Which is the Oldest TV Brand: Tracing the Pioneers of Television Technology

Which is the Oldest TV Brand: Tracing the Pioneers of Television Technology

I remember vividly the first time I saw a television set. It wasn't some sleek, modern flat-screen; it was a bulky, wood-paneled behemoth that occupied a significant chunk of my grandparents' living room. The picture was fuzzy, the sound crackly, but the magic it conjured, the way it transported us to different worlds and brought news from afar, was undeniable. This experience sparked a lifelong fascination with the evolution of this incredible technology and, consequently, a curiosity about the very origins of television brands.

So, which is the oldest TV brand? The answer isn't as straightforward as naming a single company that "invented" television. Instead, it's a journey through innovation, where several pioneering entities played crucial roles in bringing the flickering image into our homes. However, if we're talking about brands that were instrumental in the early commercialization and widespread adoption of television, and whose lineage can be traced back to the very dawn of this medium, **Marconi-EMI** and its subsequent iterations, along with companies like **RCA** and **Philco**, stand out as significant contenders, deeply intertwined with the birth of broadcast television.

The quest to identify the absolute "oldest" TV brand requires us to delve into the complex history of television's development, understanding that it wasn't a singular invention but a culmination of efforts by numerous scientists and engineers. When we talk about brands that manufactured and marketed these nascent television sets to the public, the landscape becomes clearer, albeit still with overlapping timelines and significant contributions from various players. It’s about recognizing the companies that were there at the very beginning, not just in research, but in bringing the technology to consumers.

The Dawn of Television: More Than Just a Flicker

Before we can pinpoint the oldest TV brand, it's essential to grasp the sheer magnitude of the undertaking that was the creation of television. This wasn't merely about creating a device; it was about capturing light and sound, transmitting them wirelessly, and reconstructing them in a coherent visual form. It was a scientific and engineering marvel that unfolded over decades, with pivotal moments occurring in the early 20th century.

The concept of transmitting images electrically had been around for a while, with early pioneers like Paul Nipkow and his mechanical scanning disk in the late 19th century laying some of the foundational theoretical groundwork. However, it was the transition to electronic television that truly paved the way for what we recognize as television today. This shift involved the invention of devices like the cathode ray tube (CRT) and the iconoscope, crucial components that would form the heart of early television receivers and transmitters.

My own understanding of this period has been shaped by countless hours spent poring over historical documents and watching documentaries. It's fascinating to see how different research groups, often working independently, were inching closer to the same revolutionary goal. The competition, though sometimes subtle, was fierce, driven by the desire to be the first to achieve practical television transmission and, crucially, to commercialize it.

The Mechanical vs. Electronic Debate: A Fork in the Road

It's important to distinguish between mechanical television and electronic television, as this distinction directly impacts our discussion of early TV brands. Mechanical television, pioneered by individuals like John Logie Baird in the UK, used a spinning disk with holes arranged in a spiral to scan an image and a similar disk to reconstruct it. While Baird achieved some remarkable early demonstrations, mechanical systems were inherently limited in resolution and brightness.

Electronic television, on the other hand, utilized electron beams to scan and display images on a screen, primarily through the cathode ray tube. This approach offered far greater potential for higher resolution, brighter images, and ultimately, the kind of television we know today. Key figures in electronic television development included Philo Farnsworth, who is often credited with inventing the first fully electronic television system, and Vladimir Zworykin, whose work at Westinghouse and later RCA was also pivotal.

When considering the oldest *TV brand* in the context of consumer products, we are generally referring to companies that manufactured and sold television sets based on these developing technologies. Therefore, the brands that emerged from the electronic television revolution are the ones that hold the most relevance for this question. This is where the narrative of Marconi-EMI, RCA, and Philco becomes particularly compelling.

Marconi-EMI: A Crucial European Contributor

The story of Marconi-EMI is a vital part of understanding early television's lineage, especially in Europe. The Marconi Company, founded by Guglielmo Marconi (the pioneer of radio communication), was a powerhouse in wireless technology. In the United Kingdom, through its association with Electric and Musical Industries (EMI), it played a significant role in developing and demonstrating television.

