ADVERTISEMENT
lea en Español
Precautions while watching 3D Television and 3D content
Cautions with systems that display stereoscopic images should be taken. The images displayed are normally shot taking into consideration the average space between the eyes of many people, but the fact is that most people are not aware of their own distance between their eyes, or their focal point.
Even though most movies and TV series, or videogames use an average of the distance between the eyes of most people (or their focal point), this distance, even if by little, varies from person to person (also, this distance changes as the distance from the user to the TV set also changes, which is most of the time).
Since each viewer has to force his or her eyes to 'view through the eyes of somebody else', this may cause stress in the eyes. The problem is that the stress or discomfort may not present itself at the moment of wearing the glasses or watching the movie, but after a while of wearing them, so it may be convenient to take pauses during long uses of the device.
It is common that in virtual reality systems, that combine stereo vision with fast movements of the head (specially while playing games), people may get headaches and get dizzy and nauseated after about 10 minutes of use if they are not customized to the use of the device (even in systems that allow the user to change distance between the screens, as the user is not aware of which distance may cause less stress at the beginning). Also, because kids at young ages are still in development and have not developed completely their eyes or the shape of their faces, some systems include warnings about the use of these devices at those ages; for example, the Nintendo 3DS warns about the use of the 3D feature by younger kids. Systems like the 'eMagin Z800', used in virtual reality, also warn about the use of the system by younger kids. It may not be convenient to force the eyes of young people to see in ways that are not natural for them, while they are still in development.
Some issues with incorrect image separation or 'crosstalk' (specially in anaglyph), where one eye perceives part of the image intended for the other eye, may also cause some discomfort; pregnant women may also get dizzy while watching 3D content.
A minimum percentage of users may not perceive the stereoscopic effect (depth on the screen) at all.
ADVERTISEMENT
