Thomas Edison contributed several innovations to the entertainment industry, most notably the development of the phonograph and improvements to motion picture technology. His invention of the phonograph in 1877 was the first reliable device for recording and reproducing sound, revolutionizing music consumption. Edison's work in motion pictures led to the establishment of the first film studio, the Black Maria, and advancements in film projection techniques. Edison's contributions not only shaped entertainment but also paved the way for future technological advancements in sound and cinema.