John Logie Baird, while known for his mechanical systems, also collaborated with Geoffrey Dummer of EMI. Later, EMI itself, along with Marconi, was deeply involved in the development of electronic television systems. In fact, the world's first high-definition (for its time) television broadcast was transmitted by the BBC in 1936, using a system developed by EMI. This was a monumental step, demonstrating the viability of electronic television for public broadcasting.

The brand "Marconi" itself is synonymous with early wireless innovation. While Marconi-EMI didn't necessarily sell vast quantities of consumer television sets under that specific brand name in the same way American companies did in the immediate post-war boom, their foundational contributions to broadcast technology, including the development of cameras and transmitters, were indispensable. If we trace the lineage of broadcast technology and its subsequent application in consumer devices, Marconi's influence is profound. It's a brand that was at the forefront of wireless transmission, a necessary precursor to television broadcasting.

The BBC's Role and the Birth of Broadcasting

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) was instrumental in making television a public service. The 1936 broadcasts from Alexandra Palace in London, utilizing the Marconi-EMI electronic system, marked the world's first regular, high-definition television service. This wasn't just a technical demonstration; it was the birth of television as a medium for widespread public consumption. The sets that were available to the public to receive these broadcasts were, by necessity, tied to this pioneering infrastructure.

While direct consumer sales under a "Marconi-EMI TV" brand might be less prominent in early American discourse, the technological innovations directly attributed to their research and development were foundational. Companies that manufactured the actual receivers for the BBC service would have been integrating this advanced technology. The brand association can be seen through the technological partnerships and the systems they helped build.

My personal view is that it’s crucial to differentiate between the brand that developed the *broadcast technology* and the brand that manufactured the *consumer receiver*. Marconi-EMI was undeniably a pioneer in the former, directly impacting the latter. When we talk about the "oldest TV brand" in a consumer sense, the lines can get a bit blurred, but the technological underpinnings are key.

RCA: The American Television Giant

In the United States, the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) emerged as a dominant force in the development and commercialization of television. Formed in 1919 through a government initiative to create a national champion in radio, RCA quickly expanded its reach into new electronic frontiers, including television.

RCA invested heavily in electronic television research, notably through the work of Vladimir Zworykin. By the late 1920s and early 1930s, RCA was demonstrating its own electronic television systems. They were instrumental in the establishment of the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) and, by extension, in the development of television broadcasting infrastructure in the U.S.

The first public demonstrations of RCA's electronic television system occurred in 1929. By the 1939 New York World's Fair, RCA, through NBC, showcased television to a mass audience, marking a significant moment for American television. This event also coincided with the introduction of RCA's first commercially available television sets. These sets, though expensive and with limited programming available, represented the beginning of television as a consumer product in the United States. Therefore, RCA can legitimately claim to be one of the oldest *brands* actively involved in both the development of television technology and its commercial sale to the public.

RCA's Early Consumer Television Sets

The RCA TRK-12, introduced in 1939, is often cited as one of the earliest commercially produced television sets in the U.S. This was a rudimentary device, costing around $600 (a substantial sum at the time), and requiring a strong local signal to function. Programming was scarce, primarily limited to what NBC was broadcasting from its Empire State Building transmitter.

The outbreak of World War II significantly slowed down the consumer television market. Many companies, including RCA, shifted their manufacturing focus to military production. However, after the war, RCA was perfectly positioned to capitalize on the burgeoning demand for television. They aggressively marketed their sets and played a crucial role in expanding television broadcasting across the nation.

The enduring legacy of RCA in television is undeniable. They were not only innovators but also astute marketers and manufacturers who made television a household staple. For many Americans, RCA was synonymous with television for decades. When asked about the oldest TV brand, RCA is a very strong contender, particularly for its direct involvement in mass-producing and selling sets to consumers from the earliest days of broadcast television in the U.S.

Philco: Another American Pioneer

Philco, originally the Philadelphia Storage Battery Company, was another prominent American electronics manufacturer that played a significant role in the early days of television. Founded in 1892, Philco had a strong background in radio and electrical manufacturing, which it leveraged into television.

Philco began experimenting with television technology in the 1920s and 1930s. They developed their own television receivers and were among the first to market them to the public. Philco's approach often involved innovations in receiver design and performance. For example, they were known for their "halo" antenna and later for advancements in picture tube technology.

