Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: Why does the video in Media Center look bad on my TV?

A: There could be many reasons why the video looks bad.

First, Media Center was only tested using Gateway recommended displays, and not with retail TVs. Due to the numerous makes and models of TVs, it would be extremely difficult to test each one. If a display was shipped with Media Center, Gateway recommends using that display. If a display was not shipped with Media Center, a progressive scan display with RGB/VGA input is the best choice.

Second, many factors such as the quality of video source, the type of connection being used, the quality of video cables, the screen resolution, the size of TV, the age of the TV, or the type of TV (interlaced or progressive scan), can vary video quality substantially.

Quality of Video Source

The quality of the video signal coming into the Media Center determines the video quality on the display. The video displayed from Media Center is only as good as the video signal sent into it. Media Center cannot get a better picture than a TV plugged into the same video signal. Cable or digital cable and satellite generally provide a better quality signal than an antenna.

Type of Connection Being Used

It is possible to output video to a TV using the Media Center system. However, the connection being used plays a big part in the video quality. The 128-megabyte (MB) NVIDIA GeForce4 MX440, part number 6002191, which is included with Media Center has two video outputs:

  • RGB/VGA - This connection provides a higher quality picture compared to S-Video, but many TVs do not have this type of connection.
  • S-Video - Many TVs have an S-Video connection, but the picture may be poor using S-Video. This does not provide the same quality picture that an RGB/VGA connection does, and therefore, the RGB/VGA connection is recommended.

Note: Cable connections must be properly connected and tight for optimal video quality. A poor cable connection can lower video quality.

Quality of Video Cables

Poor quality cables or the incorrect type of video cable can cause problems. Gateway recommends using high-quality video cables that can be purchased at the Gateway Accessory Store. Using low-quality video cables affects the video quality.

Screen Resolution

By default, Media Center outputs a screen resolution of 1,024 × 768. Many standard TVs cannot display this resolution and may shift, scramble, or scroll the picture. For a better picture on the TV, you may need to lower the screen resolution to 800 × 600 or 640 × 480.

Size of TV

Small displays 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, not to make colorful motion video look its best. Video looks better on a larger TV.

Age of the TV

Newer TVs generally have more features, produce a better quality picture, and support higher screen resolutions. A newer TV is recommended.

Type of TV (Interlaced or Progressive Scan)

  • Interlaced video describes a frame with two passes of alternating scan lines. The TV screen first draws the image's odd lines, one at a time sequentially from top to bottom, and then fills in the even lines. Basically the entire TV picture is drawn from top to bottom with half of its information missing, and then the other half of missing information is filled in. Because of the method used to draw the picture on the screen, a standard interlaced analog television may flicker when displaying thin lines and small text.
  • Progressive scan video describes a frame with one pass of sequential scan lines. A progressive scan television permits the entire picture to be drawn sequentially from top to bottom without the odd/even interlacing. This results in a fuller, sharper picture. The picture is also brighter and easier on your eyes.