Samsung: 3D TV Can Make You Sick

Washington, D.C. (April 14, 2010) -- Samsung has posted a warning on its Australian web site that watching 3D HDTV could be harmful to young children, pregnant women, the elderly and others, even the drunk.

The company apparently is reacting to reports that watching the reality-alerting images has left some people with headaches and a feeling of dizziness.

Samsung, which last month launched two 3D HDTV models in the U.S., says in the warning that "children and teenagers may be more susceptible to health issues associated with viewing in 3D and should be closely supervised when viewing these images."

But the notice adds that some viewers can experience an epileptic seizure or stroke when exposed to certain flashing images found in TV pictures.

Additionally, the company says, "pregnant women, the elderly, sufferers of serious medical conditions, those who are sleep deprived or under the influence of alcohol should avoid utilising the unit’s 3D functionality."

Samsung even counsels against wearing 3D goggles for an extended period of time.

"Watching TV while wearing 3D glasses for an extended period of time may cause a headache or fatigue. If you experience a headache, fatigue or dizziness, stop viewing TV and rest," the company warns.

It's unclear why Samsung has posted the health warning at its Australian site, but not on its U.S. site.

I appreciate your warning post. I can’t argue with your logic. Things may transpire pretty much as you state. On the other hand, they may not.

There is reportedly a 3D cable option coming. It will consist of about three channels dedicated to 3D. Studios are also likely to re-release some old products in 3D. Basically the Alice in Wonderland was reworked to make it 3D. As I understand it, it wasn’t shot in 3D.

Avitar was phenomenal. Still, the best 3D experience I’ve had was Polar Express. When the snow fell, it was really magical. I really enjoyed Avitar too, so don’t get me wrong.

I have reviewed the Sony 3D set, and I’ve got to tell you it was exceptionally crisp, clear, and dynamically 3D.

When moving pictures came along, some said it was a fad. I’m not going to make the same mistake regarding 3D. IMO, it’s here to stay.

Sure, the studios did bring out 3D to help boost sagging ticket sales. I don’t disagree with that. I still don’t see this as a fad.

Each of us will have to evaluate whether we can afford to go the 3D route. Those that can will. They’ll get years worth of enjoyment out of them.

I do think people should study the issue long and hard before jumping, but knowing the risks, if a person wants to, I’m not convinced they’ll be unhappy they did.

Excellent post. Let me add two observations:

1) Until there is a standard, there will be a dearth of 3D material to view. Broadcasters aren’t going to gear up for 3d sports or news; and old movies aren’t going to be converted into any decent 3D form.

2) I noticed that some of the 3D TVs also advertised that they were “internet enabled.” I submit that one of the obvious but unspoken sources of 3d material and profit will be 3D internet porn. 3D is a natural for adult material. The depth of field is right, the viewing time is short, and many will think the headaches worth it.

Everything you say makes sense. 3D may prove to be more than a passing fad, but you are certainly correct that consumers should wait until there is an agreed-on standard.

I was one who had HD DVD before Blu-ray. However, I bought it when I could get a player for $100 and did not pay much for media as they started to go on clearance. I still have an HD player in my set-up, and it is the only way to see the stunning HD versions of Mutiny on the Bounty, Grand Prix and Forbidden Planet. I waited about a year before getting into Blu-ray. I did the Red2Blu swap on 24 HD titles, and will ditch the HD player when the 3 titles mentioned above come out in Blu versions.

Even though I do not feel terribly burned about HD DVD and still enjoy some of my discs, it is a cautionary tale when you consider HD DVD alongside DIVX DVD players and the Betamax VCRs. Unless one has money to burn, it is foolish to jump into 3D now.

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