1919 - An icon is born

RCA originated as a reorganization of the Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company of America (commonly called "American Marconi"). American Marconi was involved in high-powered alternators for transatlantic transmissions and the American Navy, and in the interest of national security, wanted an all-American company to own the assets.

In 1919, two naval officers, Admiral H. G. Bullard and Commander S. C. Hooper, met with General Electric's president, Owen D. Young, and proposed that GE purchase American Marconi and use the assets to form its own radio communications subsidiary. Young consented to this proposal, which, effective November 20, 1919, transformed American Marconi into the Radio Corporation of America.

1933 - The RCA building: Rockefeller Center

As of its founding, RCA was the largest radio communications firm in the United States.

In 1930, RCA agreed to occupy the yet-to-be-built, landmark building at 30 Rockefeller Plaza which became known as the RCA building at Rockefeller Center.

1939 - RCA TV : New York's World Fair

RCA began TV development in early 1929, after an overly optimistic Vladimir K. Zworykin convinced David Sarnoff that a commercial version of his prototype system could be produced in a relatively short time for $100,000. Following what would actually be many years of additional research and millions of dollars, RCA demonstrated an all-electronic black-and-white television system at the 1939 New York World's Fair.

1954 - World's first consumer color television

In 1953, RCA's all-electronic color TV technology was adopted as the standard for American television; it is now known as NTSC (after the "National Television System Committee" that approved it). The first RCA consumer color televisions were produced in 1954.

1971/1972 - First RCA Color television camera on the moon

New RCA Color Television Camera Model : J-series with Field Sequential Color System-- type GCTA (Ground-Commanded Television Assembly) for flights: APOLLO 15 (July -August 1971), APOLLO 16 (April 1972) and APOLLO 17 (December 1972)

1972 - World's first consumer color video

In 1972 RCA successfully demonstrated color video recording on an RCA SelectaVision VideoDisc. By 1977, the RCA VBT200 is the first retail SelectaVision VHS Video Cassette Recorder introduced in the U.S. The Video Cassette Recorder featured a clock, timer, two speeds for recording up to 4 hours, an analog timer with reset, and a memory on/off switch - that's a load of features and options for video cassette recorders of that time!

1981 - World's first consumer color disc video

In 1981 RCA's long-awaited VideoDisc system, essentially a vinyl record that plays video, hit stores in the United States. VideoDiscs' big advantage over videotapes and local cable was superior picture quality and video selection. In 1983, RCA introduced the J-Line of CED VideoDisc Players, featuring automatic motorized load of VideoDisc caddies.

1996 - RCA offers consumers the first widescreen TV with no set-top receiver

In 1996 RCA launched a fully-integrated affordable widescreen TV that required no additional set-top receiver to receive and display HD (high definition) images

2013 - RCA debuts tablets and LED lighting products

In 2013, the first RCA branded tablets are introduced in the U.S. and LED lighting products are introduced in the U.S. and Canada. The RCA Mobile TV Tablet combined the worlds of TV viewing and handheld computing offering the electronics industry’s first dual-tuner mobile TV. The RCA Mobile TV Tablet becomes the first tablet device to feature an integrated mobile TV tuner which offers viewers on-the-go access to 130 mobile TV stations.

2014 - RCA introduces HD LED TVs and smartphones

In 2014, Android Smartphones and Full HD LED Smart TVs are introduced under the RCA brand. The new TV offering included the launch of a dozen new HDTVs that are "Roku-ready" thanks to each model’s pre-installed Roku Streaming Stick. The 12 new models, which featured screen sizes ranging from 28 to 65 inches, offered convenient access to the Roku Channel Store and Roku’s 1,700+ apps.

2019 - RCA: 100 Years of Magic

On October 17th, we celebrate 100 years of RCA.

Today, the RCA brand symbolizes American ingenuity worldwide. Its iconic name can be found on flat-panel and 4K televisions, tablets, smartphones, home appliances, and many other extraordinary products. From our biggest public moments to the smaller, more personal ones, RCA has been part of our lives and will continue to be today, tomorrow, and for years to come. RCA is in tune with inspiration and innovation for your future needs.

2021 - RCA TVs integrate WebOS Smart Platform

WebOS Smart platform delivers streaming simplicity. Featuring the latest streaming apps and the Apple TV app plus popular apps like Netflix, Hulu, Sling, Prime video and more. It is simple to find top shows, up‐and‐comers and get personalized content recommendations.

2023 - RCA Commerical Electronics releases its first Gaming Monitors