Gateway Notebook Reference Manual page 94

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CHAPTER 9: Troubleshooting
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 a VGA video output. 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.
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.
Important
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.
Tip
For more information about changing the screen resolution, see
"Adjusting the screen resolution" in the online User Guide.
Help
For more information about adjusting display settings, click
Start, then click Help and Support. Type the keyword changing
display settings in the Search Help box, then click the arrow.
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.