Census Bureau Daily Feature: Cathode Ray Tube

[The following is a release from the U.S. Census Bureau]

December 19, 2008

Television programming at this time of year features many holiday specials, as well as ads for toys, clothing, jewelry and many other gifts. Viewing these would not be possible without the work of a television pioneer named Vladimir Zworykin, whose efforts laid the foundation for modern television. As early as 1929, he showed his invention, the cathode ray tube, in a successful demonstration of television as we know it. In later years, he was not pleased with what had happened to his invention, saying: “I hate what they’ve done to my child...I would never let my own children watch it.” Today, television is almost universal, with more than 98 percent of U.S. households owning at least one set. In fact, most homes have three sets. You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau online at www.census.gov. Sources: Chase's Calendar of Events 2008, p. 602 Statistical Abstract of the United States 2008, t. 1099 http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2008edition.html

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