|
Did You Know? |
- The 21st century has seen some incredible advancements in electronics, revolutionizing the way we live, work, and communicate. Smartphones, Artificial Intelligence, CRISPR Gene-Editing Technology
Graphene-Based Electronics, Large Hadron Collider, Mars Rovers (Curiosity & Opportunity), Internet of Things (IoT), 3D Printing and Supercapacitorsare some of the most groundbreaking electronic products in this century.
- Smartphones – These pocket-sized powerhouses have transformed communication, entertainment, and productivity.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) – AI-driven technologies, from virtual assistants to autonomous vehicles, are reshaping industries.
- CRISPR Gene-Editing Technology – A revolutionary tool in healthcare, offering potential cures for genetic diseases.
- Graphene-Based Electronics – Graphene, the hardest known material, is paving the way for ultra-fast and efficient electronic devices.
- Large Hadron Collider (LHC) – One of the most advanced research facilities ever built, helping scientists explore fundamental physics.
- Mars Rovers (Curiosity & Opportunity) – Engineering marvels that have expanded our understanding of the Martian environment.
- Internet of Things (IoT) – Smart homes and cities are becoming a reality, thanks to interconnected devices.
- 3D Printing – Revolutionizing manufacturing by enabling intricate designs and customized products.
- Supercapacitors – A breakthrough in energy storage, offering faster charging and longer-lasting power.
- On July 14, 2019, French inventor and entrepreneur Franky Zapata captivated audiences by soaring above the Champs-Élysées on his
jet-powered "Flyboard Air" during the Bastille Day military parade in Paris. The futuristic hoverboard, powered by gas turbines and capable of reaching speeds up
to 190 km/h (118 mph), was demonstrated in front of President Emmanuel Macron and other European leaders. Zapata, a former jet-ski champion, held a rifle
during the flight to suggest potential military applications, such as logistical support or assault operations.
- Intel was founded in 1968 by Robert Noyce and Gordon
Moore, two pioneers of semiconductor technology, with Andrew Grove joining shortly after as the company’s first hire and later becoming its transformative CEO. Together,
they formed a powerhouse trio—Noyce brought credibility and vision, Moore contributed deep technical expertise, and Grove drove execution and growth with relentless intensity. Intel revolutionized computing by inventing the
x86 series of microprocessors, starting with the 8086 in 1978, which became the backbone of most
personal computers and remains a dominant architecture today. Over the decades, Intel has grown into the world’s largest and highest-valued semiconductor chip maker by revenue, powering everything from PCs to data centers and embedded
systems.
- Alan Turing is widely recognized as the father of theoretical computer science
and artificial intelligence (AI) for his pioneering work in formalizing the concepts of algorithms
and computation through his invention of the Turing machine in 1936—a theoretical construct that models the logic of any
general-purpose computer. His contributions established the foundations of computational theory, including the concept of decidability and the limits of
algorithmic processes, as demonstrated by the Church–Turing thesis. Turing also made profound real-world impact during World War II by leading efforts to break the Enigma code, and later proposed the Turing Test in 1950 to evaluate machine
intelligence—an idea that continues to influence debates on AI capabilities today.
- In 1950, Zenith Radio Corporation developed the first television remote control,
known as the “Lazy Bones.” It was a wired device that connected to the TV via a thick cable, allowing users to power the set on and off and change channels through motorized tuning. Although it worked reliably, the cumbersome cable proved
inconvenient and often led to accidents in the home. This innovation set the stage for wireless remote controls, beginning with the Flash-Matic in 1955, which used directed light beams, and the Space Command in 1956, which operated using
ultrasonic sound—both marking significant milestones in television interactivity and user convenience.
- The evolution from early video camera tubes to modern digital imaging spans nearly a century of technological innovation. In 1925, German physicists
Max Dieckmann and Rudolf Hell
filed a patent for the Photoelectric Image Dissector Tube, granted in 1927, using cathode-ray scanning to convert light into electrical signals—an early step toward electronic image capture.
