John Logie Baird (Inventors)

(1888-1946) born in Scotland he was the inventor of television. Baird began his research into the problems of televising moving objects at the age of 18. In 1926 he televised objects in outline, using a flying spot of light to scan a cathode ray tube. He demonstarted the first transatlantic television broadcast in 1928.


The German post office began using his system, which he had successfully applied to moving objects, in 1929. The BBC adopted Baird's system in that year but abandoned it in 1937 for the rival electronic system of the Marconi Company. Baird also produced the first colour television pictures in 1941.

At the time of inventing the TV, few could have predicted the impact it would have on society. Pre war it remained a novelty for only a few select people. But, after the second world, television became an essential part of nearly all households. It has become the most popular form of entertainment leading to the decline of many alternative forms of entertainment such as the musical hall and radio.

Baird was dogged with ill health throughout his life. He was declared unfit for service in the first world war. Baird died on 14 June 1946 in Bexhill-on-Sea in Sussex.