I just recently purchased a Gateway GM5472 and hooked it up to my cable. I notices that the picture (although viewable) seems to be quite dim -- not as vivid as I expected it to be. Is this something that can be fixed with a new video card (if so, what would be the best one to get?) , or would I need to replace the tv tuner itself (If so, which one?) I don't know if it matters any, but when I first received the computer it came with Windows Vista which I did not like and replaced with Windows XP Media Center. I've listed the specs below. Thanks in advance for any assistance.

General Platform Technology AMD LIVE!
Processor Type AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ / 2.6 GHz
Multi-Core processor technology Dual-Core
64-bit processor Yes
Installed Qty 1
Max processors supported 1
Cache Memory
Type L2 cache
Installed Size 1 MB
Cache Per Processor 1 MB ( 2 x 512 KB )

Mainboard Chipset type NVIDIA GeForce 6150 SE
Data bus speed 1000 MHz
RAM
Installed Size 2 GB / 4 GB (max)
Technology DDR II SDRAM
Memory speed 667 MHz
Memory specification compliance PC2-5300
RAM form factor DIMM 240-pin
RAM features Two DDR channels
RAM configuration features 2 x 1 GB
Storage Controller
Type Serial ATA - Integrated
Controller interface type Serial ATA-300
Storage
Floppy drive type None
Hard Drive 1 x 500 GB - Standard - Serial ATA-300 - 7200 rpm
Hard Drive (2nd) None
Hard Drive (3rd) None
Optical Storage
Type DVD±RW (±R DL) / DVD-RAM
CD / DVD read speed 48x (CD) / 12x (DVD)
CD / DVD write speed 48x (CD) / 16x (DVD±R) / 6x (DVD-R DL) / 8x (DVD+R DL)
CD / DVD rewrite speed 32x (CD) / 6x (DVD-RW) / 8x (DVD+RW) / 12x (DVD-RAM)

Multimedia Functionality
TV tuner type Digital and analog TV
Video input Video capture adapter
Digital TV reception ATSC
Graphics Controller
Type Integrated
Graphics Processor / Vendor NVIDIA GeForce 6150 SE
Video Memory Shared video memory (UMA)
Max Allocated RAM Size 256 MB

Audio Output
Type Sound card - Integrated
Sound output mode 7.1 channel surround
Audio output compliant standards High Definition Audio
Speaker(s) 2 x Right / left channel
Input Device
Type Mouse, Keyboard
Mouse
Mouse technology Optical
Mouse interface USB
Mouse features Scroll
Audio Input
Type None
Telecom
Modem Fax / modem
Max transfer rate 56 Kbps
Protocols & Specifications ITU V.92
Networking
Networking Network adapter - Integrated
Data Link Protocol Ethernet, Fast Ethernet
Printer
Type None
Expansion / Connectivity
Expansion Bays Total (Free) 2 ( 1 ) x Front accessible - 5.25", 3 ( 1 ) x Internal - 3.5", 1 Personal Media Drive bay
Expansion Slots Total (Free) 1 ( 0 ) x Processor, 4 ( 2 ) x Memory - DIMM 240-pin, 1 ( 1 ) x PCI Express x16, 1 ( 0 ) x PCI Express x1, 2 ( 1 ) x PCI
Interfaces 6 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 pin USB Type A ( 2 in front ), 2 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire) ( 1 in front ), 1 x Display / video - VGA - 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15), 1 x Parallel - 25 pin D-Sub (DB-25), 1 x Serial - 9 pin D-Sub (DB-9), 1 x Keyboard - Generic - 6 pin mini-DIN (PS/2 style), 1 x Mouse - Generic - 6 pin mini-DIN (PS/2 style), 1 x Modem - Phone line - RJ-11, 1 x Network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX - RJ-45, 1 x Display / video ( 1 in front ), 2 x Audio - Line-in ( 1 in front ), 1 x Audio - Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, 1 x Audio - Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, 1 x Audio - Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, 2 x Headphones - Line-out - Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm ( 1 in front )

If brightness/dimness is the issue...I would suspect the monitor before thinking about the video card/drivers.

Do you have access to a second monitor?

System Specs Here.

Louis

Thanks for the speedy reply -- I neglected to mention my monitor is my television... The picture when normally watching television is much better than when I watch it through my computer -- which if different than I expected it to be. Its a 42'' Sony Grand WEGA (http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&partNumber=KDF42E2000)

OK, thanks...but you did not answer the question about a "second" monitor, since we can consider your TV as your first monitor.

The LCD device probably has some controls that you can adjust to compensate for viewing problems. According to what I just read, that seems like the resolution that you will have to attempt.

You could also try updating the drivers for your system...drivers can become damaged and damage can affect viewing quality.

Unless your video card/chipset is failing...I don't think a new video card is the way that I would suggest going.

That's why I asked if you had a second monitor, it's easier to narrow the choices by simply connecting a monitor and seeing if the problem persists. If it's a driver or video card/chip issue, it should apply to a different monitor. If it's an issue pertaining to your LCD device, it won't impact a different viewing device.

Louis

Ok -- I updated all drivers and installed NVidia PureVideo -- also hooked up the computer to another monitor (not t.v.) The picture is great until I try to watch television -- the picture still doesn't look crisp -- its like watching television on a 20 year old analog television -- sorry but thats they best way i can explain it... I also tried to play a game and the graphics look great, but wouldn't run on highest settings...