By Paul Hayes
SYDNEY, NSW: As Samsung 3D TVs enter the Australian market, the company has released an extensive list of health warnings that may discourage potential early adopters.
The warnings specifically include cautions for young children, teenagers, pregnant women and the elderly, as well as people with epilepsy or under the influence of alcohol.
Speaking with Current.com.au, spokesperson for consumer group Choice, Elise Davidson, said such a list of warnings could affect people’s attitudes to adopting the technology straight away.
“People could certainly think twice about it.”
Choice’s message to potential 3D customers is one of extreme caution.
“Consumers shouldn’t rush out and buy a 3D TV unless they feel they absolutely must have one,” said Davidson.
“If they fall into one of the risk groups for health issues they’re more likely to have a better idea whether or not they're going to be affected if they wait a while and see what happens.”
Some of Samsung’s sterner warnings include:
– Pregnant women, the elderly, sufferers of serious medical conditions, those who are sleep deprived or under the influence of alcohol should avoid utilising the unit’s 3D functionality.
– Some viewers may experience an epileptic seizure or stroke when exposed to certain flashing images or lights contained in certain television pictures or video games.
– Viewing in 3D may cause disorientation for some viewers. Accordingly, DO NOT place your TV near open stairwells, cables, balconies, or other objects that can be tripped over, run into, knocked down, broken or fallen over.
Davidson said that while the wait-and-see approach is advantageous in considering the health and safety concerns, it also takes in financial and technical considerations.
“What we see with all of these new products and technologies that hit the market is that quality and performance improve rapidly and the price tends to drop sharply if you wait even six months to a year.”