This could actually be a very serious question in the near future. I have to admit that when I first put on a pair of modern 3D specs the first sensation to go through my head wasn’t one of “wow, that looks great” but was instead “euur, I feel a bit sick”. Luckily for me it settled down and after 5 minutes I could enjoy the 3D film, it looks like a lot of people may not be so lucky and aren’t going to be able to enjoy the 3D TV experience.
A shocking report has revealed that approximately 12 percent of people in the UK have a visual problem that will stop them from being able to see 3D images. Using rough figures that’s about 6 million people! To be honest I just hope my wife isn’t one of them or I’m never going to be allowed a new box. I’m not sure if this impairment classifies you as disabled but in all seriousness it’s not going to be much fun in the coming years as more and more media finds its way into a 3D format. There are plenty of people who expect 3D TV to rule by 2014
The problem is caused by having poor binocular vision (both eyes working together), this restricts the amount of information their brain has to form a 3D image. To make things worse not only do they not get to enjoy the 3D effect but instead they can suffer from serious headaches and eye strain. I imagine the effect is similar to that “enjoyed” during the Sony 3D adverts that were common during the world cup. 3D TV adoption rates are still very low so I’d love to know who made the decision to put those adverts out and create widespread dizziness across the UK? When people finally do get 3D’ed up the last thing you want is somebody moaning about a headache wrecking your 3D enjoyment? I know I wouldn’t.
“3D is appearing everywhere, and there’s loads of people complaining they can’t see it”, read the full report over on the MCV website.
3D TV technology is only going to get more popular as the prices come down (our own survey shows that around 85% of people are waiting for a price point below an equivalent of $2000). Manufacturers are going to have to take this visual sickness onboard, if only to cover their own backs. I can see this being especially an issue for games developers who already have a suite of eye issues to warn against. Sony haven’t been slow to this (being the first company to release a 3D update for their console) and have now amended their terms to reflect the visual problems related to watching in 3D
From the Sony gaming teams terms and conditions:-
“We recommend that all viewers take regular breaks while watching 3D video or playing stereoscopic games.”
and
“The vision of young children, especially those under six years old, is still under development, and we recommend that you consult your doctor before allowing young children to watch 3D video images.”
Whilst a serious problem I can’t see this stopping the mass move to 3D which is edging ever closer and closer. It’s just a real pity that so many people aren’t going to get to enjoy it in its full glory.
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