SMPTE's Century-Long Journey

The Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) has reached a milestone: its centennial anniversary. Founded in 1916 as the Society of Motion Picture Engineers (SMPE), SMPTE has been at the forefront of innovation in the motion imaging industry for nearly a century.

SMPTE's history is intertwined with that of film and television, with the organization playing a crucial role in shaping the way movies and TV shows are created, delivered, and displayed. From the introduction of