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Sometimes, television makes me feel sort of old. Not the stuff that’s on TV—though sometimes that has the same effect—but the actual television sitting in my living room. It’s what some would consider a fancy piece of equipment—HD, Wi-Fi, 3D, bigger than two of my parents’ old sets—and I alternate between taking it for granted and being amazed by it. It’s during those latter moments that the old-age feelings sink in.
Since I can remember when HD and Wi-Fi didn’t even exist, 3D was reserved for cult films, and a 21 inch screen was considered big, it’s not all that hard to understand why this technological marvel makes me feel like some kind of artifact. I even remember black and white TVs, though it’s true that when I was growing up, the primary set in our home was always color. But, other than a small hand-held we kept around for weather alerts during power outages (until everything went digital), I’m not sure my son has ever seen a B&W set.
And the accessories? Cable, satellite, VCRs, DVDs, DVRs, they’ve all come into existence within my lifetime. Well, okay, cable was around before I was, but it was hardly widespread. I can remember when it became available in my hometown, and I can remember how excited we were when my dad finally relented and said we could get it.
All of this technology goes into the television viewing experience, making it more convenient, and, in many ways, more enjoyable. It’s all part and parcel of the normal television landscape these days, and I’m grateful I’ve had the opportunity to witness this sort of electronic revolution. But sometimes it still makes me feel old.
What’s your favorite piece of television technology?
