Screen Tests
Big HDTVs are big news--so we lined up eight plasma and DLP models in our lab to separate the flat-out fabulous from the flops. Plus: A guide to getting high-definition programming.
Sean Captain
Gateway 50-Inch HD-Ready Plasma TV
Price when reviewed: $6000; Current prices (if available)
Our judges debated the relative merits of some TVs, but they were unanimous in their assessment of the Gateway, rating it substantially lower than its competitors in most of our tests. Colors were not only feeble, they also had an amber or yellowish cast that made nearly all content look like a faded film print from decades past. No matter how many ways we tweaked the settings (via the rudimentary on-screen controls), we couldn't pump more life into images. And because the DVI input doesn't support copy protection for high-definition resolutions, you'll have to use analog inputs for some HDTV content. (Gateway reports that it's working on a solution.)
Audio quality was equally low. The integrated speakers produced muted, flat sound. However, you can attach separate stereo speakers and a subwoofer via the set's analog audio-out ports if you like.
Gateway's support policies and documentation are good, and the set costs less than the other 50-inchers here. But we can't recommend that anyone invest $6000 in a TV that is destined to disappoint. You'd be better off spending the money on a projection TV that would likely have better image quality.