In the 1930s through 1950s, charge-storage tubes like the iconoscope and orthicon enhanced light sensitivity and became central to broadcast television. The invention of the
Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) in 1969 by Willard Boyle and
George Smith revolutionized imaging with solid-state sensors. Sony’s digital D1 format emerged in 1986, followed by
consumer-friendly camcorders like the Handycam in the 1990s. CMOS sensors then appeared in the 2000s, offering faster performance and energy efficiency. Today’s imaging systems
boast AI-driven features, cloud integration, and ultra-high resolutions like 4K and 8K, with smartphone cameras delivering professional-quality video. Together, these milestones
transformed the cathode-ray beginnings of 1927 into today’s immersive digital experiences.
- The memristor, short for memory resistor, was first theorized in 1971 by UC Berkeley professor Leon O. Chua, who identified it as the fourth fundamental circuit
element—alongside the resistor, capacitor, and inductor. His groundbreaking insight emerged from exploring the mathematical relationships between charge, current, voltage, and magnetic flux, revealing a missing link: a component
whose resistance could vary based on the flow of current and preserve that state even when powered off. Decades later, in 2008, Richard Stanley Williams,
a senior fellow at Hewlett-Packard Labs, led the team that successfully constructed the first physical memristor using a thin film of titanium dioxide. Their achievement
not only validated Chua’s theory but also catalyzed advancements in nonvolatile memory, neuromorphic computing, and analog processing. Williams’ findings demonstrated the memristor’s ability to emulate synaptic behavior, making it a
promising building block for brain-inspired computing. While Chua laid the conceptual groundwork, Williams and his team transformed theory into reality—bridging a generational gap in electronics with innovative nanotechnology.
- Leica's APO-Telyt-R 1:5.6/1600mm lens holds the title as the world’s most expensive civilian-use lens, custom-built in 2006 for
Sheikh Saud Bin Mohammed Al-Thani, Qatar’s former Minister of Culture and a passionate photography enthusiast. The lens cost a staggering $2,064,500
and was designed for wildlife photography, particularly desert falcons. Weighing around 132 pounds and measuring over 5 feet with its lens hood, it was so massive that the Sheikh reportedly commissioned a custom 4×4 SUV to transport and
support it in the field3. Only three units were ever made, with Leica retaining two prototypes for display and testing. This engineering marvel remains a symbol of optical excellence and extravagance in the photography world.
- Between 1964 and 2009, Leica sold approximately 488,000 reflex cameras, spanning two major series: the Leicaflex and the Leica R-System. Among these, the
Leicaflex SL, introduced in 1968 with selective TTL metering, and the Leica R4, launched in 1980 with electronic features developed in collaboration with Minolta, stood out as the most popular models2. These cameras were known for
their mechanical precision, exceptional lens quality, and robust build—though they often faced stiff competition from more technologically advanced Japanese brands. Despite that, they’ve earned a loyal following among collectors and
photography enthusiasts for their craftsmanship and legacy.
- Sony unveiled the first Blu-ray Disc prototypes in October 2000, marking a major leap in optical media
technology with its use of blue-violet lasers for higher data density. The first prototype Blu-ray player followed in April 2003 in Japan, showcasing the format’s potential for high-definition video and large storage capacity. These
early developments laid the groundwork for Blu-ray’s official global release in June 2006, eventually leading to its dominance over HD DVD in the format wars.
- In 1994, the first DVD player was designed and manufactured by Tatung Company
in Taiwan through a collaboration with Pacific Digital Company from the United States, laying the foundation for a new era in digital media. Although the technology faced initial delays due to copy protection concerns and limited
movie availability, it quickly evolved—launching commercially in Japan in 1996 and entering the U.S. market by March 1997. This breakthrough revolutionized home entertainment by providing higher-quality video and greater storage
capacity than VHS tapes, eventually paving the way for Blu-ray technology and the rise of streaming services.
- In U.S. households, televisions are turned on for an average of 7 hours and 40 minutes each day, yet the actual viewing time per person is significantly lower, with recent figures indicating that the average American watches about
3 hours and 46 minutes daily—amounting to more than 52 full days of viewing per year. This discrepancy suggests that TVs often function as background noise during daily activities like cooking, cleaning, or relaxing, and reflects the
evolving role of television as a multi-purpose device used not just for entertainment, but also for streaming, gaming, and smart home integration.
