
Every day, tech experts discover more interesting technologies for us…
So with more and more gadgets available…
It looks like TVs are becoming less popular.
So it’s no wonder if people question…
“Is traditional TV dying?”
After researching, I can assure you that it still exists.
How can I say this?
Keep on reading to know:
- 3 affordable TVs in the market today.
- 5 surprising reasons why TVs still exist.
- A list of people who work behind your TV screens.
- 3 possible causes why the TV will become obsolete in the future.
- And so much more…
Why do TVs still exist?
TVs still exist because people find them simpler, cheaper, and more reliable. They’re a staple item for each family. As well as a part of their culture. And lastly, investors and advertisers still pay for TV broadcasts.
5 reasons why TVs still exist
#1: Its technology is simpler
Some people prefer the simplicity of TV.
And I’m talking about the older generation here or the elderly. Because most of them aren’t familiar with modern technology yet.
Based on Statistica, viewers among ages 65 and above watch TV 4 hours a day on average. On the other hand, teens have an average of 2.81 hours only.
Those numbers show that elders enjoy TV more.
Now, why is that?
Well, that’s because you can easily use a TV with only one remote.
Compared to a computer with complicated set-ups, TV is simpler and more accessible.
You don’t need a keyboard or a mouse to navigate menus.
And once you plug in the TV, you’re already good to go.
So it’s no wonder if your non-techy grandparents opt to use the TV.
Check out: 7 Reasons Your TV Screen Is Dark + How To Fix It
#2: It’s a cheap source of entertainment
Doesn’t it feel nice to watch movies in your pajamas?
To just curl up on your bed or sofa while watching a movie?
Of course, yes.
Everyone wants a comfortable and endless binge-watching session.
And personally, I prefer using my TV instead of going to the cinema.
It’s cheaper that way and even more convenient.
And the movie choices are even unlimited.
How can you do this?
There are a lot of options you can take.

You can use a streaming device or laptop and connect them to your TV, either wired or wireless.
Or you can also buy a Smart TV since they’re often sold at a lower price today…
Here’s a list of affordable Smart TVs you won’t regret buying:
You can also opt for a LED TV if you want. Here are some top-tier recommendations:
Note: A Smart TV can directly stream videos. In comparison, a LED TV can only do that through a cable connection, USB, or HDMI connection.
All in all, TVs are a cheaper source of entertainment because of their accessibility.
#3: Investors and Advertisers pay for it
Ever since the invention of TVs…
Local and international brands already use this to promote their products and services.
This process is what we call advertising.
The APA found that kids see about 40,000 ads in a year on average. With most of them being about food and alcohol.
Even politicians pay broadcasting companies for a 1-minute campaign video.
And let’s face it, advertisements on TV are quite effective.
That’s why TVs contribute to consumerism.
Let me give you an example…
In 1984, Apple released an ad called “1984.”
The ad was so successful that they won the best Super Bowl spot in 40 years.
And was awarded among the greatest commercials ever made.
Within 100 days, the ad gave more than 150 million sales to Apple.
Because of one single ad, Apple gained a lot of sales.
Not only that, they built a reputation among consumers.
Meaning, that the brand is becoming more and more popular.
Here we can see that ads are really effective in terms of marketing strategy.
That said, let me give you a list of companies that got popular because of TV ads.
Top 9 greatest TV commercials of all time:
- Always – “Like a Girl”.
- Budweiser – “Wassup?!”.
- Wendy’s – “Where’s the Beef?”.
- McDonald’s – “The Showdown”.
- Coca-Cola – “Meet Joe Greene”.
- Tootsie Pop – “How Many Licks?”.
- Energizer – “Escape of the Bunny”.
- Old Spice – “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like”.
#4: It has become a part of the culture
Observe how each family has at least one TV in their living room.
Why is this?
Well, it’s a staple item in every house. We use it not just for individual entertainment but also to bond with our family members.
Even when our friends visit us, we often use the TV to entertain them.
And just a fact that you may not know…
Or even be doubtful to believe:
TV is more used compared to smartphones.
According to a survey by ReportLinker, TV has an average of 93% of popularity in the US. In comparison, smartphones have only 79%.
I know you’re surprised because almost every person you know has at least one smartphone.
Let’s say a family of 4 has 1 TV…
But, chances are, all of them have a smartphone.
And that’s because we’re living in an era of compact gadgets.
But, the statistics already said it.
TVs are still popular during this time.
And that only means that TVs are greatly embedded in modern human culture.
That said, you could even consider your TV as a member of your household now.
#5: People work behind it
While some would think that TV is irrelevant anymore…
Others were able to have jobs because of it.
As reported by the Motion Picture Association, 2.2 million people work in the TV industry. And it pays over $192 billion in wages annually.
So here’s an unpopular fact that’ll surprise you…
The film industry boosts the economy more than businesses.
