How Has Television Changed Our Lives for Good?

Introduction

Television was one of the most significant inventions of the 20th century; it completely transformed society. Television (TV) works by converting pictures and sound into signals and sending them out by transmitters, satellites, or underground cables. 

Television was first developed in the 1920s; it spread rapidly and by the 1980s, almost every American home had a TV set. By bringing information and entertainment directly into the home, television altered daily life. 

Today, new advances in television technology, including digital and broadband access, mean that TV can also provide interactive choices such as email, shopping, and information services.

Inside Television

A television receiver (TV set) picks up the signals broadcast by a TV station and turns them into images, using a picture tube (known as a cathode ray tube). The tube produces a series of black-and-white or color images in rapid succession, creating the illusion that the picture is moving.

The set also contains electronic circuits which enable viewers to tune into the channel of their choice.

Early Television

The first television service began within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in 1936. By the 1950s, many families had TV sets, especially in the USA. 

People who could afford an expensive early receiver wanted to stay at home to be entertained. They were impressed by the up-to-date news coverage and the fact that they could see celebrities in their own homes.

Producing a Color Picture

The screen is coated with thousands of tiny dots of phosphor. When the electrons hit these dots, they cause them to glow and produce a red, green, or blue image, depending on the kind of phosphor. 

The strength of each electron beam varies according to the intensity of color needed. Because 25 to 30 images are produced on screen every second, TV pictures appear to move.

Uses of Television

Television broadcasts cover every area, from drama to documentary. TV informs, educates, and entertains us, depending on what we choose to watch. And, with audiences in the millions, information is spread further than ever before.

Sponsorship

To raise awareness of their products, some companies sponsor television programs or advertise during commercial breaks. Many TV programs and events are underpinned by sponsorship money. 

Popular sports such as football have gained, some benefits passed on to sports fans, such as funds for safer stadiums.

Current Affairs

Thanks to television, we can now watch history as it is made, anywhere in the world, and are better informed than ever before. Satellites beam television signals around the world in seconds. Viewers can watch news events as they happen.

Educational Television

Television provides educational programs for children and adults. Programs are part of correspondence learning up to the university level, being accessible to people in remote areas, or to those with limited time.

Written By - Priyadarshini B

Edited By - Akash Verma