12 Negative Effects of 3D TVs on Viewers

3Dimensional Television (3D TV) was embraced by consumers of electronic equipment in the entertainment industry with much gusto in April 2010. Many have been drawn to the use of 3D TVs by what the set has to offer. Traditionally, television displays have mainly exploited the 2 dimensional (length versus width) pictorial perspectives of relaying electronic images to viewers.

2D reception has so far been well received with hardly any complaint except addiction and an occasional rude intrusion of X-rated content that is less suited to young and immature viewers. I will try to explain the scenario in a lay man’s language. The advancement of TV technology has seen the advent of 3D TV on the entertainment scene with the promise of higher levels of image perception. The TV set transmits stereoscopic imagery which is realistic in our three dimensional natural world. This shouldn’t pose a problem to the normal natural eye.

We are naturally endowed with two eyes that combine in vision to give us a clear impression or view of objects that both eyes are capable of visualizing. The truth is that, each eye is a single lens and has a unique focal point, hence ability to detect images. You can test this by closing one eye while allowing the other eye to look around. The difference is worth noting.

When both eyes are in use, a balance of vision is attained unlike the one we get when we use a single eye. 3D imagery tries to enable us to experience visualization of each separate eye while allowing our brains to decipher and make sense of what we are trying to see. The filming of 3D movies is usually done with stereoscopic vision in mind. The normal eye cannot detect the finer aspects of 3D vision. This is why 3D TVs come with a pair of lenses that enable the user to experience real 3D vision after our brains have processed the separate images. Extra pairs of glasses can be purchased when need arises.

Images from 3D TVstend to be quite realistic considering the fact that our lives are set up in a three dimensional environment. Movies such as Avatar and Alice in wonderland, Pirates of the Carribean have been viewed in 3D thereby helping in promoting the viewership of 3D movies. The images are so realistic that they appear to leap out of the screen at you. This can be quite enthralling if not a hair-raising experience. The Telegraph reported that one in every ten viewers cannot see 3D imagery (Clip on lenses solve 3D headaches for spectacle wearers).

Samsung and Sony wants to incorporate the technology in its gaming consoles despite acknowledging that viewers experience difficulties when viewing 3D imagesthey recommended that viewers take frequent breaks in between the viewing or playing of 3D games. They have lightly thrown in disclaimer terms of service with each product they sell after issuing recommendations that children under six years of age undergo a check first before being allowed to use 3D images.

3D is expected to appear everywhere by the year 2013. In the september 2011 issue of the PC Plus magazine, Jeremy Laird reports that the ratio of movie goers with regard to preference for 2d against 3D movies stands at two to one. Interest in 3D-capable HDTVs is waning. Jeremy argues that the only good thing that came with 3D technology is the improved responsiveness of the 120Hz LCD monitor's image quality when one is scrolling web pages. This monitor responds better and worth a try compared to those that refresh at the traditional 60Hz.

Complaints have been registered from viewers of 3D TVs that suggest a need for serious reforms in the manufacture of these TVs with a view to safeguarding users’ safety. Issues raised after users have viewed 3D TVs using stereoscopic glasses include;

Cost: prohibitive to many buyers. The first 3D TV sold at £1800 or $ 2800

Pregnant women: may cause miscarriage

Eye strain: by some viewers of 3D images and game players. Nintendo previewed in July 2010

Nausea: leads to vomiting

Disorientation: loss of one’s bearings

Headache: affecting your flow of thought

Confusion: absence of logical thinking

Palpitation: irregular heartbeats

Blood pressure: increase in blood pressure

Epileptic seizures: especially in those suffering from epilepsy

Coronary attacks: especially in viewers with heart related complications

With such an amount of side effects, should any government be allowing the rendering or consumption of such services? The standardization, quality control and licensing of dangerous consumer products should not be flouted in the face of what such products can do to man.

Disclaimers that urge you to “use at your own risk” border on irresponsible behaviour and carelessness towards users welfare. It is high time governments tried to rectify these anomalies by preventing further suffering among consumers of such products and services. Something has to be done lest we ask ourselves “Does your government want you dead or alive?”.

Is three dimensional TV and images really safe for our consumption? No drug would be prescribed for public consumption if it was deemed to produce side effects such as stated above. it seems like only those who are perfectly normal can make use of these products. Do take care. Wish you good viewership.