“Really? How?”
That’s because if a movie or TV show shoots in a particular location, it brings revenues to the state.
For example, take NBC’s popular television series “This Is Us”. It contributed more than $61.5 million to California.
And in New York alone, there are 107,730 jobs offered in one year. Namely:
- Director.
- Subtitler.
- Set builder.
- Ticket taker.
- Prop master.
- Cameraman.
- Sound mixer.
- Screenwriter.
- Casting director.
- Locations manager.
- Executive producer.
- Production coordinator.
- Hair and makeup artist.
- Special effects technicians.
Name it…
Every creative job you know and don’t know is in the film industry.
And of course, we shouldn’t forget the stars we see on our TV screens.
Here’s a list of Hollywood actors and actresses who started on TV shows:
- George Clooney (ER, 1994).
- Jim Carrey (In Living Color, 1990).
- Michael J. Fox (Family Ties, 1982).
- Jared Leto (My So-Called Life, 1994).
- Taylor Kitsch (Friday Night Lights, 2006).
- Leonardo DiCaprio (Growing Pains, 1991).
- Chris Hemsworth (Home and Away, 1994).
- Will Smith (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, 1990).
- Ryan Gosling (The Mickey Mouse Club, 1955).
- Joseph Gordon-Levitt (3rd Rock from the Sun, 1996).
I’d bet that you’re familiar with some of them.
And that’s because, right now, they’re well-accomplished hit movie stars.
But long before they became famous…
They started somewhere, too. And that somewhere is TV.
And I’m sure that they attribute their success now to appearing there.
Imagine what would happen if TVs weren’t available.
There’d be fewer job opportunities. And we might not know these beloved movie actors.
Will TVs become obsolete?
TVs will become obsolete if manufacturers stop inventing more unique features. Also, if they focus on another product. If this happens, people will most likely find it dysfunctional.
To understand how TVs can become obsolete, let’s talk about each likely cause. Starting with:
#1: If it stops evolving
Adaptability is what keeps us alive.
As humans, we know how to flow with unfortunate events in our world.
And that goes the same with TVs.
As modern technology continues to rise, so should TV.
Now, this isn’t just a false claim. We can actually see this through TV’s history.
The HD screen you know now used to be Black and White.
And the bulky physique of TV back then has grown to lots of options now. There’s the touch screen, big screen, flat screen, or even round screen TVs.
But did you know…
The first-ever TV is a video camera tube?
It was the iconoscope that Vladimir Zworykin invented. It was also known as an electric eye.
And this device paved the way for TV evolution, experts say.
In 1927, Philo Farnsworth introduced electronic television in San Francisco at fifteen. He called this “Image Dissector.”
Here’s a short timeline of the history of TV:
Year | Key event in TV history |
1923 | Vladimir Zworykin patents his iconoscope. |
1926 | John Baird operates a TV system with 30 lines of the resolution system. |
1927 | Philo Farnsworth patents the first electronic TV system called “Image Dissector.” |
1928 | Federal Radio Commission issues the first TV station license to Charles Jenkins. |
1930 | Charles Jenkins broadcasts the first TV commercial. The BBC begins regular TV shows. |
And that table can go on…
If you want an in-depth discussion about the history of TV, you can watch this video:
In that video, you saw how far TVs have come. And how they evolved through time.
Yes, some old TVs are now phased out.
But they were replaced by upgraded TVs. Those that can accommodate us with our modern needs.
That said…
TVs will become obsolete if technicians and manufacturers stop updating TV features.
Continue reading: Will Smart TVs Become Obsolete? The Harsh Truth & Facts
#2: If manufacturers shift their focus to another product
An old device will phase out if a better and more upgraded device is introduced.
According to statistics, there is a significant innovation every decade.
And with that, other technology can become obsolete…
Including TVs, says tech experts.
The smart TV will be possibly replaced by augmented reality (AR).
“What’s AR?”
It’s an upgraded interactive device where you can experience the real world. But the catch is that you’re inside a computer-generated world.
Here are also some possible technology that are predicted to become obsolete by 2030:
- USB drives.
- Digital cameras.
- Non-autonomous cars.
And this is possible…
#3: If people don’t find it functional anymore
Have you ever asked why horse-drawn carriages are no longer used on the roads?
Well, imagine riding a carriage on the streets of New York…
It’ll be a unique entrance.
But, will it bring you to a place quickly?
No…
The scenario with TVs, on the other hand, is this…
We watch news, sports, politics, and reality shows there.
Now imagine if companies won’t broadcast all those things anymore.
Sounds boring and dysfunctional…
As a result, people will opt for a better product. That can give them the entertainment and functionality they need.
That said, it’s important for broadcasting companies to always give us new and fresh shows.
Because if not, then you would probably see TVs in museums years from now.