Gateway fx530 Reference Guide

Page of 166
CHAPTER 7: Troubleshooting
112
Type of connection used—You can connect the 
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 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 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 
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 
www.gateway.com
.
Screen resolution—Many TVs cannot display the high 
resolution that your computer’s video signal uses, and 
may shift, scramble, or scroll the picture. For a better 
picture on a TV display, you may need to lower the 
computer’s screen resolution to 800 × 600 or 640 × 480. 
For more information about changing the screen 
resolution, see the “Customizing Windows” chapter in 
the online User Guide.
Size of display device—Small computer 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. 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.
Important
Cable connections must be made correctly for 
optimal video quality. A loose cable connection can 
lower video quality.
8512280.book  Page 112  Monday, March 26, 2007  4:25 PM