Pennsylvania as a means of bringing television to rural areas.

Color Television

Nov 9, 1950

The FCC approves the first color television standard which is replaced by a second in 1953.

Zenith Remote

Nov 9, 1956

Robert Adler invents the first practical remote control called the Zenith Space Commander. It was proceeded by wired remotes and units that failed in sunlight.

Kennedy-Nixon Debate

Nov 9, 1960

The first split screen broadcast occurs on the Kennedy - Nixon debates.

Moon Landing

Jul 20, 1969

First TV transmission from the moon. 600 million people watch it.

PBS

Nov 9, 1978

PBS becomes the first station to switch to all satellite delivery of programs.

Satelite

Nov 9, 1983

Direct Broadcast Satelite begins service in Indianapolis.

Close Captioning

Nov 9, 1993

Closed Captioning was required on all television sets.

Analog and Digital

Nov 9, 2006

Television signals went to analog and digital formats

3D Televisions

Nov 9, 2010

3D televisions were invented. You have wear 3D glasses to get the 3D experience.