1980's - Radio's Digital Infancy
1980
Intelsat V relays 12,000 phone calls, 2 color TV channels.
1981
The IBM PC.
1982
A.M. Stereo is first authorized in the United States. 5 competing systems struggle for dominance - as the FCC refuses to settle on a standard.
1983
Cellular phone network starts in U.S.
1984
Continental US relays of news feeds for stations is available on Ku-Band satellites.
A television set can be worn on the wrist.
1985
Sony builds a radio the size of a credit card.
U.S. TV networks begin satellite distribution to affiliates.
1986
The first 'dial-up' remote control system for a transmitter is introduced by Gentner.
HBO scrambles its signals.
1987
Half of all U.S. homes with TV are on cable.
1988
FCC allows 'Short Spacing' of FM stations
1989
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