How Color TVs Became a Symbol of Wealth: A Look Back at the First Color TV’s Price
Television is a common sight in every home today, but it wasn’t always like this. Let’s explore the history of color TVs and how they transformed entertainment.
- The Beginning of TV:
- TVs first appeared in black and white. The introduction of color TV in India happened on April 25, 1982, starting in Madras (now Chennai). This significantly boosted viewer interest in Doordarshan.
- Color TV as a Status Symbol:
- When color TVs first came out, they were considered a sign of economic prosperity. They were not found in every home but were a luxury item owned by the wealthier sections of society.
- Impact on Entertainment:
- With the arrival of color TV, the standard of entertainment changed dramatically. Doordarshan, India’s largest TV network, began broadcasting a range of programs. By November 1982, during the Asian Games held in India, the government broadcasted the games in color, which further popularized color TVs.
- Doordarshan’s Growth:
- Today, Doordarshan broadcasts 21 channels, including national and regional ones. It has expanded its reach with 1,416 transmission centers and 66 studios, ensuring coverage even in remote areas.
- The Journey of TV:
- Television has evolved over 96 years. The first TV, made by J.L. Baird in 1924, was a bulky box, while today’s TVs are sleek and smart. The remote control was invented by Eugene Polley in 1915.
- The First Color TV:
- The first color TV was made by Westinghouse in 1954, priced at around ₹6,200, which was too expensive for most people at the time. Later, RCA introduced the CT-100 color TV, priced at approximately ₹5,000. RCA manufactured about 4,000 units of this model.
Color TVs revolutionized how people experienced television, marking a significant shift in both technology and entertainment.