- By 2010, 92% of U.S. households owned a VCR or DVD player, but that number has dropped sharply in the streaming era. As of early 2025, only 28.3% of Americans
still use DVDs or Blu-rays to watch TV and movies, with 9.5% relying exclusively on physical discs and 18.8% blending them with digital platforms. VCR ownership has declined even further, with recent estimates suggesting only 13%
of households still have one, often for nostalgia or archival purposes. The shift reflects a broader cultural pivot toward streaming services, smart TVs, and cloud-based media, making physical playback devices increasingly rare
in modern homes.
- As of 2024, approximately 97% of U.S. households own at least one television set, reflecting only a modest decrease from 2015’s 98%. The number of TVs per household remains high, with many homes equipped with two or more
smart sets, fueled by the surge in streaming services and connected technology. Smart TV penetration is expected to surpass 90% by 2025, with most households maintaining multiple screens featuring advanced capabilities such as
voice control, video calling, and integrated apps. Although traditional TV ownership has slightly declined, the prevalence and sophistication of in-home viewing devices have expanded significantly.
- By 2012, out of 1.43 billion global TV households, approximately 800 million subscribed to pay-TV services, reflecting a 56% penetration rate across platforms like cable TV, satellite TV, and IPTV. By 2024, the total number
of TV households had risen to around 1.75 billion, with about 990 million pay-TV subscribers, nudging global penetration to approximately 56.5%. For 2025, projections estimate 1.78 billion TV households worldwide, with pay-TV
subscribers reaching roughly 1 billion, maintaining a steady 56% penetration rate. While growth in regions like Asia-Pacific—driven by China and India—continues to expand the subscriber base, mature markets such as North America
and Western Europe are seeing declines due to cord-cutting and the rise of streaming services.
- By 2012, the Asia-Pacific region had approximately 445 million pay-TV households, while North America counted around 113 million. By 2024, Asia-Pacific's pay-TV subscriber base grew to roughly 659.5 million, with projections
for 2025 reaching 800 million households—driven largely by the expansion of IPTV and digital terrestrial TV in countries like China and India, which are expected to account for 74% of the region’s subscribers by 2026. In contrast,
North America has seen a significant decline: traditional pay-TV households in the U.S. dropped to an estimated 53.3 million in 2024 and are projected to fall further to 49.6 million by 2025, although digital pay-TV formats
such as vMVPDs show growth, totaling about 20.7 million U.S. households in early 2025.
- In a comprehensive camera test, Energizer Advanced Lithium AA batteries emerged as the longest-lasting, powering through an impressive 809 photos before running out2. In contrast, Duracell Ultra PowerPix managed 174 shots,
while Walgreens Supercell Alkaline and CVS Alkaline batteries were the quickest to die, each lasting only about 133 photos3. This stark performance gap underscores the superior energy density and efficiency of lithium-based batteries,
especially in high-drain devices like digital cameras. While lithium batteries cost more upfront, their extended lifespan often makes them more economical over time.
- Steve Jobs (1955-2011), who was co-founder, chairman and CEO of Apple, Inc., led the team that designed and developed the Macintosh computer, and
oversaw the creation of one innovative digital device after another — iPod, iPhone and iPad, was neither a hardware engineer nor a computer programmer. He considered himself as a technology leader, choosing the best people as possible, encouraging and prodding them, and making the final call on product designs.
- After Apple released the iPad 2 in March 2011, which was 33% thinner (0.34 inches), 15% lighter (1.3 lbs), and featured a dual-core A5 chip that made it twice as fast with graphics performance up to nine times better, the company
launched a series of annual upgrades and new models. In March 2012, the iPad (3rd generation) introduced the Retina Display and A5X chip with 4G LTE support; by November of that year, the iPad (4th generation) arrived with the A6X chip
and Lightning connector, and the smaller 7.9" iPad Mini debuted using the A5 chip. November 2013 saw the launch of the iPad Air with a thinner, lighter body and 64-bit A7 chip, while the iPad Mini 2 adopted the same A7 chip and Retina
Display. In October 2014, Apple introduced the iPad Air 2 with an A8X chip, Touch ID, and enhanced cameras. Then, in November 2015, the 12.9" iPad Pro debuted, supporting Apple Pencil and the Smart Keyboard with the powerful A9X chip,
followed by the 9.7" iPad Pro in March 2016 featuring a True Tone display and upgraded cameras. From 2017 onward, Apple expanded the iPad family into distinct lines—iPad, iPad Air, iPad Mini, and iPad Pro—with models integrating
USB-C ports, M-series chips, Liquid Retina XDR displays, and support for Apple Pencil Pro by 2025, reflecting a significant evolution in power, design, and functionality since the iPad 2.
