Interesting facts about television (TV). Interesting facts, amazing facts, unknown facts in the museum of facts Interesting facts about television

In 1987, shortly after Japan and Europe introduced their own high-definition television systems (MUSE and HD-MAC), American experts announced a nationwide competition for best project high definition television systems for approval as a national standard. As a result of this bold approach to finding talent and enthusiasts, the ATSC (Advanced Television Systems Committee) organization was created, which to this day regulates digital video transmission standards in the United States and Canada.

2. To pay or not to pay - that is the question!

When digital television was first launched in the UK, Italy and Spain, operators decided to make terrestrial channels pay to compete with cable television. However, TV viewers took this decision as a personal insult, and broadcasters realized that the widespread introduction of digital television was only possible with the provision of free packages at the start.

3. Worldwide digitalization!

In June 2006, the Geneva 2006 agreement was signed, developed by International Union telecommunications (ITU). According to the Geneva agreement, analogue television broadcasting will be switched off in Europe and parts of Central Asia no later than 2015. The need for digitalization follows from international obligations (almost all states in the world are members of the ITU), but each country determines independently how to organize this process within the established parameters.

4. Who's first?

The very first country in the world to abandon the “analogue” was Luxembourg. This happened on September 1, 2006, just five months after the country began its transition to digital broadcasting. And one of the last European countries to complete the shutdown of analogue terrestrial television was Italy. On July 4 this year, the last analogue broadcast services were switched off in the cities of Palermo and Messina in Sicily. This completed the process, which began in 2008 on the island of Sardinia. The record holders for the longest implementation of the digitalization program are Spain - 10 years and the UK - 13 years.

5. A new generation of digital TV for a new Russia!

Russia, like the whole world, is switching to digital technologies and equipment. Digitalization of the country is underway in full swing, 1–2 constructed digital broadcasting facilities are put into operation every day; by 2015, Russia will completely switch to digital. It is interesting that fully providing all Russian households with high-quality digital television, namely the purchase of a digital set-top box, requires from subscribers the same amount of money as the entire population of Russia spends on purchasing new mobile phones in a year and a half.

6. Interactivity at the level!

The day is not far off when viewers will be able to influence the outcome of the film they are watching, and cries of “Where is she running, are there enemies?” or “Hey detectives, the killer is the gardener!” will become not only habitual, but also useful. But today, the interactivity of digital television allows viewers to take part in the program directly during the broadcast, vote for their favorite performers, order goods and services, or study remotely.

7. Meanwhile in Europe...

According to research firm Research and Markets, at the end of 2010, as many as 2/3 (76 million) of all Eastern European households used analogue television, but by 2016 this figure will drop to 10.6% (12 million). Thus, in the next four years, 64 million households will switch to digital broadcasting. Eastern Europe(on the territory of 15 countries included in the study). And the penetration of digital TV among households in France as of the end of June 2012 reached 99.3%.

8. And here is advertising!

The second largest US television broadcaster, Dish Network, presented a service on its website that allows you to skip commercials. The function is called Auto Hop. By turning on Auto Hop before starting to watch TV using The Hopper set-top box, the viewer will see a black screen or the first frame of the commercial at the start of the advertising block, after which the broadcast will continue. Previously, set-top boxes like The Hopper only had the ability to fast-forward ads, during which the image would not disappear from the screen.

9. The USSR is ahead of the rest

Back in 1965, the book “Television and Information Theory” was published in the USSR, where the theory of digital video signal compression, on the basis of which digital television broadcasting is built today, was clearly presented. However, the technology of that time did not allow the theory to be translated into practice, as the authors of the book wrote in the introduction: “Unfortunately... the practice of applying information theory in television is still sterile.”

10. Eye on America

The United States can be considered one of the countries occupying a leading position in the transition to digital terrestrial television. Analogue television was switched off in June 2009. The transition to new format television broadcasting caused panic among many Americans, so people at the last moment bought converters and new televisions necessary for receiving a digital signal. Young Hispanic families were the least prepared for the transition to the new television format; Older Americans were the best prepared. As a result, about 2.8 million homes in the United States are not prepared for the transition to digital.

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On October 1, 1931, full-fledged television broadcasting began in Moscow - the first television programs with sound on medium waves went on air.

On the anniversary of domestic television, RG selected several interesting facts about Soviet television broadcasting.

Lunch break

On weekdays, Soviet television broadcast mainly in the morning and evening - from 6-8 a.m. to midnight or 11:00 p.m. And during the day, as a rule, from 13:00 to 16:00, when the Soviet worker was at his place of work, there was a break in the programs. At this time, the “First Program” showed the clock, and the “Second” showed the tuning table.

