The power of television is impressive. Having started out life in the early 1900s as a simple broadcast medium capable of transmitting four black and white analog channels, it has evolved to become an impressive, interactive entertainment device that offers a significant volume of content to viewers. Not only that, but it has managed to stay ahead of other new media to retain its position as the most frequently used medium.

This is no mean feat, especially when compared to the pull of computers and the internet. One of its main advantages however, is that television appeals to such a wide audience: since the advent of satellite television in the late 1970s, this benefit has only been strengthened.

Just look at the statistics. According to Ofcom, nearly half of British households have access to cable or satellite television. Many of the people who use such services have also chosen to take advantage of products like the Sky + box, as it has meant that they have more control over how they watch television.

Indeed, in addition to improvements in both picture quality and sound, the amount of viewing content available has also considerably increased. Add to the mix such innovations as being able to pause and rewind live television, or the ability to record up to 40 hours of programmes without leaving the sofa, and it’s easy to see why people are turning to satellite.

On top of that, people also have the opportunity to tailor their own specific entertainment packages, based on their interests. For instance, if you’re a fan of technology shows and are keen to soak up the latest, cutting-edge information regarding science, communication or engineering, you now have the power to make sure you have these kinds of programmes on tap.

Therefore, you can bypass having to pay for such things as the sports and children’s programmes and indulge your technology passion in channels like Turbo and Discovery Science. This is also an added bonus since you only have to pay for the entertainment you’re really interested in, instead of coughing up for a whole load of unsuitable content.

As a result of these innovations, pioneered by companies like Sky, people’s viewing habits have fundamentally altered. One of the biggest changes to have occurred is the fact that broadcasters have placed a lot more power into the hands of the people, meaning they can watch their favourite programmes, like technology shows, easily and without disruption. In fact, with functions such as being able to pause live television, there are no more reasons to miss out on the action as it happens.

The industry is in a state of constant evolution and with the many Sky offers available, for example, viewers are experiencing a much greater level of interaction than ever before. So, from its humble beginnings, the television has come a long way to provide people with the very best in entertainment, in a format that is increasingly suited to busy lifestyles and hectic schedules.