Television

Although the concept of a television had been around since the late 1800s, it wasn’t until the 1930s when the device was first available for purchase by the public. By 1945, it was estimated that 10,000 households had a television. By 1960, 60 million homes had a TV, and now over 285 million homes have televisions—many with 2 or more sets.

The television is used to inform and entertain. News programs, public television, and reality shows are commonly viewed. Two other types of shows, the situational comedy (sitcom) and drama, are popular forms of entertainment. The sitcom typically runs ½ hour in length and is just that- a show about a comedic situation; something that can be experienced in everyday life. The drama, often an hour in length, is much more emotionally charged. Typical television dramas include storylines about crime and medicine.

$John Logie Baird with his television, John Logie Baird (1888-1946), Scottish engineer and inventor, with his television of 1925-1926. Baird was the first to demonstrate a working television system. His system used mechanical picture scanning and a transmitter with electronic amplification at the transmitter and receiver. The signal could be transmitted by telephone line or radio. Baird donated this television transmitter to the London Science Museum in 1928. On the far left of the case is 'Stookie Bill', a ventriloquist's dummy used by Baird. Next to the dummy is the Nipkow disk which scanned the subject and produced a picture signal. CREDIT Science Photo Library \ UIG Rights Managed / For Educational Use Only$