- Apple’s first-generation iPad was officially launched on April 3, 2010, marking a major milestone in mobile computing. Within just 80 days, it sold 3 million units, and by the end of the year, total sales had reached 14.8 million—a
staggering success for a brand-new product category. The device featured a 9.7-inch LED-backlit display, ran on the Apple A4 chip, and came in storage options of 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB. It didn’t include a camera, but its sleek design
and intuitive interface made it a favorite for media consumption, web browsing, and productivity. This launch not only expanded Apple’s ecosystem but also helped define the modern tablet market.
- In the rapidly evolving world of consumer electronics, tablets, smart TVs, smart appliances, and 3D devices are set to replace traditional electronic gadgets within the next three years. Apple continues to lead the tablet market
with over 40% global share, while Samsung dominates smart TVs, maintaining the top position for 19 consecutive years and expanding its reach through licensing its Tizen OS to brands like RCA. Although Sony pioneered 3D television
technology during the early 2010s, it discontinued production in 2017 due to declining consumer demand and the rise of 4K and HDR displays. LG Electronics holds a strong foothold in the smart appliance segment, especially in
Asia-Pacific, with innovations in AI-powered refrigerators, washers, and climate control systems via its ThinQ platform. Meanwhile, Microsoft has evolved Xbox Live from a gaming service into a comprehensive entertainment hub,
supporting streaming platforms like YouTube, Netflix, and Disney+, while offering commercial-free content through its Movies & TV app. Together, these companies are driving a shift toward intelligent, interconnected, and immersive
home experiences.
- Comcast and Time Warner are advancing cable-free entertainment by developing applications that enable customers to stream Video on Demand (VOD) and Live TV directly to Samsung Smart TVs and Galaxy Tablets—no set-top box (STB) required.
Powered by the Xfinity Stream app, users can watch live channels, access on-demand content and DVR recordings, and stream seamlessly across devices without renting additional hardware. Samsung Smart TVs support this integration via their
Smart Hub platform, offering streamlined access and enhanced viewing flexibility. This innovation reflects a broader shift toward digital-first experiences, empowering viewers with more control over how, when, and where they consume media.
- The United Kingdom, United States, and Germany were the first three countries to establish regular television broadcasts during the 1930s. Germany’s Deutscher
Fernseh Rundfunk began public transmissions in 1935–1936, followed closely by the UK’s launch of the BBC Television Service in 1936. In the United States, experimental broadcasts gave way to commercial television by 1941. While
the Soviet Union conducted experimental broadcasts in the early 1930s and began regular service later in the decade, Germany preceded it in launching public television. Nonetheless, the Soviet Union remained an influential early
innovator and played a key role in advancing television technology.
- Plastics have played a transformative role in modern electronics—used in everything from computers, printers, cameras, cell phones, and televisions to stereo music systems—due to their durability, lightweight nature,
and cost-effectiveness. Despite their ubiquity, plastics comprise only around 17% by weight of the materials found in end-of-life electronics, with the remainder made up of metals, glass, and other elements. This relatively
modest share presents significant challenges for recycling, especially since electronic plastics are often blended with additives like flame retardants, which complicate separation and reuse. Additionally, many electronics
lack design features that support easy disassembly or material recovery. Nevertheless, ongoing innovations are improving circular design strategies and enabling more advanced technologies to identify, sort, and process
plastic resins—offering hope for a more sustainable approach to e-waste management.
- In 1998, Sony accidentally sold 700,000 camcorders equipped with NightShot infrared technology that, under certain conditions such as bright light and thin clothing, could inadvertently see through garments. Originally intended for
low-light recording, the feature sparked controversy when its unintended capabilities were discovered. In response, Sony ceased shipments of affected models and modified the technology to prevent use in bright environments, though no
official recall was announced. The incident led to a surge in demand for unaltered units, with some appearing on the black market, and inspired DIY modifications by camera enthusiasts. It also triggered ethical discussions around
privacy and technology design, highlighting the need for responsible innovation and foresight in consumer electronics.
