Philo Farnsworth

Definition

Philo Farnsworth was an American inventor best known for developing the first fully electronic television system in the 1920s. His groundbreaking work laid the foundation for modern television technology and demonstrated how electronic scanning and image transmission could revolutionize communication and entertainment.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Philo Farnsworth made his first successful electronic transmission of a television image on September 7, 1927, at the age of 21.
2. He conceptualized the idea of electronic television while still a teenager, drawing inspiration from the way a farmer would plow fields in straight lines.
3. Farnsworth's invention included the image dissector, which was pivotal in converting light into an electric signal for broadcasting.
4. Despite his major contributions to television technology, Farnsworth struggled financially throughout his life and faced challenges with corporate interests and patent disputes.
5. Farnsworth received numerous awards and honors posthumously, recognizing his role as a pioneer in the field of television and communication technology.

Review Questions

• How did Philo Farnsworth's early life and experiences influence his development of electronic television?
  • Philo Farnsworth's early life played a significant role in shaping his ideas about electronic television. Growing up on a farm in Idaho, he was fascinated by the straight lines made by plowing fields, which inspired him to think about how images could be transmitted electronically. His passion for science and inventing emerged during his teenage years, leading him to develop the concepts that would ultimately revolutionize television technology.
• Evaluate the impact of Philo Farnsworth's invention on the evolution of television technology and its broader cultural significance.
  • Philo Farnsworth's invention of the fully electronic television system had a profound impact on the evolution of television technology. By introducing key elements like electronic scanning and image transmission, he set the stage for future advancements in broadcasting and media. Culturally, his work transformed how people consumed information and entertainment, paving the way for television to become a central medium in households across America and around the world.
• Assess how Philo Farnsworth's contributions to television were recognized and challenged during his lifetime, especially regarding patents and corporate interests.
  • Philo Farnsworth faced significant challenges during his lifetime regarding recognition for his contributions to television technology. Despite being a pioneer, he struggled with financial instability and legal battles over patents with larger corporations like RCA. While he eventually received some recognition through awards and accolades later in life, the difficulties he faced highlighted issues of intellectual property rights and corporate exploitation that many inventors contend with when their innovations disrupt established industries.

Related terms

Electronic Scanning: A method of capturing images by converting them into electrical signals, which was crucial to Farnsworth's television design.

Image Orthicon: An early type of video camera tube used in television broadcasts, which improved image quality and was influenced by Farnsworth's innovations.

Television Transmission: The process of sending video signals from one point to another, which Farnsworth significantly advanced through his inventions.