05/08/2025
Part 6 of our Evolution of Video series is here, and it’s all about how we cleaned up those fuzzy TV signals! 📺
Some Millennials, and def Gen Xers, may remember adjusting rabbit ears...hoping for a clear picture 😩 In 1948, Community Antenna Television (CATV) arrived, and it was a game-changer!
Imagine living in an area where mountains, buildings or distance made TV reception a nightmare. That’s where CATV came in, using a master antenna to bring clear signals to homes via cable. Oregon, Pennsylvania, and New York led the charge, bringing crystal-clear viewing to communities that had been struggling.
This was more than just clearer pictures, though. CATV paved the way for the multi-channel universe we enjoy today. It’s a huge step in our journey from broadcast to streaming!
Fun fact: The very first cable system in Astoria, Oregon charged subscribers $100 for installation (about $1,200 in today’s money!) and a $3 monthly fee. People would pay ANYTHING for better TV!
Curious about the entire evolution of video? Check out Parts 1-5 of our series on our profile! ⏪