Media From the Heart by Ruth Hill

Vintage TV

Today, we take color TV for granted, but that was not always the case. On this date in 1953, the first color television sets (made by RCA) went on sale for a whopping $1,175. And just two days later, the first coast-to-coast color broadcast occurred–the Tournament of Roses Parade. As you can imagine, the majority of people could not afford this. It would be the equivalent of about $8,000 today. Nowadays, I would say one is hard pressed to find a black and white TV.

For more info:

http://yearinrev.weebly.com/first-color-television-set.html

http://pdxretro.com/2011/12/first-color-tv-sets-sold-on-this-day-in-1953/

http://famousdaily.com/history/first-ntsc-color-tv-set-on-sale.html

About the Author

RuthView all posts by Ruth

Ruth Hill is an entertainment journalist, digital media strategist, and creative professional who believes in the power of storytelling to inspire, encourage, and connect people. With years of experience interviewing actors, filmmakers, authors, and other creative professionals, Ruth has developed a passion for discovering the stories behind the people who bring entertainment to life. Her interviews and reviews reflect her appreciation for authentic storytelling, meaningful performances, and the creative individuals working both in front of and behind the camera. Through her digital media business, Media From the Heart, Ruth works with actors, filmmakers, authors, and organizations to help them connect with audiences through social media strategy, video production, YouTube optimization, website development, and digital marketing. A Washington State native, Ruth lives in the Yelm area and is the proud mother of an adult daughter. A former music educator and lifelong creative, she continues to pursue her passion for music, writing, and the arts. At the heart of everything Ruth does is her Christian faith, which inspires her commitment to seeing the best in others,

Tags: history, television history

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13 Comments

Michelle Elizondo January 8, 2014 Reply

What an amazing time.
June S. January 6, 2014 Reply

This was only four years before I was born, I can remember having black & white TV in our parents home. But man do I also remember when we got our first color TV too. It was truly a great day!
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  Ruth January 6, 2014 Reply
  
  My mom always tells me about how they had a special screen that went over their black and white TV that gave them the illusion of color TV. It worked well for outdoor scenes, but indoor scenes were sometimes kind of funny.
Cassondra Del Rio January 4, 2014 Reply

haha! i had NO idea a color tv cost SO MUCH!!!!!!
Linda Szymoniak January 1, 2014 Reply

While my generation had so much more technology than our parents and grandparents did, I like to remind my own daughters just how much more they have then I did. We had a black-and-while TV until near the end of my time in grade school. I remember running to a friend’s house to watch “The Wizard of Oz” on color when I was in about the 3rd grade. My daughters are very into gaming – especially my middle daughter. I’ve told her about MY first video game – PONG! We had a party line on our “landline” and never even dreamed about cell phones. It makes me wonder what will come in the next 10 or 20 years, too.
Holly Thomas January 1, 2014 Reply

My Grandparents were so proud of their new TV they took a ton of pictures of it!
terrijean jacobo January 1, 2014 Reply

wow thats crazy! thank you so much for sharing that! i remember in the 70s my parents had this big color tv that sat on the floor. that thing was so heavy too. it was very pretty though with a beautiful woodwork and all. the big flat screens of today are very different.
Tina January 1, 2014 Reply

My mom was born in 1947 so she grew up through this time. It is great to read about it.
Jessica Lodge January 1, 2014 Reply

My Mom who was born in 1950 use to tell me about how they were the last people on their block to get a TV but the first to get a color tv. If TV’s were this expensive though I’m going to assume they got it in the late 50’s though when it came down a little. $1175-yikes! I wouldn’t pay that even now for a TV.
Landis Golden January 1, 2014 Reply

It seems similar to the switch from SD to HD Tv’s
Shannon December 30, 2013 Reply

We take a lot of things for granted these days. I try to be thankful for everything I have.
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  Ruth December 30, 2013 Reply
  
  Amen to that!
Crystal Brummett December 30, 2013 Reply

Wow.. What cool information.. I had no idea.. Thanks for sharing dear 🙂