The document discusses the early history of television, including key inventors like Paul Nipkow who created the scanning disk device in the 1880s and Philo Farnsworth who was the first to transmit a picture over the air. It also mentions Vladimir Zworykin's patent for the kinescope and provides data on the growth of households with TV sets in the United States from 1950 to 1980, which reached a steady penetration rate of about 98% by 1980. The document also notes the transition from analog to digital TV broadcasting.

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.