Editorial

The creation of programs of various types on Soviet television was carried out by the Chief Editorial Offices - “for children and youth”, “information” and others. Among them were some that were quite specific to modern television, for example, Chief Editor folk art, which supported the presence of the culture of numerous peoples of the USSR on television.

Makeup

At dawn Soviet television Announcers wore green lipstick before broadcasts. This was a common practice of the era of black-and-white television: green lipstick stood out more than red lipstick when the picture passed through the common red filters.

For bedtime

At night, when the program program came to an end, a special reminder appeared on the screen for a few minutes - a flashing message “Remember to turn off the TV,” accompanied by an unpleasant sound. It was not easy for the viewers dozing off at the screen to ignore this call.

Mechanical television

Early television in the USSR was not entirely based on electricity and used mechanical TV technology. It initially did not even involve sound broadcasting, and it was in this silent format that the first experimental television signals were given on May 1, 1931. Mechanical television was finally abandoned in favor of electric television on April 1, 1941.

A little bit of good things

After the launch of television broadcasting in Moscow, Leningrad and Odessa, broadcasts were not carried out very often. For example, in Moscow, programs were broadcast only 12 times a month, and their duration was 60 minutes. After the war, in December 1945, Moscow viewers were the first in Europe to enjoy regular broadcasting. And it became daily since the beginning of 1955.

Long breaks

In the first half of the 20th century, the television signal was often interrupted for quite a long time. At the end of 1933, broadcasting in Moscow stopped for two months - at this time experiments were carried out on the transition to electric television. Leningrad television was turned off during the blockade, and the Moscow television center interrupted the broadcast for six months in 1948-1949 due to reconstruction.

TV program

Soviet television practically did not use the now common term “channel”. Instead, the Soviet viewer could switch between “programs”. Only in November 1989, the Moscow program was replaced by the Moscow Television Channel, and later Ostankino Channel One, RTR, 2x2 and others appeared.

Wide choice

Until mid-50s Central Television limited to one program. In 1956, the “Second Program” appeared, in 1965 - the educational “Third”, and two and a half years later - the “Fourth”. Subsequently, eight channels were used - they carried duplicates of the main programs, adjusted for local time in other time zones.

Advertising existed on Soviet television before it appeared in its usual form in the mid-80s. Only it was broadcast not during program breaks, but as independent programs called “Advertising” or “More good goods" and were somewhat reminiscent of "Shopping on the Couch."

In which country did they try to prevent the development of color television due to fears of social stratification?

When color televisions appeared in Israel in the 1970s, the government considered them an unjustified luxury that contributed to social stratification, and ordered television channels to continue broadcasting in black and white and to remove the color component from imported programs and films. To do this, the so-called sync pulse was suppressed at television stations, which is why a special module in television receivers interpreted color as noise and removed it. However, engineers immediately came up with an “anti-canceller” device, which was sold in stores for 10% of the price of a new TV. The inconvenience was that about once every 15 minutes the color disappeared, and viewers had to turn a special knob to restore it. A few years later, officials discovered that the vast majority of spectators had purchased anti-suppressants and lifted the ban.

What kind of person went on to interview for the position of IT specialist and became a TV star?

On May 8, 2006, an emigrant from the Republic of Congo named Guy Goma appeared on a live broadcast of the BBC news channel, although he came to the television center for an interview for the position of an IT specialist. Expert Guy Cuney, who was actually supposed to be interviewed, was in another waiting room, but due to erroneous tips from an assistant, a BBC employee invited Goma into the studio. He realized that there was a mistake when the presenter had already introduced him as Cuny, but he was not taken aback and answered all the questions about downloading music from the Internet. After this incident, Goma became a local TV star and took part in many TV shows on different channels, but never got a job at the BBC.

Where and when did coughing become the reason for the charges and court sentence?

In 2001, Charles Ingram won the British TV show Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?, winning a million pounds. However, the payment was delayed when he, as well as his wife and accomplice Tecwen Whittock, who were present at the filming, were suspected of cheating. It turned out that Wittock coughed every time the presenter, listing the answers, said the correct one. All three denied malicious intent, but were found guilty by the court and fined, and also received suspended sentences from 12 to 18 months.

What does Bradbury think is the point of Fahrenheit 451?

The main topic In the novel Fahrenheit 451, most readers believe that individuality is suppressed through government censorship, but Ray Bradbury himself states that this perception is incorrect. The author's main message is the danger of television, which destroys interest in reading literature, replacing it with entertainment, and deep knowledge with superficial “factoids.”

Which prisoners unwittingly executed themselves in the electric chair?

There are two cases in the history of American prisons when defendants had their sentences changed from death penalty to life imprisonment, but death from electricity still found them. In 1989, Michael Anderson Godwin arranged for himself electric chair, sitting on a metal toilet in his cell while repairing the TV. The short circuit occurred when he cut through the wiring. In 1997, a similar incident happened to Lawrence Baker - he also sat on a metal toilet while watching TV with homemade headphones.

