It's time for TV history 102.
Earlier this year we took our first step through the history of TV, and now we're back with a second batch of TV history, TV facts, and other fun tidbits to help you learn more about America's favorite pastime.
Given what 2020 has shaped up to be, we've all probably been spending more time than usual in front of a TV set, so it's good to learn more about your interest and hobbies, especially when you are spending more time with them than normal.
So, let's strap in and take another tour
through TV history, as we flip through the pages and annuls of history, one
channel at a time.
Butterfly in the Sky
In our spoiled, modern times we may be quite used to TV that comes in through satellite, the internet, or even cable. But TV wasn't always as meshed with American life as it is today! It wasn't until 1962 that the first TV satellite was launched. The 60s would see the continued expansion of television, however -- by the moon landing in 1969, over 600 million people were able to watch history in the making on a screen right in their own home.
Dreaming In Color
OK, this fun fact may only be tangentially related to TV, but it's one that we wanted to include on this list anyways. When you dream, do you dream in color?
If you do, you are like most of the population -- dreaming in color is the norm. But, people who grew up watching black and white TV often don't -- they dream in black and white instead! Isn't that pretty neat?
Mad Men of Advertising
Whether it's the ads that you run into on regular TV -- or the ad interruptions on streaming services like Hulu -- there's one thing that hasn't changed about TV: Yup, it still has ads.
The price of those ads, however, is something that has changed a great deal. The very first TV ad went on air on July 1, 1941 -- it was a 20 Bulova Watch commercial that was broadcast before a Philadelphia Phillis and Brooklyn Dodgers baseball game. The cost is really what's going to shock you, thought: It was only $9 for the ad! Something tells us that the cost of Super Bowl ads this year were quite a bit larger than that.
90s Kids
TVs are almost synonymous with American living rooms these days, and most people probably can't remember a time before they got their news and most of their entertainment from the that little square of technology.
Hard as it might be to picture, there was a time before TVs ruled the home. And if you are looking for some historical insight into TVs taking over the living room, we've got the info: By 1993, an impressive 98 percent of Americans had at least one TV -- and 65 percent had two or more! Not too shabby 90s, not too shabby.
Of course, the most important TV in history is clear: it's yours! And if you are having TV issues -- or are just looking to upgrade your ancient, historical TV into something more this-century -- then you've come to the right place! Stop by or give us a call today, and we'll be glad to help you with all of your electronic needs -- and to make sure you walk out our door with a TV that will keep your whole family entertained for years to come.