Narrative Reflection: Yesteryear Nostalgia May Deceive Us into Believing It Dated Back Further Than Perceived
Revised Version:
Hey there! Let's take a stroll down memory lane and talk about the humble beginnings of digital television (DTV) and its transformative journey from HDTV to 4K.
In the early 2000s, HDTV was like the cool new kid on the block. I wrote an essay for Constance Ledoux Book's "Digital Television: DTV and the Consumer", highlighting the mass availability of HDTV sets in retail stores like Walmart. Back in 1997, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) had set an aggressive plan for broadcasters to switch to DTV.
However, sales were still catching up, with one out of every four televisions sold in 2004 being an HDTV. That might not sound impressive today, but it was a significant jump from seven years earlier. The high average price of $1,600 for an HDTV didn't help matters, but the cost had dropped from $2,400 in 2003.
But getting quality content wasn't straightforward. For instance, NBC Nightly News started broadcasting in HD in 2007, while The Simpsons didn't switch over until 2009. The first Super Bowl in HD was in 2000, and it took Olympics fans until 2008 to experience the entire event in HD.
Fast-forward to today, and 4K has taken over. You can grab a 55-inch LG 4K smart TV for less than $350 at Walmart. Brands like Samsung, TCL, and others offer even cheaper options for larger sets. Sure, premium models are still available for those who fancy a splurge, but in 2024, you don't have to break the bank for 4K.
Even with the rapid pace of technological advancement, it's mind-boggling to think about how ancient today's technology might seem. In a couple of years, we'll be celebrating the centennial of The Jazz Singer – the first talking picture.
Now, let's talk about the good old days of HDTV. WRAL-TV in Raleigh, NC, delivered the first U.S. public HDTV broadcast in 1996, and Hawaii's KITV aired the first U.S. commercial DTV broadcast in 1998. It wasn't until 2014 that the networks made the complete transition to HD. Big Brother was the last prime-time holdout, due to its extensive camera and infrastructure requirements.
Speaking of prime time, Netflix started streaming 4K content in 2014. A few years later, the FCC approved NextGen TV (ATSC 3.0), the new broadcast standard designed to support 4K and interactive features. However, the transition to NextGen TV is voluntary, so not every broadcaster has made the move yet.
Today, almost anyone with a halfway decent internet connection can stream tons of 4K content at home. Just a decade ago, 4K content was scarce, and you needed an expensive TV to watch it in high definition. So here's to the future, as we eagerly await developments in AI, 8K, and whatever else the Pro AV industry brings our way!
In the past, HDTV sets were priced high, making them a luxury item that could only be found in select retail stores like Walmart. Today, however, one can purchase a 55-inch LG 4K smart TV for less than $350, proving how technology, such as smart-home devices and gadgets, has revolutionized the way we consume digital content, opening up new features and options for consumers. The Pro AV industry continues to innovate, with advancements like AI, 8K technology on the horizon.
