Gateway has entered the rear projection TV market with a 56-inch Digital Light Processing (DLP) rear projection TV that's less than 19 inches deep. The company has stated that it is undergoing a sweeping transformation from a traditional PC company into a branded integrator of personalised technology solutions -- a maker of digital gear that works together.

With the top-selling plasma TV line in America, Gateway is moving quickly to offer consumers a wider selection of cutting-edge televisions that break new ground on value and features. Overcoming two common objections to rear-projection TVs -- bulk and price -- the new Gateway 56-inch DLP TV packs the benefits of rear projection into a package that is one-third the size of traditional rear projection TVs. Generating HDTV pictures, it claims to be perfect for consumers who want a big HDTV monitor without the limited viewing angle and bulky design of standard rear-projection TVs.

The rear projection TV is a comprehensive offering with built-in speakers and dual NTSC tuners. It also extends the ability to connect external devices including DVI-based DVD players, HDTV tuners, gaming modules and VCRs. In addition, it claims to be the perfect visual medium for Gateway home theater systems, which enhance the entertainment experience with dynamic surround sound.

An easy to use picture-in-picture (PIP) function allows viewers to watch two shows at the same time -- one family member can enjoy baseball playoffs, while keeping an eye on the action in a football game. DCDi by Faroudja provides advanced picture management with the highest quality Faroudja video processing for cinema-quality video from multiple sources including DVD, VCR and cable.

Leveraging a unique dual DCDi video processing system, the rear projection TV yields picture quality in both windows, which are compatible with different settings and formats, completely independent of each other. The benefit is maximum variability of PIP transparency, sizing and positioning options as well as multiple scanning modes including main+3, main+7 and main+11 for viewing several channels simultaneously.

The new rear projection television comes with a Gateway OFR-1 universal remote control. This can manage up to eight devices. In addition, there is a separate remote for controlling the picture-in-picture function and side-by-side viewing options. Dual headphone outputs include one for the main display and another for the PIP window. The television set also offers multiple HDTV component, DVI with HDCP, VGA/RGB, composite and s-video AV inputs.

An official release informs that unlike competitive companies, Gateway's three-channel strategy includes the ability to showcase thin TVs, home theater systems and other CE devices in its US network of 190 stores. This model enables consumers to evaluate how the products perform and work together before making a purchase decision. According to Gateway's customer satisfaction study, 94 per cent of its TV customers during the past quarter reported making the purchase through a store, demonstrating the company's distinct advantage with its multi-channel direct model.

Gateway claims to have become a leader in home entertainment in less than a year. After launching its first thin television last November, the company became the top US seller of plasma screen TVs. The company offers a full line of thin TVs -- ten LCD, plasma and rear-projection models ranging from 13-inches to 56-inches.