3D entertainment: Real Fun or Real Fad?
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Unless you’ve just come back from the wilderness, you have surely realized that stereoscopic 3D are all the rage, these days. From portable video-game consoles to cell phones, digital cameras and LED screens, more and more devices are getting released with 3D capabilities as the main hook.
But the question remains: does this technology really add to the experience, or is it just an electronics fad aiming to capitalize on impulsive buyers? If you don’t have much experience with using stereoscopic 3D devices and you have not made up your mind about the actual validity of these devices, this article will help you make up your mind.
Main Arguments in favor of 3D entertainment
A new dimension of fun: the capability to evoke perception of depth on a flat screen (the illusion of depth, to be accurate) really adds a new layer of fun to visual media. Even though it’s essentially optical trickery, the added perception of depth really makes objects stand out from the fore ground or recess deep into the background, and it’s simply fun observing how 3D entertainment differs from conventional 2D.
Increased realism and engagement: besides conveying an increased sense of realism, 3D induces engagement since it really draws viewers into the screen, which makes them feel immersed in the movies they’re watching or games they’re playing. Creating effective 3D entertainment most surely introduces a new set of challenges and opportunities, as far as movie-makers and game developers are concerned… but when done right, it really feels kind of magical.
Improved ambience: when cleverly used, 3D technology allows creating some impressive visual effects that really enhance the ambience you experience with it. From rain droplets apparently splatting against your face to arrows shooting out of the screen, there are many creative uses for this technology that really provide a whole new set of tools for visual storytelling. And this is just the begging! As creators develop new techniques to get the most of this technology, 3D will surely allow conjuring plenty of breath-taking visuals.
Strongest complaints against 3D entertainment
Glasses required or reduced viewing angle: even though sophisticated screens have been devised which allow experiencing 3D with no need to wear glasses, the trade-off is usually a very narrow view angle… meaning you only see the three dimensional picture if you look at the screen at the right distance and from the right position. An even worse option is being required to wear glasses, which tends to be somewhat uncomfortable: if you already wear glasses, putting another pair on top of them is just not practical; if you don’t wear glasses, you will likely be distracted with the sensation caused by keeping a plastic frame mounted on your nose.
Potentially induces headaches and nausea: all too commonly, people who experience stereoscopic 3D entertainment for the first time will either experience headaches after a while, or feel outright nauseated and even vomit. This is actually a natural effect of tricking your eyesight for extended periods of time, and it goes to show that we humans sometimes put our entertainment over our well-being. All in the name of good fun, right?
May permanently damage your vision: despite the increasing debate regarding the potential hazards of 3D entertainment, no actual conclusions have been drawn so far. Some optometrists claim that 3D can lead to vision impairment on younger people or those who use this technology for excessive periods of time. Other vision specialists actually maintain that 3D entertainment could make it easier to diagnose depth perception problems that would otherwise go unnoticed. Who is right? Only time will tell!
The verdict: is 3D here to stay?
All things accounted for; we certainly believe that 3D entertainment is not merely a fad. The illusion of depth does have potential to make the viewing experience richer and more engaging, and the main arguments against this technology will surely be brushed off in due time.
Within a decade or so, 3D screens of superior quality should have been introduced, allowing for a seamless experience – no glasses required, and fully immersive regardless of viewing angle. By then, researchers should have drawn definite conclusions over the health hazards of 3d, which we personally feel are none (provided the technology is used in moderation, not unlike what would be reasonable for conventional 2D screens).
When this time comes, there is a good chance 3D entertainment will have become a standard, and it’s quite possible that in the future most screens will allow using this feature. Do you look forward to this time? Are you scared about such a prospect? Make sure to share our opinion with us by writing your comments below.
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