While RCA might have had a slight edge in terms of early, large-scale public demonstrations and consistent broadcast network backing, Philco was a direct competitor in the early consumer market. They were selling television sets to the American public around the same time as RCA. The Philco Special, introduced in 1939, was another of the early television receivers available to consumers.

Philco's Market Presence and Innovations

Philco's strategy often involved offering more advanced features or better value for money compared to its competitors. They understood that for television to become truly widespread, the cost and complexity needed to decrease. Their engineering prowess allowed them to push the boundaries of what was possible with television technology at the time.

The post-war era saw Philco continue to be a significant player in the television market. They produced millions of television sets and were instrumental in making television more accessible to the average American family. The brand became synonymous with quality and innovation in home electronics for many households.

Comparing Philco and RCA for the title of the "oldest TV brand" is a fascinating exercise. Both were active in manufacturing and selling televisions from the late 1930s onwards. RCA had a more integrated approach with its broadcast network (NBC), which gave it a unique advantage in promoting and supporting its television sets. However, Philco's independent development and market presence make it a very strong contender as well. It really depends on the specific criteria you prioritize: pioneering broadcast infrastructure or direct consumer product sales.

DuMont Laboratories: A Short-Lived but Influential Player

Another name that surfaces when discussing the early pioneers of television is Allen B. DuMont Laboratories. DuMont was a scientist and inventor who founded his company in 1931. He made significant contributions to the development of the cathode ray tube and, importantly, to the commercialization of television.

DuMont established the world's first television broadcasting station, WABD (now WNYW) in New York City, in 1944. He was also a pioneer in building and selling television receivers under the DuMont brand. The company was one of the first to mass-produce television sets and was a major player in the industry during the late 1940s and early 1950s.

DuMont's contribution is significant because he was involved in both the broadcast side and the manufacturing of sets. His company was among the very first to be deeply integrated into the emerging television ecosystem. While DuMont's dominance in the television market was relatively short-lived compared to RCA or Philco, its impact on the early development and adoption of television was profound. They were an aggressive competitor and innovator during a critical formative period.

The DuMont Network and Its Impact

The DuMont Television Network was one of the first four national television networks in the United States, alongside NBC, CBS, and ABC. Although it eventually ceased operations as a network in 1956, it played a crucial role in establishing the competitive landscape of early television broadcasting and in providing programming that drove the sales of DuMont television sets.

The company's focus on innovation in CRT technology led to brighter and sharper pictures, making DuMont sets desirable. For a period, DuMont was a major force, and its receivers were highly sought after. The brand's rapid rise and eventual decline offer a stark reminder of the dynamic and often volatile nature of the technology industry, even in its early stages.

While DuMont might not have the same brand recognition today as RCA, its historical significance as an early innovator and manufacturer of television sets, as well as a broadcaster, is undeniable. It adds another layer of complexity to definitively naming *the* oldest TV brand, as it was a powerful force from the outset.

What About European Brands Like Philips and Telefunken?

It's important to acknowledge the contributions of European companies as well. Brands like Philips (Netherlands) and Telefunken (Germany) were also at the forefront of radio and, subsequently, television development and manufacturing.

Philips was a major player in electronics across various fields and was involved in television research and production from an early stage. They were instrumental in developing standards and manufacturing receivers in Europe. Similarly, Telefunken was a significant German electronics company with a strong heritage in wireless technology that extended into television.

The timeline for widespread consumer adoption of television varied by region. In Europe, the devastation of World War II significantly delayed the growth of the consumer electronics market compared to the United States. However, the technological groundwork and early development by companies like Philips and Telefunken were crucial for the eventual establishment of television broadcasting and sales in their respective countries.

Comparing European and American Timelines

When we ask "which is the oldest TV brand," we often implicitly mean the oldest brand that was actively selling television sets to consumers on a significant scale. In this regard, the American brands—RCA, Philco, and DuMont—tend to have a more prominent narrative due to the relatively earlier and more robust development of the consumer market in the U.S. after the initial technological hurdles were cleared.

However, if we consider the broader history of electronic component development and early experimental broadcasts, European pioneers were absolutely essential. The Marconi-EMI work with the BBC in 1936, for instance, was a groundbreaking achievement that predated widespread commercialization in the U.S. So, while the *brand* recognition for early *consumer* TV sales might lean towards American companies, the *technological lineage* is a global story.

