After exploring mztv.com, I found many interesting and valuable information. From television quotes, Marylin Monroe to the pioneers of the television and the television timeline, this site can be a great place for people to learn about the history of the television, the many types of television, its development, future and more. One of the best options that can be found is the timeline, where not only does it present the television being made each year, but also worldwide events that happened that same year. In addition, the way the site is designed represents an actual TV. Anyhow, I will include some information about the phases of television: from mechanical television to electrical television, which was the topic and information that interested me the most.
A Race for Television
(1850 - 1924)
During this period, many experimentation, inventions and discoveries began to shape the creation of television technology. Many of these inventions were not created with any purpose of contributing the construction of the television, yet they all made a difference in the birth of television. Some of these experimentations included electricity, cathode rays, light, selenium and more. Other crucial inventions have already been made or were in their way, like the radio, the telegraph(Morse code), photography, the telephone, microphones and a few others. In the 18th century, scientist and inventors began to look for structures an bases of the construction of television technology, like vacuum tubes and improved cathode ray tubes. After WWI, the drive to create the first television rose dramatically, focusing specifically on television tools and equipment. Mergers in the radio industry then set the bases for the growth and development of the television industry.
Mechanical Television
(1925 - 1931)
After the radio was introduced after WWI, being successful, many inventors were inspired to search and create a new media (similar to radio that is) that combined sound and moving images. They began to focus on mechanical television, which was powered by electricity. This type of television used a light and spinning scanning disks that ultimately created an image, very different from the electric television. In 1928, the first experimental television broadcast (presented using mechanical systems) and the first television stations appeared in the US. Television was not drawing too much attention of the people at the moment, since there were few receivers existing and working. There were many presentations and demonstrations of the mechanical television to the public in Canada as well.
Early Electronic Television
(1932 - 1945)
The electronic television, with technology that worked using the cathode-ray picture-tube, surpassed the mechanical television by a significant amount. After being proved that the electrical television was more efficient and practical, many large companies in the US began to integrate them along with radio manufacturing and broadcasting. The very first promotion of the television happened in 1939 at the World's Fain in New York, in which the theme was the future. Many regular broadcasting also emerged. WWII gave a hit to the television industry, even though many cities continued to enjoy many broadcastings. In Canada, the first major promotion occurred the same year in the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto. However, there were no real television stations established only after the end of WWII.
Introducing a New Mass Medium
(1946 - 1949)
After WWII finally ended, an intense marketing campaign was started by many television manufacturers. According to many sources, 1948 was the year in which the television industry grew and expanded the most in the US. This campaign was successful because of the increasing availability of free advertising broadcasts and the way the manufacturers presented the television: as an easy to operate, dependable, and house invention that would improve and expand social and family life. In edition, televisions could be seen almost anywhere, like in hotels, shops, bars and even places outside. Beginning with imitating the format of vaudeville, radio and theatre, television began to develop its own unique standard and format. Even though some Canadians could receive American signals, the official introduction of television in Canada did not take place until the 1950's.
Electronic Hearth
(1950 - 1960)
In the 1950's, television's success continued to grow immensely, being focused on middle-class families. Designed as a household decoration as well as an utility, it was promoted as a way to unify the family with all the various and entertaining programs and shows. However, it began to change family routines and traditions, since it began to become a common device in homes. It even created more impact than the radio and the theatre. It became like a new member of the household. In this period in time, television was considered to be a creator of mass culture in North America. It began to shape society and social life as well. In terms of Canada, CBS began the television industry in the Canadian industry. Electronic television was changing the world.
The Universal Medium
(1961 - 1975)
In the 1960's, almost every house in North America had a television. Television growth was so great, that the devices were considered a integrated part of the normal home and social environment. Since it had so much variety of programs, channels and more, it made the world even smaller after the radio. Any aspect of the world could be seen in every house's living room. Also, it included the audience as part of the show, program or broadcast. The color television emerged in the television industry, and Japanese television manufacturers began to control and lead in the North American market. Even more variety emerged, as there was the inclusion and introduction of cable, satellite and pay-view. These changes made television contribute more an every culture, their diversification, instead of their unification and morphing. Like always, there were many critics that opposed the constant use of television, bringing up the effects of watching television and others. Marshall McLuhan, a thinker, discovered that television had replaced print as the dominant cultural standard and use, with deep consequences and effects on society, values and culture.
^ This is a documentary I found. ^
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Besides what I included above, one of the most interesting parts of the timeline was the presentation of images about the different types and appearances of the television throughout the years. From the Tri Standard Scanning Disk to the Toshiba, any images of these televisions can be seen. In addition, information and details about the different televisions are also shown, including how they worked, their parts and more. In general, I really liked to explore mztv.com. If I ever need any information about the history of television, that site will be my first choice.
Have a good weekend!
Sincerely,
Michelle
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