SMPTE Classic Reprint, Originally Published July 1976: 101 Years of Television Technology

The worldwide television systems of 1976 evolved from a laboratory demonstration of crude but recognizable images just 50 years earlier. Ideas and concepts for television date back another 51 years. The development of television progressed through an early experimental stage in which mechanical-scanning schemes were soon overtaken and turned aside by electronic systems. This led into a period of experimental broadcasting and to the establishment of broadcasting standards. After an interruption by World War II, expansion took place rapidly. During the same period, a confrontation between alternate systems for color transmission served ultimately to expedite establishment of the compatible color standards in use today. Introduction of the successful transverse-scan videotape recording system in the mid-1950s immediately began reshaping television broadcasting and production techniques. This process is still actively taking place, tape competing head-on with film for certain production recording applications. A period of refinement and improvement of studio and transmitter technical facilities began after tape recording became established. Solid-state technology, computer techniques, and the continuing evolution of camera-tube technology — all made important contributions in this process. Colorization of broadcasting facilities, responding to a delayed awakening of audience interest took place between 1965 and 1970. In the most recent half decade, the updating and improvement programs have evolved into wide-ranging application of newer technology. Digital processing of video signals, in particular, has made possible new modes of operation in television production, newsgathering, and broadcasting. New methods of program distribution have entered, or are about to enter, the marketplace in their bids for public acceptance. Clearly, television technical history continues in the making.