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 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 Gateway.
Important
Cable connections must be made correctly for optimal video quality. A poor cable connection can lower video quality.
•Screen resolution—By default, the notebook uses a screen resolution optimized for the LCD screen. 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 moreinformationabout changing thescreenresolution, see “Changing color depth and screen resolution” in your 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 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.
