Unfortunately, there’s no indicator yet that the South Korean giant has responded to the University of California-Berkeley research their R&D arm funded. We do have a funny feeling they’ll want to have the study hush hushed even after it’s been published on the Journal of Vision. It’s simply too damning of the 3D medium.
The disturbing evidence has all to do with vergence and focal points. Of the 24 people selected as test subjects, every single one complained of eye strain after viewing 3D video clips. The only good news is the contrasting 2D videos merited zero results.
Vergence and Focal Points: The Core Issues
Vergence refers to the simultaneous movement of both eyes in opposite directions to obtain or maintain single binocular vision. When watching 3D content, the eyes must constantly adjust to different depths, which can be taxing. Focal points, on the other hand, are the specific points where the eyes focus. In a 3D environment, these points are often manipulated to create the illusion of depth, which can lead to discomfort and strain.
The even worse part is a second leg of testing where participants revealed they felt fatigued by 3D. The small bit of redemption comes from the fact that the same worrying ill-effects don’t apply to big screens in cinemas. It’s only when 3D is compressed for home viewing that it becomes problematic, thanks to the human eye being unable to comfortably absorb the display’s vergence and focal points.
Implications for Home Viewing
The study’s findings have significant implications for the future of 3D technology in home entertainment. While 3D movies in cinemas are less likely to cause discomfort due to the larger screen size and better viewing angles, the same cannot be said for home setups. The smaller screens and closer viewing distances exacerbate the issues related to vergence and focal points, making it harder for the eyes to adjust.
Moreover, the study raises questions about the long-term effects of prolonged 3D viewing. If short-term exposure can cause noticeable eye strain and fatigue, what might be the consequences of watching 3D content regularly over months or years? This is a critical area that warrants further research.
We’ll let the readers draw their own conclusions this time around.
Source Ars Technica
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