1989

• The first 16-bit videogames debut.
• The first handheld GPS devices become available.

1988

• The first improved definition television (IDTV) receivers are marketed.
• The high-band 8mm camcorder format debuts.
• CD becomes more popular than vinyl records.
• Recordable CDs are demonstrated.
• The CD-Graphics format is developed.
• Still video cameras are introduced.
• LCD front projectors are developed.
• The first transatlantic fiber optic cable is laid.
• The first electronic organizer is introduced.
• Moving Pictures Expert Group (MPEG) working group is formed.

1987

• Higher resolution VCRs and camcorders are introduced (S-VHS and ED-Beta).
• The compact disc video (CD-V) is introduced.
• The first advanced television (ATV) system is demonstrated.
• The movie theater experience moves into the living room; Dolby Pro Logic is available at home.
• FCC creates ACATS (Advisory Committee on Advanced Television Service) to choose American HDTV standard.

1986

• The first consumer video telephone is marketed.
• The first digital audio tape (DAT) recorder is demonstrated.
• The first 35-inch direct view TV becomes available.
• The 4-mm video format for camcorders is demonstrated.
• Scrambling of satellite-fed cable TV programming starts; the sale of decoders and program subscriptions to home dish owners begins.
• Stereo sound in television broadcasting is available in all major U.S. population centers.
• The Radio Data Service (RDS) begins in Europe.

1985

• Color TVs with 35-inch picture tubes are marketed.
• 8mm video home VCR decks and software are introduced.
• Still-picture magnetic disc video recorders, players and printers are demonstrated.
• The first portable color LCD TV is sold.

1984

• The first working auto CD system debuts at the Summer Consumer Electronics Show (CES).
• The FCC authorizes multi-channel TV sound broadcasting; the first stereo TV broadcasts begin.
• Sales of stereo color TV receivers and adapters begin.
• The 8mm video format and camcorders are introduced.
• The first color TVs with all-digital signal processing circuitry are marketed.
• The CD-ROM is introduced.
• Federal courts break up AT&T.

1983

• The first camcorder, Beta format VCR-camera combination, debuts.
• 8-mm video format standards are set.
• Hi-Fi VCRs are introduced.
• Apple's Lisa, the first computer using a graphical user interface (GUI) and a mouse, is unveiled.
• Cellular telephone service is introduced.
• The first digital signal-processing chips (DSP) are made by Texas Instruments.

1982

• The FCC authorizes AM stereo broadcasts.
• The first rear-projection TV sets (RPTV) are sold in the U.S.
• The VHS-C videotape format is introduced (first called UCM, then Mini-VHS).
• Dolby Laboratories introduces surround sound for home use.
• The first CD players go on sale in the United States.
• The GSM cell phone standard is established in Europe.
• The Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) is formed.

1981

• High-speed fax machines are marketed.
• The IBM PC, using Microsoft's Disk Operating System (MSDOS), is introduced.
• The first portable computer is sold.
• The first U.S. public demonstration of HDTV is done by Japan's NHK network.

1980

• Closed-captioning decoders are sold.
• Cellular phone service is tested.
• The world standard for optical digital audio compact disc (CD) is established.
• The first portable VCR-camera combinations (camcorders) are demonstrated.
• The Group 3 international fax standard is established.