Gateway GT5012 8510755 - Media Center User Guide - Page 23

• 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. See Windows Help & Support for more information about changing the screen resolution. • 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. • Type of TV (interlaced or progressive scan) Many TVs use interlaced video. Interlaced video displays a video frame with two passes of alternating scan lines. The TV screen first displays the video image odd lines one at a time, sequentially from top to bottom, then it fills in the other half of the video image with the even lines. Because most TVs use this interlaced method to display the picture on the screen, a standard interlaced analog TV will most likely flicker when displaying thin lines and small text. An interlaced video display device will produce a lower quality display, especially when viewing and using the Media Center computer functions. Progressive scan video displays a video frame with one pass of sequential scan lines. A progressive scan TV displays the entire picture, drawn sequentially from top to bottom, without the odd/even interlacing. This results in a fuller, sharper picture and better display quality for viewing and using the Media Center computer functions. The progressive scan picture is also brighter and easier on your eyes. Q: How do I configure my Media Center to output to a TV? A: Your Media Center computer detects whether you are using a VGA or an S-Video display device and automatically changes the display settings for the type of display device you are using. For more information, review the FAQ topic at: support.gateway.com/windowsxp/mediacenter/faqs/ 23