- As of 2024 and continuing into 2025, the United States disposes of approximately 135 to 140 million cell phones annually, reflecting a steady rise from the 130 million reported in 2020 due to shorter upgrade cycles and consumer demand
for newer models. Despite heightened awareness of e-waste concerns, only about 15% of these devices are recycled, leaving the majority to accumulate in landfills or remain unused in drawers. Improper disposal poses serious environmental
risks, as toxic components like lead, mercury, and cadmium can seep into soil and water. Although trade-in programs and manufacturer-led take-back initiatives have helped mitigate some of the damage, the sheer volume of discarded phones
underscores the urgent need for stronger recycling incentives and public education on sustainable electronic waste management.
- As of 2020, over 130 million cell phones are disposed of annually in the United States, yet only about 10% of them are recycled. This represents a missed opportunity for environmental conservation, as recycling a single phone can save
enough energy to power a laptop for 44 hours, and collectively, recycling all 130 million devices could provide energy for more than 24,000 homes for an entire year. Unfortunately, most discarded phones end up in landfills, where toxic
components such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic can leach into the soil and water, posing serious environmental and health risks. This highlights the importance of responsible e-waste management and the potential impact of small
actions like recycling or repurposing old devices.
- Thomas Edison is widely regarded as one of history’s most prolific inventors, having secured 1,093 U.S. patents across a vast range of technologies—from
electric light and power to phonographs, batteries, and motion pictures. Beyond the United States, Edison was awarded 1,239 foreign patents in 34 countries, including the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, bringing his total
to 2,332 patents worldwide3. His inventive output was so extensive that it remained unmatched until 2003, when Japanese inventor Shunpei Yamazaki surpassed his record.
- American physicists John Bardeen (1908–1991), Walter Houser Brattain (1902–1987), and
William Shockley (1910–1989) developed the smaller, more efficient transistor, which led to a new generation of miniature electronics.
- American physicist Robert Norton Noyce (1927–1990) co-founded Fairchild Semiconductor in 1957 and
Intel Corporation in 1968. He is also credited (along with Jack Kilby) with the invention
of the integrated circuit or microchip, which fueled the personal computer revolution and gave Silicon Valley its name.
- In 1944, Scottish engineer John Logie Baird developed the Telechrome, the world’s first fully functional
color television picture tube. Despite wartime constraints and working with only two assistants, Baird engineered a two-color cathode-ray system that produced
stereoscopic images by directing multiple electron beams at a specially coated screen capable of displaying blue-green and orange-red hues. This innovation built on his earlier experiments from the 1920s and marked a major leap forward
in television technology. Though his ambitious vision for high-definition, stereoscopic color broadcasting didn’t materialize in his lifetime, the Telechrome laid the foundation for future color TV systems, and Baird’s pioneering work
remains a landmark achievement in broadcast history.
- In 1947, American engineers a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Bardeen" title="John Bardeen">John Bardeen, Walter Houser Brattain,
and William Shockley at Bell Laboratories invented the transistor, a revolutionary semiconductor device that could amplify and switch electronic signals.
On December 16, Bardeen and Brattain successfully demonstrated the point-contact transistor using a slab of germanium and closely spaced gold contacts, while Shockley later developed the more practical junction transistor. Their
invention replaced bulky vacuum tubes, ushered in the solid-state electronics era, and laid the foundation for modern computing, telecommunications, and countless digital technologies. In recognition of their groundbreaking work,
the trio was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1956.
- In 1947, the bipolar junction transistor was invented at Bell Labs by John Bardeen, Walter Brattain, and William Shockley — a compact, solid-state breakthrough
that replaced bulky vacuum tubes and ushered in the semiconductor age. More reliable and far more energy-efficient, this tiny device could amplify electrical signals with astonishing precision, quickly becoming the backbone
of modern electronics. From radios and hearing aids to supercomputers and smartphones, the transistor’s impact was seismic, laying the foundation for microchips, digital circuits, and even Moore’s Law — a quiet revolution that
transformed the way the world computes.
- The first fully transistorized computer system is widely credited to TRADIC (TRAnsistorized DIgital Computer), developed by Bell Labs in 1954 for the U.S. Air Force. Unlike earlier prototypes, TRADIC operated entirely without vacuum tubes,
using around 700 point-contact transistors and 10,000 diodes, which allowed it to function at 1 MHz while consuming less than 100 watts of power. This leap in energy efficiency and reliability made the computer ideal for military applications,
especially in aircraft like the B-52 Stratofortress. Although a prototype transistor computer was demonstrated in 1953 by the University of Manchester, it still used some vacuum tubes and thus wasn’t fully transistorized. TRADIC’s success
signaled a major technological shift, ushering in the second generation of computers and transforming the possibilities of computing power, size, and energy consumption.
