What an eyesore: Watching Sky 3D TV for hours 'can make viewers feel queasy'
Fears have been raised over Sky 3D TV after experts raised concerns it could make viewers feel dizzy and sick.The broadcaster, which launched Europe's first 3D television channel last year, is launching an investigation into the service, partly to find out if health advice is needed.
But Sky said it had not received any complaints and response to its six-month old service had been 'overwhelmingly positive' it added.
Dizzy and disorientated: Sky is investigating its 3D technology to see if health advice is needed The 3D technology has been driven by a raft of 3D blockbuster films such as Avatar and Alice in Wonderland.However, some 3D products on the market, including games consoles, have prompted complaints from users and health warnings and advice have subsequently followed.
Watching 3D television involves wearing special glasses like those used for 3D movies and the eyes and brain are bombarded with a succession of flashing images that appear for a fraction of a second.
It puts a new strain on the eyes and brain as it is a different way of seeing things.
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'Childrens eyesight is developing rapidly from birth, reaching normal vision around the age of five or six; although new research shows that childrens eyesight can remain flexible beyond this- so use of 3D technology under the age of six should be monitored carefully.'She said even when you stop watching 3D your brain is creating a form of bin! ocular d ysphoria, which can last a few seconds but perhaps for longer.
Queasy: Sky are investigating the claims that 3D programming makes viewers dizzy and feel unwellIt is this dysphoria which, if it lasts for a noticeable period, can lead to nausea, dizziness and disorientation which is concerning manufacturers, she said.
Newcastle University is carrying out an investigation into the 3D TV service for BSkyB.
In a statement, the company said it had received no complaints from subscribers.It said: 'Its entirely wrong to suggest that this study is in response to customers complaining about Sky 3D.
'Reaction has been overwhelmingly positive and weve not received a single health-related complaint.
'This project with Newcastle University is a wide-ranging study to find out more about what makes the best 3D experience, covering everything from the best TV sets and programmes for 3D to the ideal distance to be sitting from the screen.
'Of course were aware of the wider discussion about 3D viewing and this project will also allow us to assess viewers reactions and examine whether manufacturers health-related advice is appropriate or necessary.'Last year, the world's biggest electronics company, Samsung, issued a health warning about the dangers of watching 3D television on its website.Pregnant women, the elderly, children and those suffering from serious medical conditions are among a wide range of people said to be at risk.Those with epilepsy have also been warned and are urged to seek advice before turning on.Concerns have also been raised about computer consoles after complaints about the new Nintendo 3DS where users also reported dizziness and blurred vision.
The alert extended to those who have been sleep deprived or who have been drinking.It highlighted side effects such as confusion, nausea, convulsions, altered vision, light headedness, dizziness and ! involunt ary movements such as eye or muscle twitching and cramps.
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