The History of Television

1875
Ernest von Siemens constructed the first photocell.

1877
Julian Ochorowicz, a Polish psychologist, developed the theoretical foundations of monochromatic television, considering the possibility of transmitting images made up of tiny dots. Ochorowicz`s concept was based on the earlier invention of the photocell. His camera transmitted signals through a bundle of cables to a screen built with light bulbs.

1884
The first device capable of mechanical-optical analysis and synthesis of an image, the so-called Nipkow disk, was created. Developed by Paul Nipkow, this mechanism used the first photoelectric cell invented by Ernest von Siemens in 1875.

1897
German physicist Karl Braun invented the first cathode-ray oscillator. In Braun`s solution, rotating Nipkow disks were replaced by a vacuum tube with cathode rays controlled by electromagnets. Braun`s technology had a significant impact on the development of television, initiating competition between Nipkow`s optomechanical system and Braun`s electronic system.

1907
In St. Petersburg, the prototype of a cathode-ray tube was constructed, utilizing the cathode-ray oscillator. Built by Boris Rosing, the tube displayed images via an electron beam projected onto a phosphorescent screen. It was the first device capable of synthesizing an image in a receiver.

1911
The idea of using an electron beam for image analysis emerged. Russian physicist Vladimir Zworykin combined Braun`s vacuum tube with a camera he developed. The Braun-Zworykin solution began to gain a functional edge over its competitors.

1923
After emigrating to the USA for political reasons, Vladimir Zworykin performed the first television image transmission via radio using the technology he developed.

1924
Scotsman John Baird transmitted an image over a distance. His electromechanical device utilized Nipkow`s invention. The first transmitted image was of still object outlines, and a fierce competition began between the rival systems.

1925

• Vladimir Zworykin constructed the first color cathode-ray tube, though it was still a rather ineffective solution.
• John Baird conducted the first dynamic image transmission, sending a moving person’s image over a distance. Unfortunately, the mechanical limitations of Baird`s device cast doubt on its potential for further improvement.

1927
On January 27, John Logie Baird organized the first public demonstration of television transmission.

1928
In the United States, Vladimir Zworykin developed a device called the iconoscope, which enabled electronic image analysis.


1929
In the United Kingdom, the first experimental broadcasting station was launched, using the technology developed by Baird.

1930

• Advances in television technology, particularly improvements to the cathode-ray tube and camera, allowed for smooth image transmission via radio.
• The first experimental television play was broadcast using Baird’s system.

1932
The German company Telefunken began producing cathode-ray tube televisions.

1935

• The first regular television program was broadcast by a station in Berlin. The program block included films, news, and reports aired between 8:30 PM and 10:00 PM.
• The State Telecommunications Institute and Polish Radio conducted the first experiments with television program transmission.

1936

• The British company Marconi EMI improved the iconoscope, creating the so-called super-iconoscope.
• In the United Kingdom, permanent television programs began using Baird’s electromechanical technology.
• Television broadcasting also started in the United States and Germany. The first broadcast of an event outside the studio: a Germany-Italy soccer match in Berlin.
• A Zworykin transmitter was installed on the Empire State Building.

1937

• Experimental television programs were broadcast from the Warsaw Hotel transmitter in Poland.
• The United Kingdom decided to switch from the Baird system to Braun’s due to technical considerations, marking Braun’s complete victory.
• A television broadcast covered the coronation of King George VI in London.

1939
The outbreak of World War II delayed the development of television.

1941
The first image standard was established—525 lines and 30 frames per second. This standard was set by the National Television System Committee in the United States.

1950
In the United Kingdom and the United States, color programs began broadcasting, using Baird’s electromechanical system.

1952
The first official television program in Poland was broadcast—the election studio before the PRL parliamentary elections.

1953
A fully functional NTSC electronic system, developed by Hazeltine and RCA, was introduced, eventually replacing Baird’s electromechanical technology. This system is still widespread in the United States.

1954
The Polish Experimental Television Center began broadcasting regular weekly television programs.

1955
The Warsaw Television Plant started production of the first Polish series television, Wisła.

1956
The SECAM system was developed, adopted as a standard by France and socialist countries.

1961

• In Poland, television programming was broadcast seven days a week.
• The RCA Victor TV with a remote control, the first in the world, appeared in U.S. stores.

1962
A worldwide television system using artificial Earth satellites for transmission was created. The first satellite transmission was carried out by the Telstar satellite. When Telstar disappeared over the horizon, receivers lost the signal.

1963
Telefunken developed the PAL system, now widely used in Europe, and adopted across Western Europe.

1964
Work on developing HDTV began in Japan.

1967
BBC2 became the first color television channel.

1968
The first televisions with a flat picture tube—Sony Trinitron—were introduced to the market.

1969
A live television broadcast of Neil Armstrong’s moon landing was aired.

1971

• For the first time, TVP broadcast a color program and adopted the SECAM system.
• The era of cable television began, rapidly developing in the USA.

1975
The first satellite antenna was installed in Poland.

1989
Japan launched the first HDTV system, MUSE, also known as Hi-Vision.

1990

• The first independent Polish television station, ECHO, was founded in Wrocław.
• On December 29, 1990, the Polish Parliament passed the Broadcasting Act.

1994
The National Broadcasting Council granted Polsat a license, allowing it to broadcast via terrestrial transmitters.

1995
CANAL+, the first pay and encrypted television in Poland, debuted.

1998
In November, CYFRA+ launched digital television broadcasting.

2006
The satellite platform n enabled the first HDTV reception in Poland.

2008
The world’s first video teleportation (three-dimensional hologram) was carried out by CNN.

2011
The BBC conducted an experimental HD broadcast without interlacing, known as 1080p.

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Article based on materials provided by CYFRA+