2. Beginnings of Television

4. Paul Nipkow (left) invented the scanning disk device in the 1880s.

5. Philo Farnsworth is first to transmit a picture over the air

9. Vladimir Zworykin’s patent for the kinescope

10. Year Household with Sets (Thousands) Percent Penetration 1950 3,875 9 1960 45,750 87 1970 59,550 95 1975 68,500 97 1980 76,300 98

11. The percent penetration has remained steady at about 98% since 1980.

12. The Transition from Analog to Digital TV

16. Note: Some stations may be making the switch to digital broadcasting sooner.