The result was a flickering reproduction of the transmitted image. As simple and elegant as his idea was, Nipkow had little success with it. The necessary means of synchronism and signal amplification were beyond the technology of his day. Reading about Nipkow's idea before the First World War, Baird supposed it would be easy to perfect. In fact, he was surprised to learn that no one had yet created a working television system.
Ignorance can be a worthy ally for ambitious endeavors.
Baird would face years of technical challenges, setbacks, and personal frustration before he finally created a working television. No Money and a Great Idea Spending his days in a tedious business career left Baird little time. He tinkered at night, but made scarce progress. Then in 1923 he became gravely ill and was forced to quit his job. Living on meager savings, he recluded in a Soho garret.