The 1980s transformed television in India. Until 1982, most households watched black-and-white broadcasts on Doordarshan, but the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi introduced regular color television, triggering a surge in TV ownership. This guide covers the top Indian old TV brands of the 1980s, why they became popular, and how they shaped India’s consumer electronics industry.
Quick Overview
| Brand | Main Type | Peak Popularity | Known For |
|---|---|---|---|
| EC TV (ECIL) | Black & White | Early 1980s | Durable government-backed televisions |
| Uptron | B&W / Color | Mid-1980s | Affordable Indian manufacturing |
| Weston | Color | Mid-Late 1980s | Early premium color TVs |
| Onida | Color | Late 1980s | Premium brand and iconic advertising |
| Videocon | Color | Late 1980s | Nationwide dealer network |
| BPL | Color | Late 1980s | Better picture quality and reliability |
| Dyanora | Color | Late 1980s | Value-for-money color TVs |
| Keltron | Black & White | Early-Mid 1980s | Kerala government electronics company |
| Solidaire | Color | Late 1980s | Licensed Sony technology in India |
| Crown | Black & White | Early 1980s | Affordable televisions for first-time buyers |
Why the 1980s Changed Indian Television
Three developments created India’s television boom.
- 1982 Asian Games introduced regular color broadcasting.
- Doordarshan rapidly expanded transmitters across the country.
- Falling television prices made ownership possible for millions of middle-class families.
India had fewer than 2 million TV households in 1982, but that figure grew to more than 15 million by the end of the decade, making television one of the country’s fastest-growing consumer products.
Top 10 Indian TV Brands of the 1980s
1. EC TV (ECIL)
Manufactured by the Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL), EC TVs earned a reputation for reliability. They were widely used in government institutions and middle-class homes before color TVs became mainstream.
2. Uptron
Produced by Uptron India Ltd., these televisions became popular because they offered dependable performance at affordable prices. Both black-and-white and color models were available by the mid-1980s.
3. Weston
Weston emerged as one of India’s leading color television brands after 1982. Larger CRT screens, brighter colors, and improved audio made it a preferred upgrade for many families.
4. Onida
Founded in 1981, Onida quickly became India’s premium television brand. Its famous slogan, “Neighbour’s Envy, Owner’s Pride,” remains one of the country’s most memorable advertising campaigns.
5. Videocon
Videocon expanded aggressively during the late 1980s through a strong retail network. Reliable performance and competitive pricing helped it become one of India’s largest consumer electronics companies.
6. BPL
BPL introduced modern television designs with improved picture tubes and better sound quality. Urban households particularly favored the brand during the transition to color television.
7. Dyanora
Dyanora offered affordable color televisions without sacrificing performance. It became a popular choice for first-time color TV buyers during the late 1980s.
8. Keltron
Manufactured by Kerala State Electronics Development Corporation (Keltron), these televisions were known for solid engineering and dependable after-sales service, especially in southern India.
9. Solidaire
Solidaire gained attention through its collaboration with Sony, producing televisions using licensed Japanese technology. The brand became associated with better picture quality and premium engineering.
10. Crown
Crown televisions provided dependable black-and-white viewing at budget-friendly prices. They became common in smaller towns and rural India as Doordarshan expanded nationwide.
Typical Features of 1980s Indian TVs
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | CRT Picture Tube |
| Screen Size | 20–21 inches |
| Broadcast Standard | PAL Analog |
| Audio | Mono Speaker |
| Remote Control | Rare before the late 1980s |
| Connectivity | RF Antenna Input |
| Smart Features | None |
| Internet | Not Available |
Most televisions relied on rooftop antennas, and viewers often rotated them manually for better reception.
Television Timeline
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1959 | Television service begins in India (Delhi) |
| 1976 | Doordarshan becomes a separate broadcaster |
| 1982 | Color TV introduced during the Asian Games |
| 1984–1988 | Rapid expansion of Doordarshan transmitters |
| Late 1980s | Color televisions become increasingly affordable |
| Early 1990s | Cable television begins changing Indian viewing habits |
Popular Doordarshan Shows
Television ownership increased because families gathered to watch programs such as:
- Ramayan
- Mahabharat
- Hum Log
- Buniyaad
- Malgudi Days
- Chitrahaar
- Rangoli
- The World This Week
- Sunday Hindi movies
- International cricket featuring India
Many neighborhoods watched these programs together, making television a shared social experience.
Also, find interesting stories of these Top 10 1970 Old TVs.
Black-and-White vs Color TVs
| Feature | Black & White | Color |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Lower | Higher |
| Popular Until | Mid-1980s | Late 1980s onward |
| Picture | Monochrome | Full Color |
| Target Buyers | Budget households | Middle and upper-middle-class families |
Even after color broadcasting began, black-and-white TVs remained common because they were significantly less expensive.
Legacy
The television boom of the 1980s laid the foundation for India’s consumer electronics industry. Brands such as Onida, Videocon, BPL, Weston, and Dyanora later expanded into appliances including refrigerators, washing machines, and air conditioners.
Although CRT televisions have been replaced by LED, OLED, and Smart TVs, many vintage sets from the 1980s still function today, highlighting the durability of that era’s engineering.
Quick Facts
- Regular color television broadcasting began in 1982.
- Doordarshan was India’s primary broadcaster throughout the decade.
- Most homes owned only one television.
- Outdoor rooftop antennas were standard equipment.
- Remote controls became common only toward the end of the decade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which TV brand was most popular in India during the 1980s?
Onida, Videocon, Weston, BPL, and Uptron were among the best-known television brands, while ECIL and Keltron remained trusted regional manufacturers.
When did color television start in India?
Regular color television broadcasting began during the 1982 Asian Games held in New Delhi.
Which channel did people watch?
For most of the 1980s, Doordarshan was the only television channel available across much of India.
Are any 1980s Indian TVs still available?
Yes. Working CRT televisions from brands such as Onida, Videocon, ECIL, and BPL are still found with collectors, vintage electronics enthusiasts, and some rural households.
Conclusion
The best Old Indian television brands of the 1980s helped introduce millions of families to news, sports, cinema, and iconic Doordarshan serials. Driven by the launch of color broadcasting in 1982, companies including Onida, Videocon, BPL, Weston, Uptron, ECIL, Keltron, and Dyanora built the foundation of India’s television industry. Their legacy continues today as India’s TV market has evolved from analog CRT sets to AI-powered 4K and OLED smart televisions.