The American Optometric Association - on the basis of
nothing more than an unofficial online survey - estimates
25% of American have experienced headaches, blurred vision,
nausea, or similar problems when watching 3D movies. (Or;
conversely, it could have been the three slurpees and 2
giant buckets of popcorn!) Quick, rush to your OD for a
comprehensive eye exam if you feel queasy after paying
around $40 at the local IMAX!
Just as some manufacturers thought the market for 3D
glasses was going to take off, the unanswered questions
about 3D - passive versus active, no glasses required 3D,
circular polarization versus powered shutter type glasses
– mean they may have jumped the gun with all their new
product offerings.
I must admit that I leaped on the 3D bandwagon myself. My
new Samsung is an active 3D - no it doesn’t get up and
walk around - it emits an infrared signal to battery-powered
glasses that you wear over your Rx eyewear. We’ve had it a
month and other than showing it off to friends and family we
haven’t really used the 3D component (you can switch it on
or off and also make 2D sources simulate 3D, meh!) By the
way, most of the currently available 3D glasses from the TV
manufacturers resemble post-op cataract thingies.
At the moment the problem is lack of content, but I am
pretty sure more will come in the future.
Another issue for the guys making these glasses is that
most 3D schemes are proprietary and no standard has yet been
set. I’m betting on Samsung since I have one in my living
room and they are one of the industry leaders. This is just
like the good old days when your VHS tapes wouldn’t play
on a buddy’s Sony Beta-Max. If you own a pair of 3D
glasses, there is no guarantee they will work on someone
else’s set, bummer if he doesn’t have an extra pair for
you when you go over to watch Cloudy with a Chance of
Meatballs.
One big problem will be warnings that, “We do not
recommend watching 3D if you are in bad physical condition,
need sleep, or have been drinking alcohol.” (Again from
Australia – what is it with the Aussies?) That warning
would preclude most average Americans from ever watching 3D!
If they broadcast the Super Bowl in 3D only about 5 people
in the US would qualify!
This will be giving researchers and scientists all over
the world a whole new field to play on and when they settle
what format we will be using, the manufacturers can then
take over and we’ll all be watching 3D in a happy, healthy
environment. Remember, no drinking, don’t be tired, and do
a few sit-ups before watching Shrek in 3D.
