When Did the First Televisions Go on Sale to the Public?

The journey of television from a mere experimental device to a household staple is a fascinating tale of technological advancement and societal change. The first televisions went on sale to the public in the late 1920s, marking a pivotal moment in the history of media and entertainment.

The Birth of Television

The roots of television can be traced back to the early 1900s when inventors like John Logie Baird began experimenting with mechanical systems for television. In 1926, Baird demonstrated his mechanical television system, which laid the groundwork for future developments.

The First Commercial Models

The first commercially available television sets were introduced by the American company RCA during the 1939 New York World's Fair. These early models were expensive and not widely accessible, making them a novelty for the élite.

Early Television in the United Kingdom

In the UK, televisions could be purchased as early as 1936 but were only usable in and around London due to the BBC's transmissions originating from Alexandra Palace. These early sets had limited functionality, with only 3 hours of daily broadcasts.

During World War II, production and development of television technology were halted. However, after the war, the demand for television grew exponentially. The first major public demonstrations of television came during the 1939 New York World's Fair, showcasing the potential of this new technology.

Post-War Television Development

By 1940, a few televisions had been produced and sold to private owners, but the war put a damper on further development. It wasn't until 1946, after the war ended, that television development resumed. By 1950, there were fewer than one television in every home, but this number rapidly increased over the following decades.

By 1960, approximately 75 percent of homes in the United States had a television, and by 1970, this figure had surpassed 95 percent. The turning point for television mass adoption came with the success of shows like The Texaco Star Theater, starring Milton Berle, which made television a must-have in every household.

Early Television Markets and Usage

Early television sets were very expensive, and it wasn't until after World War II that they became more widely available. For example, my father purchased his first television for about $700 with a 3-inch CRT in 1948, when I was 7 years old. Over the years, he bought progressively larger sets, culminating in a 27-inch TV when I graduated from high school in 1959.

When he died in 2000, his last television was a 40-inch CRT set. The evolution of television screens from small 3-inches to the more substantial 27 inches and eventually 40 inches reflects the gradual growth of television as a household necessity.

From Experiments to Everyday Life

Although functional electronic television had been demonstrated in the 1920s, it was still in its experimental phase. The Great Depression further slowed progress in this technology. That is until the 1939 New York World's Fair, where television was showcased to the public for the first time, marking a significant milestone in media history.

World War II halted further developments, but after the war, television quickly regained momentum. The novelty of television sparked widespread interest, and the success of pioneering shows made it a household essential. With each passing decade, television's role in society became increasingly significant, evolving from a gadget to a central component of daily life.