The Early Days of Home Television: A Timeline of Commercial Availability

The history of home television can be traced back to the late 1920s, a period marked by the first commercial television sets appearing in the United States and the United Kingdom. This article explores the timeline of home televisions, providing a historical overview from the early models to the widespread adoption of television sets in homes.

Introduction of Television Sets in the 1920s

The earliest television sets came into commercial production around 1928. In the United Kingdom, the first televisions were radio sets with an additional television component. These sets used a neon tube behind a spinning disk called a Nipkow disk, which created a red postage stamp-sized image that was magnified through a lens. This technology introduced the concept of home television to the general public.

First Commercial Television Sets in the U.S.

The United States saw its first commercially available television sets introduced by companies such as RCA in 1927. However, these early models faced limitations in functionality and cost. It wasn't until the late 1930s, marked by the 1939 New York World's Fair, that television gained widespread popularity.

1930s and Early 1940s

The late 1930s saw the beginning of the commercial television era in the U.S. and the UK. In the UK, televisions were available from 1936, but they were limited to a few hours of daily broadcasting in and around London, where the BBC transmitted from Alexandra Palace. By the outbreak of World War II in 1939, there were an estimated 20,000 television sets in use, which increased significantly by 1946, the year after the war ended.

The World War II Period

During World War II, the development of television technology was temporarily halted. Once the war ended in 1945, the development and production of televisions resumed. In the U.S., the television market experienced a surge in the years following the war. My father, who was born in the late 1940s, purchased his first television in 1948, when I was 7 years old. Over the years, the size and quality of his television improved, and by the time he graduated from high school in 1959, he had a large 27-inch television. When he passed away in 2000, he had an even larger 40-inch television.

Widespread Adoption of Television Sets

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, television sets became more affordable and technologically advanced. By 1960, about 75% of homes in the U.S. had at least one television set. By 1970, nearly 95% of American households owned a television. Similar trends can be observed in other countries during this period.

Conclusion

The introduction of home television, starting from the late 1920s, marked a significant shift in how people consumed media. From the early days of mechanical television sets to the modern digital era, the evolution of home television continues to shape our lives and entertainment.