Evolution of Television 1920-2020 (updated)

The 1920s introduced both mechanical and electronic televisions. Early mechanical models featured small displays within massive cabinets, necessary to house a Nipkow disc for creating moving images. The technology was crude, with video quality so poor that specific makeup was required for facial recognition.

The 1930s brought more refined televisions with improved designs and resolution. The decade marked a significant shift to electronic televisions by the mid-30s, leading to a substantial leap in video quality from 100 to 405 scanlines.

In the 1940s, resolutions further increased with the introduction of the NTSC standard, offering 480 lines of resolution and better audio. Due to mass production issues with CRT screens larger than 12 inches, bigger TVs in this era utilized projection techniques.

The 1950s saw the short-lived porthole televisions and, more importantly, the NTSC color standard. Remote controls also emerged, starting with Zenith's wired "Lazy Bones" in 1950, followed by the wireless "Flashmatic" in 1955 which used a flashlight. Later, ultrasonic remotes (nicknamed "clickers") were introduced, though they sometimes suffered from accidental triggers by ambient sounds. Color TV remained a premium feature not widely adopted until the next decade.

The 1960s witnessed a boom in color TV sales as they became more affordable and offered more vivid colors, making them mainstream.

The 1970s presented a wide array of TV designs, including upgradeable models with accessible circuit boards, futuristic curvy designs, colorful TVs resembling toys, and portable combos that integrated radios and cassette decks.

By the mid-1980s, televisions moved away from furniture-like designs towards plastic-encased sets and color projection TVs with larger screens and minimalist cabinets. The decade also saw the advent of the first tiny, pixelated LCD TVs, marking a significant step forward in portability and integrated functions.

The 1990s were dominated by Sony's Trinitron technology, which became available to competitors after its patent expired. Popular combos with FM radio and VCRs emerged. Casio continued to improve portable LCD TVs, and by the end of the decade, the flat HD TV was introduced, priced around $19,000, previewing future trends.

In the 2000s, CRT televisions remained popular and affordable. LCD technology finally began to compete with plasma, leading to LCD HD TVs and later LED TVs. Some brands experimented with ambient lighting for immersive viewing. By the end of the decade, HDTVs became "smart," capable of displaying computer content and connecting to internet services.

The 2010s introduced new technologies like 4K LED and 3D. Curved screens became a premium feature, aiming to reduce glare and enhance immersion, though their effect on TVs was minimal compared to monitors. A truly impressive innovation was the introduction of wallpaper TVs, incredibly thin displays. The decade also brought ambient mode, allowing TVs to blend with decor or display art.

The 2020s promise exciting new technologies such as rollable TVs, which are hidden when off and adjust size to content when on, ideal for various applications and eliminating black bars. Other discrete TV technologies include those designed as art centerpieces and double-sided TVs for gaming and commercial uses.