Effects of video type, display technique, and ambient illumination on visual and physiological performance

Abstract

With the promotion of technology, 3D displays not only offer high-end video and sound qualities, but also provide larger-than-life viewing experiences. Twenty-five participants were recruited to investigate the effect of video type (horror, action, and comedy), display technique (2D, 3D), and ambient illumination (a dark room, 1500 lux) on saccade length, number of fixations, Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ), iGroup Presence Questionnaire (IPQ), and change of heart rate. The results showed that video type was significant on SSQ and IPQ, where horror videos showed the greatest effects on SSQ and IPQ. In addition, display technique was significant on number of fixations, SSQ, IPQ, and change of heart rate, where the 3D technique resulted in a higher number of fixations, SSQ, IPQ, and change of heart rate. Furthermore, ambient illumination was significant on number of fixations, IPQ, and change of heart rate, where a dark room led to a higher number of fixations, IPQ, and change of heart rate. The main contribution of this study is that it offers suggestions for choosing the appropriate video type, display technique, and ambient illumination when watching 3D movies—namely, for 3D film manufacturers, using horror videos in a dark environment brings greater realness and presence, but also results in higher visual fatigue and change of heart rate.