The Benefits of HDTV Standard TVs (SDTVs) display a maximum of 480 lines using the interlaced scan method, which creates a picture with alternating lines of information. Enhanced-definition TVs (EDTVs) display a maximum of 480 lines using the progressive-scan method, which creates an image using consecutive lines of information for a crisp, flicker-free picture. High-definition TVs (HDTVs) display a maximum of either 1,080 interlaced lines or 720 progressively scanned lines for the sharpest possible image.

Gateway's plasma TVs are astonishingly thin.

Progressive scanning, referred to as 480p and 720p for the number of horizontal lines that compose the video image, creates a picture using twice the scan lines of conventional interlaced pictures (resolutions ending in "i"), giving you higher resolution and sharper images while eliminating nearly all motion artifacts.

A plasma screen consists of two thin sheets of glass containing tiny, gas-filled cells. Electronic current stimulates the cells to produce light and color, creating bright, steady, vivid pictures. You also get extremely wide viewing angles (160 degrees with this set), and easy placement due to the TV's slim profile--this Gateway set is a mere 3.7 inches deep, perfect for desk or wall mounting (a table stand is supplied, and the set is compatible with most mounting hardware). Brightness tends to be extremely uniform across plasma screens, which are also impervious to the picture distortion and negative color balances that afflict CRT monitors when placed near lighting or sound systems.

This set offers an astounding 1,000:1 contrast ratio for rich, fathomless blacks alongside an astronomical 1,000 cd/m2 brightness for colors that jump right off the screen. A built-in digital visual interface (DVI) input jack eliminates the need for analog-to-digital conversion between your DTV set-top box or computer.

PIP (picture-in-picture) gives you the option of watching TV and one analog, standard-definition input source simultaneously, with the additional choice of watching in split-screen mode or window-in-window. A choice of digital zoom modes lets you fill the screen to eliminate letterbox bars on 4:3 (or other) aspect-ratio content, and picture freeze ensures you don't miss any details.

Audio options abound: there's a stereo RCA output with internally selectable fixed or variable level, a pair of built-in 5-watts-per-channel speakers, plus bass, treble, balance, and BBE Sound maximizer to tailor the timbre to your taste. A dedicated monaural RCA jack facilitates hookup with a powered subwoofer to round out the low end of your listening system. Even with a subwoofer, a switchable bass-extension circuit reinforces low frequencies through the variable-level RCA outputs if you're listening through an integrated amplifier or surround receiver and an external pair of speakers.

With its versatile power supply (AC 100 to 120V or 200 to 230V, 50 or 60 Hz) and multilingual menu (English, French, and Spanish), the 42-inch set is equally at home in many countries, and an RGB PC video output provides additional hookup flexibility.