For instance, Philips demonstrated its first electronic television system in 1928. This is incredibly early. However, widespread commercial production and adoption by consumers under the Philips brand took time to develop, influenced by economic conditions and the global political climate. This nuance is key to a thorough answer.

The Complexity of "Oldest": Defining the Criteria

The challenge in definitively naming "the oldest TV brand" lies in defining what that term truly means. Are we looking for:

The brand of a company that first patented a key television technology? The brand of a company that first broadcast a television signal? The brand of a company that first manufactured a television receiver for sale to the public? The brand that has continuously existed and produced televisions from the earliest days to the present?

Each of these criteria would yield a different answer. My personal perspective, after extensive research, is that the most practical interpretation for the general public asking this question relates to the brands that were pioneers in bringing television *sets* to consumers. This is where RCA, Philco, and to some extent, DuMont, and even Marconi-EMI through its technological contributions, come to the fore.

If we consider companies that were involved in the very early *development* and *demonstration* of electronic television, and then transitioned to manufacturing, the lines become even more blurred. Companies like General Electric also had early involvement in television research and development, though their initial consumer market presence might be perceived as slightly later than the others.

Marconi-EMI: A Foundational Legacy Revisited

Let's return to Marconi-EMI. While the brand "Marconi" might not immediately bring to mind a television set in the same way "RCA" does for many, their role in the *infrastructure* of television is paramount. Guglielmo Marconi's company was a world leader in wireless communication. This expertise was directly transferable and essential to television broadcasting.

The collaboration with EMI to develop the electronic system for the BBC's 1936 broadcasts means that the technological DNA of the world's first high-definition TV service is deeply intertwined with Marconi. If the question is about the oldest *brand associated with the very genesis of broadcast television technology*, Marconi is an incredibly strong answer. Many of the early television receivers used components and technologies that were either developed by or licensed from companies with such deep roots in wireless and electronic innovation.

It's also worth noting that the history of corporate mergers and acquisitions means that brand lineages can be complex. Technologies developed under one company's banner might eventually be produced and marketed under another. However, when tracing the *origin* of the technology and its initial commercialization as a concept and a broadcast service, the contributions of entities like Marconi-EMI are undeniable and foundational.

The Significance of Early Broadcast Standards

The development of broadcast standards was another critical step where early brands played a role. The FCC in the United States, and similar bodies internationally, had to decide on technical specifications for television broadcasting. Companies like RCA and Philco actively participated in these discussions, shaping the future of the medium. The standards adopted influenced the design and capabilities of the television sets that would be manufactured. This direct involvement in setting the rules of the game for television further solidifies their claim as pioneers.

RCA vs. Philco: A Closer Look at Consumer Sales

Let's try to narrow down the "oldest TV brand" in terms of direct consumer sales, as this is often what people are looking for. Both RCA and Philco were selling television sets in 1939 in the United States.

RCA TRK-12 (1939): This was one of the first commercially available television receivers in the U.S. It was a 12-inch set that displayed a picture and sound. It was an expensive luxury item, and sales were limited due to the scarcity of programming and the high cost.

Philco (various models, 1939 onwards): Philco also introduced television sets around 1939. Their offerings might have been positioned differently in the market, perhaps focusing on different features or price points. It’s difficult to find a single "first" model for Philco as definitively as the TRK-12 for RCA, but their presence in the market from that very same year is well-documented.

Given this, both RCA and Philco are exceptionally strong candidates for the title of the oldest *American* TV brand that sold sets to consumers. If forced to choose one based on the sheer scale of their integrated effort (broadcast network + manufacturing + aggressive post-war marketing), RCA often comes out on top in historical narratives of American television.

The "Continuously Operating" Factor

Another way to interpret "oldest TV brand" is the brand that has been in continuous operation and producing televisions for the longest period. This is where things get even trickier. Many of the original pioneers have either ceased to exist, been acquired, or have drastically changed their business models.

For example, RCA's consumer electronics division has undergone numerous transformations. Its ownership has changed hands multiple times over the decades. While the *brand name* has persisted in various forms, the original corporate entity that pioneered television is not the same today.

Similarly, Philco's history is one of mergers and acquisitions, with the brand eventually being absorbed into other companies. DuMont Laboratories ceased to exist as an independent entity relatively quickly after its peak influence.

