3D HEALTH ISSUES

Panasonic Corp., the large Japanese electronics firm, issued a press release stating that it was "working closely with the Japanese government" in establishing an international set of rules to govern health issues surrounding 3D imaging and its potential negative effects on individuals.

Fumio Ohtsubo, President of Panasonic, said "We have already started the process of establishing broad 3D health and safety guidelines for electronics manufacturers, content makers, and broadcasters". Health issues, mainly regarding the use of active-shutter glasses (ASGs)- these are battery operated glasses which rapidly open and close slats to create the illusion of depth - has surfaced before, but now major players in the electronics industry are taking an active role. For example, Nintendo has put out a warning that prolonged use of their new 3DS 3D hand-held game console could cause damage to the eyesight of children six years and younger. And last week, LG Electronics, the large Korean display manufacturer, said it was changing its 3D technology to address concerns that the current industry standard regarding 3D imaging could be a contributing factor to 3D related illness and discomfort.

LG stated it was going to introduce an alternative method of production that involves placing a film on the screen and using polarized passive glasses to view 3D TV. This is in contrast to the present industry standard of using ASGs. Ten firms have signed up to use the new LG technology - termed FPR for film-patterned retarder - which raises concern that a 3D technology war may be in the making.



On the other side, Sony and Samsung, users of the ASG technology contend that ASGs allow for the best 3D on-screen imaging.

LG has stated that it will cease manufacturing screens that work with ASGs, which they contend casue blurred vision, dizziness, nausea and even more serious issues like photo-sensitive epilepsy experienced by some 3D viewers.

Panasonic's Ohtsubo further stated that "regardless of which technology approach the industry takes, it has to address the health concerns surrounding 3D as there are worries by the consumer that 3D makes certain people feel ill and that it may not be safe for children".

I believe Mr. Ohtsubo is correct, and that wide-spread acceptance of 3D by consumers for in-home entertainment will not take off until these issues are resolved. Luckily for the cinema the vast majority of theatres use passive 3D glasses - the ASGs were just too expensive.

Best and Happy/Healthy 3D Viewing at your Local Cinema
Jim Lavorato