[DaveWM]

Not everybody had nice stuff like this. upper middle class professional or skilled labor. Agree with other comment, money was not split up everywhere (100$ plus per month cable bill as an example). Middle class folks had lower end stuff.
Also you only had ONE tv like this and maybe a cheap BW. And of course you kept it a long time. A McD's job was for kids after school and you would not have this tv on that kind of an entry level job. There was a time when you were expected to work up to nice stuff. And as mentioned there was the option to finance, which was not a bad thing since the set would actually last longer than the financing. The mind set was to pay a premium for a quality product. That mind set is fast becoming rare. When I got my 1st job (entry level accountant) I had a hand me down 19" BW that needed to be tuned with a pair of vice grips on the tuning shaft (and make sure you are not grounded when doing that). That was my main set for years. Frankly I think folks expect too much too soon.

oh I hope not to offend A) folks that work at McD's just saying it was a low wage income that would not support a nice set (and yes I did work fast food back in the day so I know of what I am speaking).

B) the use of upper and middle class is not to define the type of person but an income level as commonly used.

I recall as a kid only one or two families had a color tv on the block and this was in the late 60's, NOBODY had a color TV that I can remember in the early 60's, by the time the early 70's came around it was prob 50/50 and I am talking about adults with families, so it was the main entertainment for several people. So it really was something of a luxury item. I am trying to think of a comparable contemporary item, but not having much luck.