The history of televisions in a nutshell. How image technology has changed over the decades.

Today, almost every one of us has a television at home. Often even more than one. But have you ever wondered how the beginnings of this technology looked? What made us transition from black-and-white boxes to modern, ultra-thin OLED screens? Let's go back nearly a hundred years and take a look at how television has evolved – from inventions that changed the world to futuristic solutions present in the living rooms of many of us.

The beginnings of television – when did the first television receivers appear?

It all started in the 1920s. The first attempts to transmit images over distances looked quite primitive, but they had huge significance for further development. The receivers were large, heavy, and bore no resemblance to the devices we know today. In 1927, the first public transmission of a television signal took place. The signal was transmitted via radio waves, and the image – to put it mildly – left much to be desired.

In the 1930s, the first regular broadcasts began. Interestingly, many considered television a passing fad that would quickly fade away. It did not fade. On the contrary – already during World War II, governments and the military realized how powerful a tool the screen could be. After the war, televisions began to reach households.

From black-and-white screens to a full palette of colors – the revolution of the 1950s and 1960s.

The 1950s marked a true breakthrough. In the USA, the broadcast of color programs began – first experimentally, and then on a large scale. For the average viewer, it was a shock. Imagine having watched the world in shades of gray your entire life, and suddenly color images are transported into your living room. It is no wonder that interest grew rapidly.

Of course – the beginnings of color television were not without problems. Televisions were expensive, the image sometimes blurred, and the signal could be lost. But it was then that the myth of 'family viewing' was born – entire generations sat together in front of the screen to watch the evening news or their favorite series.

CRT televisions – the dominance of CRT technology for several decades

From the 1970s until the beginning of the 21st century, CRT televisions (Cathode Ray Tube) reigned supreme. Although they may seem clunky today, back then they were the pinnacle of technological sophistication. Many of us remember the characteristic click when turning them on, the 'jumping' image, and the magical moments spent with the remote in hand.

It was a time when manufacturers began to compete fiercely – screen size, sound quality, and the number of AV connections mattered. Casings, colors, and accessories changed. Until finally, announcements of a new era began to appear.

The birth of flat screens – LCD, LED, and then OLED

The 21st century introduced us to a completely new dimension. First came LCD televisions – thin, elegant, and much lighter. Then came LED technology, which improved contrast, energy consumption, and screen lifespan. It was then that televisions began to look like futuristic images on the wall.

A turning point was the emergence of OLED – a technology that revolutionized the way we perceive image quality. The depth of black, intensity of colors, and excellent viewing angles – all of this made OLEDs synonymous with modern luxury. And let's not forget about resolution – from HD to 4K to 8K – each subsequent step meant a sharper, more realistic image.

What’s next for televisions? The future of screens is more than just resolution

Today, televisions are not just devices for watching. They are smart entertainment centers – with apps, voice control, and content personalization. We can watch Netflix, listen to Spotify, use YouTube – all without needing to connect anything. There is also increasing talk of transparent, flexible, and even holographic screens. Is it possible? Absolutely.

One thing is certain – the history of televisions is not over yet. And we at Eastern Star passionately follow every new chapter of this story, testing innovations and advising our clients on the best solutions. Because technology is not just equipment. It’s emotions, experiences, and memories – captured in pixels.