If we consider brands that are *still* actively manufacturing and selling televisions today, tracing their lineage back to the very earliest pioneers, the list becomes very short, if it exists at all in a pure sense. Many contemporary TV brands are relatively young compared to the birth of television itself. Companies like Samsung and LG, while giants today, entered the television market much later than the initial pioneers.

This leads me to believe that the question "which is the oldest TV brand" is best answered by looking at the brands that were instrumental in the *creation and initial commercialization* of television, even if their corporate structures have changed dramatically since then.

Synthesizing the Evidence: Who Wears the Crown?

Based on the historical evidence, it's not a simple case of one brand having a clear, undisputed claim as *the* oldest TV brand across all possible interpretations.

For pioneering broadcast technology and early demonstrations: Marconi-EMI stands out due to its critical role in the world's first high-definition broadcast in 1936. The Marconi name is synonymous with the very genesis of wireless transmission, a prerequisite for television.

For early commercialization and mass consumer sales in the US: RCA and Philco are the strongest contenders. Both were actively selling television sets to the public in 1939. RCA, with its integrated approach and aggressive post-war expansion, often receives more prominence in historical accounts of American television's rise.

For significant, albeit shorter-lived, early impact: DuMont Laboratories was a crucial early player, involved in broadcasting, manufacturing, and innovation.

My personal take is that **RCA** is arguably the most fitting answer when considering the oldest TV brand that was instrumental in bringing television to the masses as a consumer product, particularly within the United States, due to its sustained presence and foundational role in establishing the industry from the late 1930s through the post-war boom.

However, acknowledging the profound contributions of **Marconi-EMI** to the underlying technology and early broadcasting is essential for a complete picture. If the question implies the oldest *lineage* tied to the very *dawn* of practical television, then Marconi's influence is undeniable and arguably precedes the widespread consumer sales by other brands.

A Checklist for Tracing TV Brand Origins

If you're interested in tracing the history of a specific TV brand or understanding the origins of television technology, here's a simple checklist:

Identify the Era of Interest: Are you focused on the very first experimental broadcasts, early commercialization (late 1930s/early 1940s), the post-war boom (late 1940s/1950s), or the transition to color TV (1960s onwards)? Distinguish Between Technology Development and Consumer Sales: Was the company primarily an innovator of components and systems, or a manufacturer and marketer of finished products? Research Founding Dates and Key Milestones: Look for when the company was founded, when it first demonstrated or produced television technology, and when its first consumer television sets were released. Investigate Corporate History: Understand if the company has undergone mergers, acquisitions, or significant restructurings, as this can affect its "continuous" lineage. Consider Geographic Context: The timeline for television's development and adoption varied significantly between countries (e.g., US vs. UK vs. Germany). Look for Brand Associations: Sometimes, a brand's influence is felt through its partnerships or its role in developing broadcast standards, even if it wasn't the primary seller of consumer sets.

Frequently Asked Questions About Early TV Brands

Who invented television?

The invention of television wasn't the work of a single person but a cumulative effort by many scientists and engineers over decades. Key figures include:

Paul Nipkow: Developed the mechanical scanning disk in 1884, a foundational concept for early mechanical television systems. John Logie Baird: A Scottish inventor who successfully demonstrated a working mechanical television system in the 1920s and conducted some of the earliest public television broadcasts. Philo Farnsworth: An American inventor often credited with inventing the first fully electronic television system, demonstrating it in 1927. Vladimir Zworykin: A Russian-American inventor who developed the "iconoscope" (an electronic camera tube) and the "kinescope" (an improved picture tube), working with Westinghouse and later RCA.

It's important to note that different individuals made crucial breakthroughs in different aspects of television technology, from scanning and transmission to image reproduction.

When did television become widely available to consumers?

Television began to become available to consumers in a limited capacity in the late 1930s, with companies like RCA and Philco releasing early sets. However, World War II significantly disrupted production and adoption. The real boom in television ownership occurred in the post-war years, particularly from the late 1940s through the 1950s, as broadcasting expanded and manufacturing ramped up, making sets more affordable and programming more plentiful.

By the end of the 1950s, a significant percentage of American households owned at least one television set. This period marked the transition of television from a novelty for the wealthy to a mainstream form of entertainment and information for the general public. The development of transistor technology and later integrated circuits would further drive down costs and improve performance in the decades that followed.

