First tv show or film to feature mainstream/consumer computers?

First tv show or film to feature mainstream/consumer computers? - Multiethnic family watching TV with dog on sofa

Computers have been around for a long time but when did mainstream digital computers really begin to appear in TV shows or films? I believe this is inline and similar with this question.



Best Answer

The earliest film to prominently feature a consumer grade computer would be A Man, a Woman and a Bank (1979), starring Donald Sutherland. The computer used was a Commodore PET 2001.

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From IMDB synopsis: "Two novice thieves are plotting to rob a bank in Vancouver. A photographer snaps a shot of one thief as he is carrying the bank building's blueprints. The would-be thief then begins a relationship with the photographer and attempts to retrieve the photos. Meanwhile, the thieves' plot consists of this: one man will enter the bank building after dark, while the other man sits in a van and uses a computer to unlock the building's doors."

The first consumer grade computer used for a character's personal endeavors as opposed to the quasi-business use above was an Apple II in Evilspeak (1981).

Large mainframe computers began showing up in films as early as the mid 1950s.




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What is the first fully computer-generated film?

In 1995, the first fully computer-generated feature film, Pixar's Toy Story, was a resounding commercial success.

When did computers come out to the public?

In 1964, the first desktop computer, the Programma 101, was unveiled to the public at the New York World's Fair. It was invented by Pier Giorgio Perotto and manufactured by Olivetti. About 44,000 Programma 101 computers were sold, each with a price tag of $3,200.

When did first personal computer come out?

The IBM Personal Computer (PC) was introduced in 1981.

What was the first motion picture?

The world's earliest surviving motion-picture film, showing actual consecutive action is called Roundhay Garden Scene. It's a short film directed by French inventor Louis Le Prince. While it's just 2.11 seconds long, it is technically a movie.



Computers in Film \u0026 TV - Computerphile




More answers regarding first tv show or film to feature mainstream/consumer computers?

Answer 2

Demon Seed (1977) also portrays a computer that resembles old desktop computer. I am not able to recognize but it resembles Commodore PET 2001 which was released in 1977 too.

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Answer 3

While by no means an actual personal computer, the first example of a contemporary home with a computer in a TV show was Whizzo on The Addams Family.

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