Television: A Brief History

While it may seem an unbelievable concept to the modern day individual, there was one a time before the television existed. One cannot help but wonder what people did with their spare time, how information and news was spread and how a basic enjoyment could be found. Well, maybe everyone just talked to each other, though that can’t have been as interesting as the latest sci-fi drama or an episode of one’s favourite soap!

The first demonstration of televised images was in 1926. The product of many years work, the first images on a television are unimpressive to us now, but of the time they were revolutionary. Noting when television was officially invented is difficult, as various inventors sought throughout the early 20th century to achieve this feat – and even then, the definition of ‘television’ can be sketchy.

The first television as something we would recognise as a television today was invented by John Logie Baird, a Scottish inventor. Baird, and his company Baird Television Development Company, began broadcasting images from ever increasing distances in the mid 1920s. Baird is credited with being the inventor of television, though he utilised earlier technologies explored as far back at the late 19th century.

Television has continued to develop since Baird’s time. Originally broadcast in black and white, the first colour televisions became available in the 1960s. By the 1990s, television was being broadcast using digital – rather than conventional analogue – technologies. The late 2000s saw the advent of high definition television, as well as systems such as TiVo which allow for live pause and broadcast of television. The future will doubtless include further technological ventures, as this medium continues to grow and grow.

What Is High Definition Television?

In a world where technology changes seemingly by the second, keeping apace with the changing times can be an uphill battle. Yet there is one televisual revolution that one cannot afford to not keep up with, and that is high definition television.

Better known as HD TV (or sometimes simply HDTV, without the space), high definition television is the key revolutionary word in TV broadcast. As the name somewhat implies, HD is the same television programmes you’re used to watching, but broadcast in higher definition. This means that the picture quality is four (or sometimes five) times clearer than normal standard definition, and cinema style ’surround sound’ is used for a total viewing experience. If you like your television and watch it a lot, HD is the future.

To receive HD broadcast properly, you need two things. The first is an HD ready or compatible TV; manufacturers and electrical stores will be able to tell you which sets work with high definition programming. The television may be more expensive than standard definition sets, but with HD television a growing medium that has become a must for regular television viewers, try and see it as an investment.

Secondly, you will need a cable, dish or satellite subscription. Only some channels broadcast in HD TV, and to use the HD facilities you will need to be tuned to one of these channels. You can still watch standard definition broadcasts on your high definition television, only they will not be shown in high definition. To get the full HD effect, you need the programme to be being broadcast in HD, and have a television that can receive HD pictures. With these two magic ingredients, the wonders of HD await you.

The Difference Between Plasma and LCD TV Screens

With so many different options available when it comes to purchasing a new TV, it can be easy to get confused. This is compounded all the more by the fact that the two main options, plasma screens and LCD screens, are on appearance virtually identical. Both allow for flat screens, taking up less bulk, and the picture quality is not noticeably different on first impression – and what’s more, varies between screens of the same type. So it can be difficult to know where to turn.

Knowing the difference between plasma and LCD screens can help aid your choice, but don’t think of it as an essential. In terms of picture quality, the only difference is the technology used by each is slightly different; but the results tend to be the same. When it comes to choosing between LCD and plasma, take in more practical considerations.

For example, if you would prefer a larger screen TV, plasma is the best option – this technology allows screens to be made big without compromising picture quality. On the other hand, if you live in a hot climate, LCD is probably the way to go. LCD screens, due to the technology used, generate far less heat than their plasma (and traditional TV) counterparts. Bear this in mind if you have various consoles and viewing boxes on your television stand, as these all generate heat too, which in turn can damage the machines themselves. If you have a lot of other appliances and need a cooler TV, then LCD is the best choice.

Just remember, however, that these small practical necessities aside, the difference is largely negligible.