That's mostly because the cost of a TV was far greater than it is today. So it took a lot more money to buy a larger TV. TVs today are dirt cheap compared to 50 years ago.

[–] jj4211@lemmy.world 2 points 1 hour ago (1 children)

Yeah, that explains more big screens for lower income, it doesn't explain so much why higher income folks would eschew the big screens.

[–] LeFantome@programming.dev 1 points 47 minutes ago* (last edited 45 minutes ago)

It does if tech changes fast.

First, many rich people are older people.

Regardless of age, rich people bought expensive TVs when even the best ones were smaller. They still work great and have not been replaced.

Also, a TV is not as important to rich people. If they want to watch the game, they get tickets. The old screen is good enough. And a smaller screen probably fits nicer into their decor. In a poor household, the TV is the centrepiece and even if it is ugly, it looks better than the rest of the room.

Finally, rich people may be busier. I do not want this comment to be misunderstood but the reality is that television is just not as central to their lives.

Mostly though, I just think older TVs are smaller.