Gateway 30-inch LCD
March 7th, 2005 | by Ian Bell
Full Review - Conclusion
Conclusion Gateway's latest 30-inch LCD television improves upon its predecessor and shows that Gateway is slowly progressing into the realm of consumer electronics. When compared to other HDTV LCD televisions in the sub $2000 dollar category, the Gateway 30-inch LCD has a lot going for it. It offers two component video inputs, a HDCP compatible DVI input, a 750:1 contrast ratio and a programmable remote control. All of these features are usually associated with higher-end televisions. But the Gateway 30-inch LCD is also not without its drawbacks. We are not big fans of the gold trim that Gateway is adamant about putting on all of the products that they sell, and the remote control is too cumbersome. The speakers are also too close together and it can be hard to get stereo sound at lower volumes. People looking for a product that is primarily a monitor first and a television second should look at offerings from Kreisen and Syntax which both sell LCD televisions with PC capabilities at low prices. Although Gateway will surely be upset with us for mentioning this, but the InFocus TD30 appears to be the same exact television and is available in a silver chassis; an alternative to those turned off by Gateway's black and gold. However if you want an affordable television for the bedroom, office or family room, the Gateway 30-inch LCD is worth a look. Serious home theater fans should expect to pay a minimum of $2200+ for a LCD television worthy of their media room. When compared to the Kreisen LT-30FMP 30-inch TV, you are basically paying $250 dollars more for a HDCP compatible DVI input, programmable remote and an extra component video input; picture quality is about equal. Pros: - Good picture quality for a TV in this price range - Comes with a programmable remote control - Comes with two component video inputs - Affordable at $1599 - Wall mountable, although Gateway does not sell a wall mount kit - Physical dimensions allow it to fit in most television cabinets Cons: - Limited support on Gateway's website - Manual is confusing at times and does not mention if the DVI input is HDCP compatible - Ugly and bulky remote control - Screen is very directional - Poor PiP features
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by ace on June 21, 2005:
“I own the older model and must say the newer model is better in quality and picture. Great deal for the price . I work for gateway and have used the newer model in our lab. The tv really shines when using 1080i and hooking up a pc with dvi. lots of bang for...” More...