- American engineer Jack Kilby, working at Texas Instruments in 1958, invented the
first integrated circuit (IC) by demonstrating a functioning prototype made from germanium on September 12 of that year. Independently, Robert Noyce of
Fairchild Semiconductor developed a similar concept using silicon and a planar process, which proved more commercially viable. Both men are now recognized as co-inventors of the integrated circuit—a breakthrough that revolutionized
electronics and paved the way for modern computing. For his pioneering contribution, Kilby was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics on December 10, 2000.
- American inventor Philo Farnsworth (1906–1971) revolutionized visual communication by developing the first fully
electronic television system, eliminating the need for mechanical components like spinning disks. He applied for his initial
patent on January 7, 1927, and it was officially granted on August 26, 1930, under U.S. Patent No. 1,773,980. Farnsworth’s system used a cathode-ray tube to scan and transmit images electronically, a breakthrough that
laid the foundation for modern television. His invention enabled the instantaneous transmission of moving images with far greater clarity and speed than previous mechanical systems, marking a pivotal moment in broadcast history.
- German physicist Max Dieckmann, in collaboration with Rudolf Hell, made a pioneering
contribution to television technology through their work on the photoelectric image dissector. In 1925, they filed a patent for a device called Lichtelektrische Bildzerlegerröhre für Fernseher (“Photoelectric Image Dissector Tube
for Television”), which was granted in October 1927. Their invention was one of the first attempts to electronically capture visual images for broadcast, employing a cathode-ray tube to scan a photoelectric surface and convert light
into electrical signals. Although their system lacked magnetic focusing and produced unclear images, it laid critical groundwork for future innovations—most notably Philo Farnsworth’s successful electronic image transmission later
that same year. Dieckmann’s early work marked a significant turning point in the evolution of television, bridging the gap between mechanical systems and fully electronic image reproduction.
- In 1963, the Nottingham Electronic Valve Company in the UK introduced the Telcan, the world’s first home videocassette recorder, designed by
Michael Turner and Norman Rutherford. This pioneering device used ¼-inch open-reel audio tape and could record up to 20 minutes of black-and-white television content. Despite its groundbreaking nature, it was costly at £60,
challenging to assemble, and limited in capacity. By 1967, prerecorded videocassettes of movies began appearing for home use, shifting media consumption from live broadcasts to personal viewing libraries. This evolution paved the
way for the home video revolution of the 1970s, fueled by accessible formats such as U-matic, Betamax, and VHS.
- Between 1962 and 1966, a wave of innovative cartridge-based media formats transformed how people recorded and consumed audio and video at home. The Stereo-Pak 4-track cartridge,
introduced in 1962 by Earl "Madman" Muntz, was adapted from broadcast Fidelipac cartridges and offered stereo playback in cars and homes, laying the groundwork for portable music systems. In 1963, Philips revolutionized audio recording with
the compact audio cassette, a small, user-friendly format that quickly became the global standard for personal music and dictation. That same year,
Kodak launched the Instamatic film cartridge, simplifying still photography with drop-in loading and square-format images, making snapshot photography more accessible.
In 1965, the 8-track cartridge, developed by Lear Jet Corporation, debuted as a continuous-loop tape format ideal for automobiles, offering uninterrupted stereo playback and becoming a cultural icon of the late '60s and '70s. Finally,
in 1966, Kodak introduced the Super 8 home movie cartridge, a major leap in amateur filmmaking that featured easy-loading cartridges and larger frame sizes for
brighter, sharper movies—ushering in a new era of home cinema.
- The Sony CV-2000, launched in August 1965, was Sony’s pioneering video tape recorder (VTR) tailored for home use—making it one of the earliest
consumer-grade VTRs in history. It utilized ½-inch open reel magnetic tape and employed a helical scan recording system, a state-of-the-art technology at the time. Fully transistorized, it offered greater reliability
and a more compact design than earlier tube-based models. Developed under the guidance of Sony engineer Nobutoshi Kihara, the CV-2000 was part of the “Videocorder” series and retailed for approximately $730 USD
(roughly equivalent to over $7,000 today). Capable of recording up to 60 minutes of black-and-white video, it found use in business and educational environments, although it was marketed as a consumer product.
