95 years after the world’s first colour television pictures: A look back and forward

It is difficult to picture a world without the vibrant and dynamic visuals that colour television provides on our screens. As July 3, 2024, marked the 95th anniversary of the world’s first color television pictures, it’s worth reflecting on the technological improvements, cultural upheavals, and sheer influence this innovation has had in our lives.

The Genesis of colour television

Scottish inventor John Logie Baird’s pioneering work in television began in the early 1920s. By 1925, he had demonstrated the first working television system, and in 1926, he showcased the first demonstration of true television before a group of scientists. However, it was on July 3, 1928, that Baird achieved another groundbreaking feat by broadcasting the first colour television pictures. Using a combination of red, green, and blue filters, he was able to transmit a colour image of a bouquet of flowers. This demonstration, though rudimentary by today’s standards, was a monumental step in the evolution of television technology.

Technological evolution

Colour television was developed over several decades through a complex process. Following Baird’s initial demonstration, major achievements include:

CBS Field Sequential System (1940s)

CBS created an early colour system that employed a revolving disc to generate colour images. Although it was approved by the FCC in 1950, it was incompatible with existing black-and-white televisions and hence failed to acquire broad popularity.

The NTSC (National Television System Committee) standard was adopted in 1953, and this was a watershed moment. This standard made colour broadcasts compatible with black-and-white televisions, making the changeover easier for customers.

First Colour Broadcasts (1954)

In 1954, RCA produced the CT-100, the first widely accessible colour television set. On January 1, 1954, NBC transmitted the Tournament of Roses Parade, which was one of the first big colour broadcasts in the United States.

Global adoption and impact

Colour television adoption varied across the globe. Colour broadcasts became popular in the United States during the 1960s, and by the 1970s, most households had switched to them. In the United Kingdom, the BBC launched regular colour broadcasts in 1967, and other countries followed suit at their own speed.

The impact of colour television on society has been significant. It changed the way stories were conveyed, making them more engaging and visually appealing. It transformed advertising, sports broadcasting, and entertainment, impacting everything from fashion trends to political campaigns.

Cultural shifts and milestones

Colour television also played an important impact in cultural and historical developments. Iconic events such as the moon landing in 1969, the collapse of the Berlin Wall in 1989, and the Olympic Games were vividly depicted, generating shared experiences for millions of viewers worldwide.

Looking ahead

As we commemorate the 95th anniversary of the first colour television pictures, it is apparent that this breakthrough had a long-lasting impact. Today’s televisions feature high-definition, 4K, and even 8K resolutions, resulting in rich colours and lifelike visuals that Baird could only have imagined. The introduction of OLED, QLED, and other cutting-edge technology promises even greater breakthroughs in the future.

Moreover, advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are likely to play a significant role in the future of television. AI-driven content recommendation systems, personalized viewing experiences, and enhanced interactive features are set to redefine how we engage with televised content.