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• Type of connection used—You can connect the Media
Center computer video output to a TV. However, the
connection type has an affect on the video quality. The
Media Center has two video outputs:
• VGA—If your TV includes a VGA port, connect the
VGA cable from the Media Center computer’s VGA
(monitor) port to the TV’s VGA In port for the best
quality. Many TVs do not have a VGA port.
• S-Video—If your TV does not have a VGA port, but
includes an S-Video port, connect the S-Video cable
from the Media Center computer’s S-Video Out port
to the TV’s S-Video In port. S-Video display quality
is usually good for TV images. The display quality for
the Media Center computer functions, however, is
not as good as VGA output. S-Video display output
is not optimized for computer video display.
• Quality of video cables—Poor quality or the incorrect
type of video cables can cause problems and affect the
video quality. Gateway recommends using high-quality
video cables that can be purchased from the Gateway
Accessory Store.
Note: Cable connections must be made correctly for
optimal video quality. A poor cable connection can
lower video quality.
• Screen resolution—By default, if your display device
was purchased with the Media Center computer, the
computer uses a screen resolution of 1024 × 768 for
computer monitors and 800 × 600 for the Gateway
42-inch Plasma TV. Many TVs cannot display this high
of a resolution and may shift, scramble, or scroll the
picture. For a better picture on a TV display, you may
need to lower the Media Center screen resolution to
800 × 600 or 640 × 480. For more information about
changing the screen resolution, see the “Customizing
Windows” chapter in your online User Guide.
• Size of display device—Small computer monitors for
standard computer applications are generally not
optimized for motion video playback. Although they
offer excellent resolutions and refresh rates, they are
designed to make static white backgrounds with black
text look readable. Some small display devices do not
make colorful motion video look its best. Generally,
video will look better on a larger display device.
• Age of the TV—Newer TVs usually have more
advanced features, produce a better quality picture,
and support higher screen resolutions. The Media
Center video display will likely be better on a newer
model TV.
8512066.book Page 99 Tuesday, January 16, 2007 11:02 AM