Have you ever wondered how different your life would be if TV was never invented? It’s kind of hard to imagine because television is such an integral part of our lives. No matter how much or how little time you spend actually watching it, a household without a TV is weird. 

Since it’s such a cool and timeless gadget, it can be fun to learn about its origin and evolution throughout time, right?

The Importance of TVs in Households

Over the decades, this gadget has evolved into something you must have in your home. A TV can be a source of entertainment where you stream and watch all of your favorite content. It can be educational, trying to teach you about history, cooking, or politics. It can also help you work out. 

What’s more, gamers around the world can agree that playing games on a larger screen is a life-changing experience. So, Joey from “Friends” was right. Your furniture should be pointed at the TV because lying down or sitting while watching TV makes the whole experience relaxing and addicting. And don’t forget about snacks!

Early Beginnings

When the cathode-ray tube (CRT) was invented in the early 20th century, TV started its amazing journey. The first experimental TV broadcasts took place in the 1920s, but it wasn’t until the 1930s and 1940s that TV became more accessible to the public. The earliest TV was pretty huge, with a tiny screen and black-and-white display. 

The Rise of Color TV

The TV got its upgrade in the form of an explosion of colors in the 1950s. Once those colors appeared on the display, people around the world became obsessed with this gadget. Millions of households started buying color TVs since it was such a groundbreaking transition from all the black-and-white ones. With this upgrade, more time was spent in front of the TV for a one-of-a-kind viewing experience.

Remote Control and Cable TV

The 1970s and 1980s saw the introduction of remote controls and cable TV, which allowed viewers to access all kinds of great content. Remote controls enabled viewers to change the channels from a distance while they sat or lay on their sofas. On the other hand, cable TV brought a broader array of channels and programming options.

The Invention of Flat Screens

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, chunky CRTs were practically dethroned by flat screens. Plasma, LCD, and, eventually, LED technology basically started a revolution. Everyone wanted to get their hands on lighter, thinner, and larger screens that offered better picture quality. These massive upgrades made TVs more aesthetically pleasing. However, people were more thrilled about high-definition (HD) content.

Smart TVs and Streaming

The 2010s introduced the one and only smart TV. The king of all TVs. It was the first TV that allowed an internet connection, which enabled viewers to stream content directly from the web. Smart TVs come with built-in apps and the ability to browse the internet, play games, and connect with other smart devices. After this huge upgrade, every single person wanted to have such a device in their home.

The Modern Era

Watching content with the help of 4K Ultra HD and HDR (High Dynamic Range) technologies is a game-changer nowadays. Today, you can buy TVs with stunning picture quality and crystal clear colors that will make you wonder how that’s even possible. However, devices like Apple TV take it to the next level. They work harmoniously with other Apple products and services. Plus, you can use voice control with Siri and access a vast library with all kinds of apps.

The Cybersecurity Need for TVs

Smart TVs might make our lives easier, but they definitely come with certain cybersecurity threats. Just like your PC or laptop, they can easily become targets for hackers. Enter the power of a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN can help protect your data and privacy by encrypting your internet connection.Your IP address will be far from hackers’ reach because a VPN masks it. There’s no way they’re getting their hands on your personal information. What’s more, with a VPN, you can access content that might be restricted in your region. For instance, using a VPN for Apple TV allows you to stream shows and movies that might not be available in your country. Oh, a VPN also allows you to enjoy a smooth streaming experience without ISPs throttling your connection.