THE Paragallis watched their first 3D event at home last night but will still be checking their letterbox with keen interest in coming days, awaiting delivery of the tools they need for the whole family to enjoy the soccer World Cup in an extra dimension.
The family of four, from Green Valley, had to share two pairs of glasses between them to watch last night's friendly between Australia and New Zealand - the first 3D broadcast on live television. Australia won, 2-1.
''We had to swap [glasses] at half-time,'' said Tony Paragalli.
Mr Paragalli, 55, has spent nearly $5000 getting his family 3D-ready in time for the World Cup. He hopes that by kick-off day on June 11 two extra sets of glasses - which cost $150 each - will be delivered.
A spokesman for the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists said there was no scientific evidence that watching 3D television - with or without glasses - could hurt viewers' eyesight.
While the high cost of being an early adopter would put some households off purchasing a 3D TV, the Paragallis have jumped straight from a cathode ray set to their new 140-centimetre flat-screen model.
Mr Paragalli said it was money well spent. ''It's like actually playing the game … you can see every visual, every movement,'' he said.
Sport was the family's main reason for buying a 3D TV, although Mr Paragalli will watch the State of Origin tomorrow night live ANZ Stadium.
Channel Nine and SBS, which has the World Cup rights, are using temporary licences from the Australian Communications and Media Authority. SBS will broadcast some Cup matches in 3D, including the Australia v Germany match on June 13.
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