televisions

Television, commonly abbreviated as TV, is a device for receiving broadcast signals and displaying moving pictures with synchronized audio. It evolved from early mechanical systems in the 1920s to electronic displays that became standard in the second half of the 20th century, culminating in today's flat-panel sets. Mechanical televisions used spinning disks; electronic television with cathode ray tubes (CRTs) enabled larger images and color. The CRT era dominated consumers’ viewing until the rise of flat panels in the 1990s and 2000s.

Flat-panel technologies include LCD and LED-backlit LCD displays, which improved efficiency and brightness. Other approaches such as plasma, OLED, and quantum dot (QLED) panels offered different advantages in contrast, color, and response. Among these, LCD/LED and OLED are the most common today, with advances like microLED in development.

Televisions integrate tuners for receiving over-the-air, cable, or satellite signals and increasingly rely on internet connections for streaming. The digital transition replaced many analog broadcasts in the 2000s and 2010s. Modern sets often function as smart TVs, offering apps, streaming services, and web access via Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

Display quality is described by resolution (SD, HD, Full HD 1080p, 4K Ultra HD, and sometimes 8K), color gamut, and high dynamic range (HDR). Common sizes range from about 24 inches to 85 inches or more. Connectivity typically includes HDMI, USB, and audio outputs. Energy efficiency guidelines influence design and consumer choice, and the market continues to be driven by content delivery trends and platform ecosystems.