/ 08.25.2010 12:00AM
Americans Are Leary of 3DTV Side Effects
AMSTERDAM: Seventeen percent of Americans believe that
viewing 3DTV poses health risks to the eyes, and a further 55 percent “aren’t
sure,” a new survey of 2,000 U.S. consumers from Strategy Analytics’ Digital
Consumer Practice reveals. The findings underline a critical task ahead for
both vendors and service providers, according to the firm.
“We’ve long believed that 3DTV faced a tough road with numerous obstacles,
namely content availability, consumer interest and viable business models” said
Ben Piper, director of Strategy’s multiplay market dynamics service. “However,
these issues all take a back seat in light of the latest findings.”
With 72 percent of the market either unconvinced of or unsure about potential
3DTV health and safety risks, the number one priority for 3DTV vendors and
service providers needs to be messaging, according to Piper.
While there is little published scientific evidence linking 3DTV and eye
problems, anecdotal reports of eye strain, dizziness, headaches and nausea are
common.
“Whether or not the safety concerns are justified is immaterial,” said Strategy’s
vice president of digital consumer practice, David Mercer, “The perception
issue is one that could substantially hamper 3DTV’s growth going forward.”
Strategy Analytics will formally unveil further detailed findings from the
survey on Saturday, Sept. 11 during the International Broadcasting Convention
in Amsterdam, when BSkyB’s director of product development, Brian Lenz, will be
guest speaker. Admission is free, but registration is required at the related Strategy
Analytics
Web
site.
For a related story on the subject, check out “
Is 3DTV Unhealthy?”
-- from TV Technology