Hazards of 3D Television

Major electronics manufacturers are betting the farm on 3D as the next big technology breakthrough for the future of television.  This despite study after study citing hazards such as severe eye strain, massive headaches, and queasiness to viewers.

This is the dirty little secret of 3D TV – or is it? (a secret, that is)

Thee following paragraphs is the “Warning Label” on the Samsung website, re: Watching 3D TV. (For full text click HERE.)

Some viewers may experience an epileptic seizure or stroke when exposed to certain flashing images or lights contained in certain television pictures or video games. If you or any of your family has a history of epilepsy or stroke, please consult with a medical specialist before using the 3D function.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, immediately stop watching 3D pictures and consult a medical specialist: (1) altered vision; (2) lightheadedness; (3) dizziness; (4) involuntary movements such as eye or muscle twitching; (5) confusion; (6) nausea; (7) loss of awareness; (8) convulsions; (9) cramps; and/or (10) disorientation. Parents should monitor and ask their children about the above symptoms as children and teenagers may be more likely to experience these symptoms than adults.

Viewing in 3D mode may also cause motion sickness, perceptual after effects, disorientation, eye strain, and decreased postural stability. It is recommended that users take frequent breaks to lessen the likelihood of these effects. If you have any of the above symptoms, immediately discontinue use of this device and do not resume until the symptoms have subsided.

Makes you wonder what the manufacturer isn’t telling you, doesn’t it?

Now I love gadgets as much as the next guy, but something else that can make me go blind is the last thing I need. I’m reminded of the ‘Opti-Grab,’ the fictional invention of Navin R. Johnson in Steve Martin’s The Jerk. After making millions off his invention, it is discovered to have caused users of the product to become cross-eyed, resulting in millions of lawsuits. Is 3D TV the next Opti-Grab?

 

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Navin R. Johnson (The Jerk): And that’s the only thing I need is *this*. I don’t need this or this. Just this ashtray… And this paddle game. – The ashtray and the paddle game and that’s all I need… And this remote control. – The ashtray, the paddle game, and the remote control, and that’s all I need… And these matches. – The ashtray, and these matches, and the remote control, and the paddle ball… And this lamp. – The ashtray, this paddle game, and the remote control, and the lamp, and that’s all *I* need. And that’s *all* I need too. I don’t need one other thing, not one… I need this. – The paddle game and the chair, and the remote control, and the matches for sure. Well what are you looking at? What do you think I’m some kind of a jerk or something! –
And this. That’s all I need.
[walking outside]
The ashtray, the remote control, the paddle game, and this magazine, and the chair.
[outside now] And I don’t need one other thing, except my dog.
[dog growls at him] I don’t need my dog.