Samsung Issues Health Warnings Over 3D TVs

The Korean electronics giant has warned on its website that 3D viewing may cause epileptic seizures or strokes when exposed to certain flashing images.
Samsung Issues Health Warnings Over 3D TVs
Updated:
As the hi-tech frenzy continues over the 3D home theatre TVs, Samsung has released health warnings that may be associated with the new technology.

The Korean electronics giant has warned on its website that 3D viewing may cause epileptic seizures or strokes when exposed to certain flashing images.

“If you or any of your family has a history of epilepsy or stroke, please consult with a medical specialist before using the 3D function,” said the website warning.

Samsung advises that medical help must be sought if the viewer experiences altered vision, dizziness, muscle twitching, confusion, nausea or convulsions.

“Parents should monitor and ask their children about the above symptoms as children and teenagers may be more likely to experience these symptoms than adults.”

Viewing in 3D mode may also cause motion sickness, perceptual after effects, disorientation, eye strain, and decreased postural stability. It is recommended that users take frequent breaks to lessen the likelihood of these effects.

Samsung also does not recommend watching 3D if the viewer is in poor physical condition, need sleep or have been drinking alcohol.

Watching TV while sitting too close to the screen for an extended period of time may damage eyesight. The ideal viewing distance should be at least three times the height of the TV screen.

It is recommended that the viewer’s eyes are level with the screen.

Viewing in 3D mode may cause disorientation for some viewers. It is also not recommended to place the television near open stairwells, cables, balconies or other objects that may cause injury.

Samsung Electronics, the world’s No. 1 TV brand, launched 3D TV sales in South Korea in March with an aggressive sales target of two million sales for 2010.

Samsung is currently offering a 46-inch high definition LED-LCD TV $US3642 and a 55-inch model at $US5182 in the domestic market, excluding the cost of viewing glasses.

For comparison, its 46-inch regular LCD TV that does not use LED backlight costs about $US1340.