Motion sickness problems for 3D television viewers

(AFP PHOTO / Yoshikazu TSUNO)

Nearly 1.6 million 3D-ready television sets will ship to North America in 2010, according to DisplaySearch, a global research firm. But consumer's slow response to embrace 3DTV is one of the limitations the market is facing with its growth.

Some people develop motion sickness and headaches when watching 3D television, according to a study conducted by the University of California and CBS-TV. "[3D] has had good success in Hollywood, but whether you can translate that to cable, satellite and broadcast television has yet to be seen," said Bob Seidel, a vice-president at CBS, at a television and film engineering conference last week.

Up to 20% of viewers might have difficulty watching 3D on television, per a Hollywood Reporter report. Approximately 10% of the population cannot see the 3D effect due to lazy eye muscles. Also anyone with color blindness, as well as motion-related conditions, is unable to see the effect.

As a result of these physical reactions, Samsung issued health warnings in conjunction with its 3D TVs.

In addition, the predictions that 3D TV would take off have been met with mixed reactions from consumers. Considered a favorite format for watching sports on television, the 3D glasses are still a hindrance.

According to a new report from DisplaySearch, 3D TVs are still just two percent of all flat-panel televisions. Consumers are playing a waiting game for prices to decrease and 3D content to increase.

The report maintains the future looks strong for 3D TV, with projections of 90 million sets expected to ship by 2014. Despite the 20% who cannot watch, the other consumer questions remain if the content will be sufficient and the sets will become more affordable.

RC