How TV Levelled Up Every Decade From Retro Box To Smart Screens | World Television Day 2025

Evolution Of Television: Considered as one of the greatest evolutions of all time, the journey of television is most interesting in the world of modern technology. What started as a bulky wood-cased, retro-electronic box with grainy black-and-white images levelled up to sleek, internet-connected smart screens with immersive visuals to stream films, music, sports and others. On World Television Day 2025, let’s come together to commemorate this dynamic journey that has reminded us over the decades that TV has not only entertained but also enlightened and brought together people across generations. Over time, television’s picture quality, size, design and how it brings content to our homes improved. Take a look at the breakdown of the evolution of television over the decades on World Television Day 2025.

With the evolution of television, there seems to be a gradual transformation in humans, who were guided and fueled by innovation, curiosity and community. From the families gathering around the TCV sets for nightly entertainment to AI-powered television sets that blur the boundaries between basic TV, he internet, and artificial intelligence, TV has levelled up over the decades to redefine people’s culture and perception.

Streaming vs Traditional TV: How Has Television Changed Over The Decades

How Televisions Began

The initial phase of the evolution of television was controlled by CRT TVs (Cathode Ray Tube). These early televisions were heavy, box-shaped and mostly available in black and white. Families gathered together for a limited broadcast of programs and even adjusted the antenna as a part of the experience. Although basic boxes, CRT TVs introduced the world to electronic entertainment right at home.

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Colour TVs And Flat Screens

By the 1970s and 1980s, colour TVs slowly came into the scene of technology. It became common where people could finally watch sports, films and shows in colour, making entertainment a worthwhile experience. A major turning point in the evolution of TV came with flat-screen technology. LCD and plasma TVs offered clearer images and lighter designs. They were easier to mount on walls and quickly replaced bulky CRT sets.

Evolution Of TV Over The Decades (Image Credits: Canva)

Rise Of HD, LED And Smart Screens

As the technology evolved over time, HD TVs and LED TVs came with sharper and brighter picture quality. High-definition broadcasts changed how we watched everything on TV, from cricket matches to films. LED displays used less power and offered slimmer bodies, which made them popular in most households for their stylish outlook.

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Following the arrival of the smart TVs, these internet-enabled screens acted like big smartphones. On these TVs. people could stream content, browse apps, and watch YouTube or OTT shows, without having the need for a separate device. This stands as one of the biggest evolutions in the history of television.

Television in recent times is no longer viewed as a screen but is an entertainment hub. You can connect smartphones, use voice assistants, mirror content, play games and explore multiple streaming platforms. With the evolution of technology, the viewing experience has become smoother, sharper and more personal. However, the core of television has remained steady, that is, to bring people together through shared moments and stories.