Television Timeline 2

1956
Ampex introduces the first practical videotape system of broadcast quality.

1956
Robert Adler invents the first practical remote control called the Zenith Space Commander. It was proceeded by wired remotes and units that failed in sunlight.

1960
The first split screen broadcast occurs on the Kennedy - Nixon debates.

1962
The All Channel Receiver Act requires that UHF tuners (channels 14 to 83) be included in all sets.

1962
AT&T launches Telstar, the first satellite to carry TV broadcasts - broadcasts are now internationally relayed.

1967
Most TV broadcasts are in color.

1969
July 20, first TV transmission from the moon and 600 million people watch.

1972
Half the TVs in homes are color sets.

1973
Giant screen projection TV is first marketed.

1976
Sony introduces betamax, the first home video cassette recorder.

1978
PBS becomes the first station to switch to all satellite delivery of programs.
1981 1,125 Lines of Resolution
NHK demonstrates HDTV with 1,125 lines of resolution.

1982
Dolby surround sound for home sets is introduced.

1983
Direct Broadcast Satellite begins service in Indianapolis, In.

1984
Stereo TV broadcasts approved.

1986
Super VHS introduced.

1993
Closed captioning required on all sets.

1996
The FCC approves ATSC's HDTV standard.

A billion TV sets world-wide.