Where and when did television viewers witness suicide in live?

In 1974, American television journalist Christine Chubbuck committed suicide live on Florida's WXLT-TV. Chubbuck was responsible for producing crime and murder news. At the eighth minute of her next talk show, there was a problem - the story about the shooting in the restaurant was not aired. Then the journalist said: “In accordance with the channel’s policy of broadcasting the most brutal scenes in bright colors, you will become the first witnesses to a suicide attempt,” after which [the information was deleted at the request of Roskomnadzor].

Why do Berliners call the city's TV tower "the Pope's revenge"?

Just above the middle of the Berlin TV tower, built in 1965, is a stainless steel ball. When the sun illuminates it, a reflection in the form of a cross appears on the ball. In this regard, Berliners gave several witty nicknames to the tower, hinting at the persecution of the church and the cultivation of atheism during the years of the GDR. Among them is “the pope’s revenge”, another option is the Church of St. Walter - an ironic reference to the name of Walter Ulbricht, who led the GDR for twenty years.

What surprise did Muse give when they were forced to play along to a soundtrack?

Once the group Muse was invited to perform on Italian television, but was forced to do it with a soundtrack. The musicians did not boycott the performance, but switched roles. Lead singer and guitarist Matthew Bellamy sat down at the drums, drummer Dominic Howard stood behind the microphone with a bass guitar, and bass guitarist Chris Wolstenholme took up the guitar and stood at the keyboard. And after performing the song, the drummer also answered questions as a frontman.

Why was the chiming clock on television delayed for a minute during the New Year of 1992?

At the end of 1991, there was complete confusion with the New Year's address to the people. Gorbachev was formally the president of the USSR, but he no longer decided anything, and Yeltsin was also unable to congratulate him for unknown reasons. The honorary role was offered to Mikhail Zadornov, who was the presenter of “Blue Light”. The satirist spoke live and got so carried away that he spoke a minute longer. For his sake, the chimes were delayed.

How many times does the average American police officer shoot during his career?

According to statistics, the average American police officer uses his service weapon once every 27 years during his career. And in television series, the average police officer shoots to kill at least 10 times.

What game has found a second life thanks to color television?

The billiard game snooker declined in the mid-20th century. However, interest in it increased greatly again after the BBC chose it to demonstrate the advantages of color television and began broadcasting all championships. Green table and colorful balls snooker was the best choice for this purpose.

Television is one of the most important and influential media mass media. Since its inception, it has had a significant impact on the development of society. Television helps inform people about latest news, entertains and educates. In this article we will get acquainted with amazing facts about television that few people know.

1. The Science of Persuasion

When the American Congress decided to cut television broadcasting costs in 1969, famous actor and television personality Fred Rogers traveled to Washington to sway the Senate. As a result of his convincing speech, the government not only did not reduce, but also more than doubled the budget.

2. Generous Chanel

One of the most expensive commercials was filmed for the French brand Chanel. The company spent no less than $44 million on advertising featuring actress Nicole Kidman - the budget of an average Hollywood blockbuster.

3. Dreams and reality

Many of us tend to dream in color, but most people who grew up in the era of black and white broadcasts dream in black and white.

4. No TV

One of the inventors of television was the American Philo Taylor Farnsworth. At the same time, he forbade his children to watch television programs, citing the fact that they did not show anything worth seeing.

5. Repair and bankruptcy

From 2003 to 2012, the large-scale reality show about renovation, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, was very popular in the United States. Few people know that the popular series drove many families to bankruptcy and the impossibility of repurchasing their real estate.

6. Pay your taxes

The British are required to pay taxes to the BBC for the use of television: about 140 pounds a year for watching channels on color TV and about 50 pounds for black and white. That is why television today has moved to the background and all of humanity is gradually moving to the Internet or to mobile applications, so Eye TV, compared to other applications on Android, will help you watch your favorite programs at a time convenient for you.

The record holder for the number of appearances in advertising is Dave Thomas, the founder of the largest restaurant chain Wendy's. Since 1989, he has made about 800 videos. Subsequently, all of them were shown at an exhibition organized by the Columbus Advertising Federation.

8. Hacking Ether

In 1987, during the broadcast of the TV series Doctor Who, an unknown man invaded the airwaves and for one and a half minutes laughed, sang, spoke incomprehensible, incoherent phrases and even threw a can of Coca-Cola at the camera twice. The hooligan hijacker who hacked the television broadcast was never found.

In Norway there is a ban on the use of hidden advertising, or product placement. This is one of the most popular ways to promote a product. According to statistics, about two thirds of advertisers use it.

10. Ghosts on TV

One of the very first television shows in the United States was a program about ghosts. In it, actors with terrible makeup told creepy stories about murders.

