The History of Recorded Sound

The time line below helps put the history of audio/video technology into perspective. The names of each device are drawn next to the year and are hyperlinked to separate pages that detail their function and origin. This is a living page and will be modified and added to as needed. The history of audio is broken down into eras, these eras are indicated below by changes in the color of the time line. Blue is the acoustic era which started in 1875, Purple is the electric era, Green is the magnetic era and Yellow is the digital era.² Click on the colors above to go to the describing each era.

2001

Microsoft introduces the original Xbox

1994

Sony introduces PlayStation 1

1982

First commercial compact disc released

1978

Laserdisc is first available commercially

1977

Atari is first released

1976

JVC introduces first commercial VHS player the Victor HR-3300

1975

Amazon Prime debuts

The Magnetic Era Ends and the Digital Era Begins

1975

Sony introduces first Betamax Player (LV1901), First personal computers released

1971

Invention of first microprocessor

1966

First in home 8 track

1965

First commercial 8 track players (Cars)

1963

Optical recording clear discs are invented

1962

Phillips introduces first Cassette Tape

1945

Amazon acquires Audible

The Electric Era Ends and the Magnetic Era Begins

1944

Baird demonstrates first practical color tv

1929

Vladimir Zworykin demonstrated B&W TV

1925

The Acoustic Era Ends and The Electric Era Begins

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1877

The beginning of the Acoustic Era