Television · 1931
1931: Television Steps Into the Spotlight
In 1931, experimental television crossed dramatic frontiers as live outside broadcasts, electronic cathode-ray demonstrations, and network experimental stations emerged worldwide. From New York to Moscow and London to Berlin, inventors and broadcasters laid the foundational bricks for public television.
- June 1931 | Baird Television | UK
Baird Broadcasts the Epsom Derby Live
Baird Television captures the Epsom Derby using a mobile scanner van, completing the world's first live outside television broadcast of a major sporting event.
- July 1931 | CBS / W2XAB | USA
CBS Launches W2XAB Experimental Television Station
CBS launches its first experimental TV station in New York City with an inaugural broadcast featuring Mayor Jimmy Walker and composer George Gershwin.
- August 1931 | Berlin | Germany
Manfred von Ardenne Demonstrates All-Electronic TV
Physicist Manfred von Ardenne presents the first public demonstration of a fully electronic television system using cathode-ray tubes at the Berlin Radio Show.
- October 1931 | Moscow | USSR
Soviet Union Initiates Experimental TV Broadcasts
The USSR launches regular experimental television broadcasts from Moscow using a 30-line mechanical system transmitted over radio frequencies.
- April 1931 | Montrouge | France
René Barthélemy Transmits France's First TV Picture
Engineer René Barthélemy conducts France's first official television demonstration, transmitting a 30-line mechanical image from Montrouge.
- August 1931 | W2XAB | USA
W2XAB Airs Early Drama 'The Smuggler'
CBS experimental station W2XAB airs 'The Smuggler,' pioneering the broadcast of narrative dramatic fiction on mechanical television.
- October 1931 | NBC / RCA | USA
NBC Mounts W2XBS Transmitter Atop Empire State Building
RCA and NBC begin installing experimental station W2XBS atop New York's newly completed Empire State Building for superior signal reach.
- July 1931 | CBS | USA
Kate Smith Performs on Inaugural W2XAB Telecast
Popular singer Kate Smith performs live on CBS's inaugural W2XAB broadcast, becoming one of the first radio stars to appear on television.
Enjoyed your trip back in time?