3DTV: 3D or not to be?

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3DTV is seen as the next ‘big thing’ for technophiles and electronic industry officials, ever since James Cameron’s Avatar became the highest-grossing film in history many people’s eyes have been opened to the power of 3D entert...

3DTV is seen as the next ‘big thing’ for technophiles and electronic industry officials, ever since James Cameron’s Avatar became the highest-grossing film in history many people’s eyes have been opened to the power of 3D entertainment. But what possible options are there for 3DTV, are there possible problems that could arise from habitual use of these technologies?

3Options for 3Dimensions

The American based Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) has declared that 3DTV for the CEA's forecasting purposes must include support for at least one of the following three 3D display approaches listed on the CEA website:

• Active shutter glasses through a built-in emitter or a jack for an accessory emitter with matching active shutter glasses available with the product or separately as an accessory;
• Polarized glasses through polarized display filter with matching polarized glasses available with the product or separately as an accessory;
• Autostereoscopic display —one that requires no glasses —such as those using lenticular lens or parallax barrier technologies.

The Issue

The possible issue with 3DTV is the notion of it causing ‘binocular dysphoria’. This fear first came from Mark Pesce—one of the pioneers of virtual reality back in the mid-90s, when he spoke out on the first episode of Byteside for 2010 warning consumers not to purchase 3DTVs. But what is binocular dysphoria and what are the hazards? It is through the visual experience of depth perception that we can trick our brains into thinking what we are seeing are a truly 3-Dimensional environment. One of the main visual clues that allows depth perception and 3D technology to work is motion parallax and Pesce believes it is through singular exposure to this for long amounts of time that ‘binocular dysphoria’ develops, altering the way people relate visual depth cues when they stop viewing 3DTV or 3D cinema. Pesce has theorised this can last up to a number of hours after viewing has stopped.

Where is the research?

There appears to have been no studies into ‘binocular dysphoria’ and Mark Pesce provides no scientific studies to go with his remarks. In fact, no information can be provided about ‘binocular dysphoria’ other than Pesce’s comments spread throughout the internet.

Responses

Panasonic responded to concerns that 3DTV will cause ‘binocular dysphoria’ with the fact they had been developing 3D for many, many years and they have done extensive testing and their 3D solution will meet every safety standard.

Sony says it has already conducted safety tests on its 3DTV technology. Not only has Sony tested their 3D technology internally but they have also engaged with a specialised research institute to study 3D viewing and the possible impact this might have on people’s health. According to this study and related report they did not find anything that was deemed to be an issue to viewer health.

The Conclusion

There may be possible problems associated with long term 3D exposure, and companies are doing all they can to limit any possible safety hazards that may arise. Panasonic and Sony are continuing to test their technologies heavily before releasing them on the market, and this should be the only way new technology is released. Pesce may be behind the times in regards to the technology that is being used now for 3D and further research must be done rather than taking the word of one man.