- Philips developed its Video Cassette Recording (VCR) format in 1970, originally for television stations and educational purposes, and introduced it to the consumer market in 1972 with the Philips N1500—the first commercially
available home video cassette recorder system. The N1500 used a square cassette with coaxial reels and ½-inch chrome dioxide tape, and featured a built-in TV tuner, timer, and simple cassette-loading mechanism. While its launch
price hovered around £600, it was marketed across Europe, Australia, and South Africa. Around the same time, Sony released the U-matic format in 1971 using ¾-inch tape, primarily aimed at professional markets. Philips later
expanded its technology with VCR-LP (long play) in the mid-1970s, extending recording time through slower tape speed, and followed with the innovative but commercially limited Video 2000 in 1979, which introduced double-sided
cassettes and dynamic track following. Despite its technical strengths, Philips ultimately lost market dominance to JVC’s VHS format due to broader compatibility, better marketing, and lower cost.
- Philips developed its Video Cassette Recording (VCR) format in 1970,
initially tailored for television stations and educational use, but it made history when it became the first successful consumer-level home video cassette recorder system in 1972. The debut model, the Philips N1500, featured
a built-in TV tuner, timer, and simple cassette loading, making it a groundbreaking domestic device. Unlike earlier open-reel systems, the VCR format used coaxial reel cassettes with ½-inch chrome dioxide tape, offering color
recording and playback. Though expensive—costing nearly £600 at launch—it was marketed across Europe, Australia, and South Africa, and laid the foundation for future home video formats like VHS and Betamax.
- First experimental Television broadcast in the US in 1928 and the first public TV broadcast in Germany in 1929.
- English engineer John Ambrose Fleming invented diode in 1904.
- American engineer Peter Cooper Hewitt invented Fluorescent lamp in 1901.
- Italian inventor Guglielmo Marconi succeeded in first radio broadcast in 1900 and the first transatlantic radio broadcast in 1901.
- English engineer Joseph Swan invented Incandescent light bulb in 1878, and
American inventor and businessman
Thomas Alva Edison introduced a long lasting filament for the incandescent lamp in 1879.
- The basic circuit has 5 parts, a power source, a protection device, a control, a switch to load, and the ground path. Circuit types include series, parallel, and series parallel.
- Series circuits.
- Have high circuit resistance
- More than one load
- One path for current flow
- In a series circuit, if a component is disconnected, the circuit will be broken and all the components will stop working.
- Parallel circuits
- Have low circuit resistance
- More than one load
- More than one current path
- In a parallel circuit, if a component is disconnected from one parallel wire, the components on different branches will keep working.
- Series Parallel circuits
- Have more than two loads
- Some loads are connected in series
- Some loads are connected in parallel
- In a real-world camera test, Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA batteries proved their exceptional endurance by capturing 678 photos before draining—dramatically outperforming CVS-brand
alkaline batteries, which lasted for only 92 shots. This striking difference highlights the superior longevity and reliability of lithium-based cells, especially in high-drain devices
like digital cameras. Energizer’s batteries are engineered to deliver consistent voltage, function in extreme temperatures ranging from -40°F to 140°F, and maintain power for up to 20 years
in storage. Other notable contenders include Duracell Optimum AA batteries, known for strong initial output and ideal performance in devices needing quick energy bursts. In flashlight tests,
Duracell often edges out competitors, though it may not match Energizer’s sustained performance in demanding use. EBL AA lithium batteries offer an impressive 3700mAh capacity, leak-proof
construction, and excellent durability in harsh environments. For users focused on sustainability, Panasonic Eneloop Pro rechargeable batteries provide consistent power and can be
recharged up to 500 times, making them a practical and eco-friendly option. While lithium batteries like Energizer and EBL lead in long-lasting performance, rechargeable models such as
Eneloop and Duracell Rechargeables offer strong value and reduced waste over time. The best choice ultimately depends on your device’s energy requirements, how frequently you use it,
and whether your priority is upfront affordability or long-term efficiency.
|
| |