Was Marconi a TV brand?

The name "Marconi" is primarily associated with Guglielmo Marconi's pioneering work in radio communication. However, the Marconi Company, through its involvement with EMI (Electric and Musical Industries), was absolutely instrumental in the development of early electronic television systems. They, along with EMI, developed the technology used by the BBC for the world's first high-definition television broadcast in 1936. While "Marconi" itself might not have been the brand name on the television sets you bought off the shelf in the same way as RCA or Philco, the company's contribution to the underlying broadcast technology was foundational. So, in a sense, the Marconi *name* is deeply embedded in the history of television's very beginnings, even if not always as a direct consumer brand of sets.

Why is it hard to name just one "oldest TV brand"?

It's challenging to pinpoint a single "oldest TV brand" due to several factors:

Evolution of Technology: Television evolved from mechanical systems to electronic systems. Different companies excelled in different eras and aspects of this development. Innovation vs. Commercialization: Some companies were brilliant innovators of core technology (like Farnsworth or Zworykin), while others were more focused on mass manufacturing and marketing to consumers (like RCA or Philco). Defining "Brand": Are we referring to the company that invented a key component, the company that first broadcast a signal, or the company that sold the most sets to consumers? The definition matters greatly. Corporate Changes: Many early electronics companies have since merged, been acquired, or ceased to exist. Their original brand lineage can be complex to trace continuously. Geographic Differences: The development and adoption of television happened at different paces in different countries, with various companies leading the charge in their respective regions.

Therefore, while we can identify pioneers and early leaders, declaring one single brand as definitively "the oldest" across all contexts is difficult and depends heavily on the specific criteria used.

What happened to the early TV brands like DuMont or Philco?

The landscape of the consumer electronics industry has always been dynamic, marked by intense competition, technological shifts, and corporate restructuring. Many of the pioneering TV brands from the early days have either faded away or been absorbed into larger conglomerates.

DuMont Laboratories, a significant early player in both broadcasting and manufacturing, struggled financially in the highly competitive post-war television market. The DuMont Television Network ceased operations in 1956, and the company eventually dissolved, with its assets and broadcast licenses being sold off.

Philco, after a period of success as a major television manufacturer, faced increasing competition and changing market dynamics. It underwent several ownership changes, eventually being acquired by Ford Motor Company for a time, before its brand and operations were further integrated into other entities. While the Philco name still exists today, it is often licensed and associated with different manufacturers and product lines than the original independent company.

These stories highlight the challenges of remaining competitive in a rapidly evolving technological sector. Brands that were once dominant had to adapt to new technologies, market demands, and aggressive competitors, and not all were successful in the long run. However, their foundational contributions to the television industry remain significant.

Is RCA still a TV brand?

Yes, the RCA brand name is still in use for televisions, though the corporate structure and ownership behind it have changed significantly over the decades. The original Radio Corporation of America (RCA) was a major force in pioneering television, but its consumer electronics division has been sold and restructured multiple times. Today, the RCA brand for televisions is licensed by various companies, most notably by TCL, a large electronics manufacturer that produces RCA-branded televisions for the North American market.

So, while the name persists and you can buy televisions bearing the RCA logo, it does not represent the same integrated company that brought the world its first commercially successful electronic television systems and broadcast networks in the mid-20th century. The brand lives on, but its corporate lineage is complex and representative of the industry's constant evolution and consolidation.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Innovation

In answer to the question, "Which is the oldest TV brand?", the most accurate response acknowledges the multifaceted nature of television's birth. While **Marconi-EMI** holds a profound claim for its foundational technological contributions and early broadcasts, and **RCA** and **Philco** are exceptionally strong contenders for pioneering the mass commercialization of television sets for consumers from the late 1930s onward, there isn't a single, universally agreed-upon answer that satisfies every interpretation of "oldest TV brand."

Ultimately, the story of the oldest TV brand is a narrative of relentless innovation, fierce competition, and the collective human drive to capture and share images and sounds across distances. It’s a story that spans continents and decades, involving countless brilliant minds and pioneering companies. The brands that were there at the genesis—Marconi, RCA, Philco, DuMont, Philips, Telefunken, and others—each carved out a crucial piece of television history, laying the groundwork for the incredible devices we rely on today.