who invented the first down line on tv
1st & Ten (graphics system) The idea of creating an on-field marker to help TV viewers identify 1st down distances was conceived and patented in 1978 by David W. Crain,[8] who presented the concept to Roone Arledge[9] and Roger Goodman[10] of ABC News and Sports and to the CBS Technology Center.[11] At the time, both decided the broadcast industry was not ready to use Crain's invention.