Dish TV’s history is relatively short. While television itself was invented way back in the 1920s (or was it the 1930s?), it didn’t enjoy its first commercial application until the late 1940s.

It may seem improbable to young Americans today, but before 1948, home entertainment existed in the form of radio. Prior to 1948, in fact, all American homes had a large radio (it was actually more like furniture) that was the centerpiece of the family living room. Each evening after dinner mom, dad and the kids would gather around the radio to enjoy mysteries, comedy shows and musical entertainment. They had nothing to look at; they could only listen and imagine.

Interestingly, when television began appearing in American homes in 1948, there were few homes that actually had TVs and there was very little programming for those that did. There may have been no more than five or six stations broadcasting to very few viewers. TV screens were very small, in black and white only, required the use of a picture tube … and all programming went off the air at about 11:00 P.M. each evening.

When programming ended for the day, it was replaced by "test patterns." They would fill the screen until programming resumed early the next morning. Of course, there was no satellite television back then, no cable … just a handful of over-the-air networks providing very limited programming.

Clearly, home entertainment is different in the 21st century. Small black and white TV screens have been replaced by huge full color flat screens. The original five or six (or perhaps seven) original national and local networks have ballooned to a point where viewers now have access, on demand, to hundreds of networks offering a broad array of entertainment choices.

Television in this new century is "cutting edge," very technologically-advanced and satellite TV operators like Dish Network are in the forefront and working with TV networks to enhance and improve the home entertainment experience for American audiences.

It may seem improbable to young Americans today, but before 1948, home entertainment existed in the form of radio. Prior to 1948, in fact, all American homes had a large radio (it was actually more like furniture) that was the centerpiece of the family living room. Each evening after dinner mom, dad and the kids would gather around the radio to enjoy mysteries, comedy shows and musical entertainment. They had nothing to look at; they could only listen and imagine.

It is an ongoing process, but the future certainly looks bright. In fact, it’s reasonable to believe that the home entertainment experience will improve exponentially in the years ahead. Clearly, when it comes to enjoying TV at home, there are no limits.

It is also important to note that 21st century television will offer more than just entertainment … it will be where commerce takes place, as well; a place where a viewer can make a large purchase for an automobile or a home. And Satellite TV operators will be on hand to help make it possible.

By: Bob Jackson