Health risks for watching 3D TV - Samsung

Samsung warns against watching its new 3D TV sets if you’ve had a drink or two, are prone to strokes or epileptic seizures, are pregnant, unfit or just plain tired...

3D TV is not, it seems, for everyone.

Some reviewers of Australia’s first 3D tellies which Samsung launched last week have noted a degree of eye strain and sometimes headaches after a few hours of watching immersive if sometimes gimmicky ‘coming at you’ content. You might have experienced the same thing if you saw Avatar on the big screen in 3D.

But that’s just the start of it, Samsung warns on its Web site.

The company suggests “we do not recommend watching 3D if you are in bad physical condition, need sleep or have been drinking alcohol”, which ironically could be a trifecta for the forthcoming World Cup soccerfest and probably rules out the footy finals in 3D as well.

Pregnant women and anyone “with a history of epilepsy or stroke” are advised to “consult with a medical specialist” before donning the 3D specs

Samsung also lists a bevy of symptoms which, should they occur, are a sign to “immediately stop watching 3D pictures and consult a medical specialist”. These include  lightheadedness, dizziness, nausea, confusion, disorientation, loss of awareness, convulsions, cramps and involuntary movements such as eye or muscle twitching.

Oh, and “children and teenagers may be more likely to experience these symptoms than adults”.

If you’re a fit, well-rested and sober male of 20 or older with a good medical history and a bloodline clean enough to make a vampire lick his undead lips then you’re good to go for 3D TV… except that you may still be prone to “motion sickness, perceptual after effects, disorientation, eye strain and decreased postural stability” after watching 3D TV, Samsung cautions.

You could even be your own worst enemy. “Viewing in 3D mode may cause disorientation for some viewers” Samsung says. “Do not place your television near open stairwells, cables, balconies or other objects that can be tripped over, run into, knocked down, broken or fallen over or that may cause you to injure yourself”.

Apart from that, everything is peachy.