11.Music live

The first pianist whose performance was broadcast live on television was the American composer Earl Wilde. He was the first to give an online concert on the Internet.

12. "CSI Effect"

Detective series have taught criminals to more carefully hide traces of a crime. The influence of films and TV series on solving crimes was called the CSI effect - after the name of the famous television show about crime Crime Scene Investigation, which showed in detail the work of criminologists and forensic experts.

13. Don't part with your TV

According to statistics, every American spends about 15 years watching TV, and 70% Russian citizens enjoy watching television programs daily.

14. At the top of popularity

The British car show Top Gear is recognized as the most popular TV show in the world.

15. Even more episodes

The longest animated series in the history of television is the comedy series The Simpsons. In second place is the television series “Hey Arnold!”

Television plays an important role in life modern man. For the last century, it has been providing people with news, entertaining them, making them laugh, cry, or even scare them. This began with the early days of black and white televisions and continues through to today's colorful flat screens. In this review, we will talk about little-known, incredible and simply fun facts related to television.

1. The power of persuasion

In 1969, the United States wanted to cut the public broadcasting budget. Rogers, who was relatively unknown at the time, went to Washington to convince Congress. As a result, the estimated budget of $9 million was increased to $22 million.

2. Chanel didn't skimp

3. Black and white or color?

It is known that most people dream in color. However, people who grew up in the era of black and white television tend to dream in black and white.

4. Ban on viewing

Philo Taylor Farnsworth is considered the inventor of modern television. Interestingly, he did not allow his children to watch TV.

5. "The house is closed for renovations"

In the USA, the reality show “House Closed for Renovation” was extremely popular for 9 years (2003-2012). Few people know that it has driven many families into bankruptcy and foreclosure on their properties.

6. TV tax

In the UK, people who own a television must pay a TV tax of $230 to support the BBC.

7. The Tireless Dave Thomas

Founder of an American restaurant chain fast food Wendy's Dave Thomas has appeared in more than 800 commercials for his company. More quantity no one has ever made commercials in history.

8. Hijacking a TV station

In 1987, a man hijacked a television station during an episode of Doctor Who. He appeared on screens across the country wearing a mask and spouting some nonsense for some time. As a result of this stranger
never caught.

9. "TV Ghost"

In the 1930s, the television series "Television Ghost" was shown on screens. In it, an actor disguised as a dead man talked about how he was killed.

10. Product placement is illegal

Product placement is illegal in Norway. This is implicit advertising in which characters in films and TV shows use products that have real commercial analogues.

11. "CSI Effect"

Thanks to television series about police work, criminals have become better at covering up the tracks of their crimes. This was called the "CSI Effect".

12. The first pianist on TV

American pianist Earl Wilde was the first person to play the piano on television. 60 years later, he became the first person to stream video games online.

13. 15 years of life on TV

On average, each person in the United States spends 15 years of their life watching television. 70% of Russians watch TV daily.

14. Longest animated series

The Simpsons is the longest running animated series in American television history. The second longest running animated series is Hey Arnold!

15. The most popular series in the world

The British TV show Top Gear is the most popular series in the world.

16. Suicide Live

In 1974, broadcaster Christine Chubbuck announced during a television broadcast that "in keeping with Channel 40's policy of as much blood and guts as possible on air, viewers will be shown a suicide attempt for the first time." She then pulled out a gun and killed herself by shooting herself in the head.

17. "Deadly Rooms"

"Deadly Rooms" is a documentary series released in 1995 that showed Chinese orphanages. Children there repeatedly died of hunger.

18. TV - The Great Manipulator

Sunglasses Wayfarers almost became a relic in the 1980s. However, Ray-Ban signed a product placement deal, under which the glasses were shown in almost 60 television shows and films, dramatically increasing their popularity.

19. 5 hours daily

Today people watch much less television due to the rapid development of the Internet. However, the average American still spends 5 hours every day watching TV.

20. First interracial kiss

The first interracial kiss on American television was shown during an episode of the series Star Trek. Interestingly, the scene was filmed with and without a kiss, but the actors (Shatner and Nichols) deliberately ruined every shot taken without a kiss.

21. TV broadcast cost $100 million

After President Kennedy died in 1963, television networks broadcast only the scene of his funeral non-stop for 4 days. This cost $100 million in lost advertising revenue.

22. TV on mobile devices

Progress does not stand still. 25% of people watch TV shows on mobile devices.

23. 17 days of advertising life

There is hardly a single person who likes annoying advertising. In the United States, people spend about 17 days of their lives watching commercials.

24. John Munch

John Munch (played by Richard Belzer) - the only one fictional character, played by the same actor and featured in 10 different television series. These include Law & Order and The X-Files.