John Logie Baird's Achievement of Television

What is it about?

In January 1926, John Logie Baird gave what was considered at the time to be the first public demonstration of television. The image quality that people experienced can only be guessed; no details were released of the equipment and published reports then and since have been vague and inconsistent. The author has undertaken a forensic-level analysis of the available artefacts and publications, and describes the most likely status and quality of Baird’s television system in 1926.

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Why is it important?

J L Baird gave the first public demonstration of televising a subject in reflected light on 26 January 1926. Much has been written since then but lack of practical detail and conflicting reports have led to confusion and controversy. This paper clarifies the circumstances surrounding the first demonstration and provides a more coherent presentation of the most likely quality of the television images in early 1926.