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Even after decades, Scart connectors are still very common. In this practical tip, we explain exactly what they are and what types of Scart adaptors are available.
What is Scart?
Scart is used to transmit analogue audio and video signals:
- The Scart socket is quite large, is often located at the back of the device, and it’s rarely possible to plug the Scart plug into the socket correctly on the first attempt.
- However, a single Scart connection can transmit both audio and video, in both directions.
- Normally, only analogue signals are transmitted.
- For example, you can use a Scart connection to connect your DVD player to the television, as well as some set-top boxes, such as the Telekom Media and the Sky set-top box.
- If necessary, you can even use a wireless Scart connection
- Due to the dominance of digital transmission, Scart is gradually being phased out.
These Scart adaptors are available
Many devices can be connected to Scart using adaptors or converters:
- The classic option is Scart to RCA and video, usually simply called ‘audio-video’. Often, the adaptors also convert Scart to S-Video. Be careful when buying: as the same Scart socket can serve as both an input and an output, whereas most audio and video sockets cannot, adaptors only ever work in one direction. Many adaptors have a switch to toggle between the two directions.
- Scart-to-USB adaptors are hard to find. Our practical tip shows you how to transfer videos to your PC via the audio-video output or a Scart socket using an audio-video adaptor.
- It is rare to find converters for transferring from Scart to DVI. DVI-A and DVI-I support analogue signal transmission, whilst DVI-D is purely digital. You can find out more about DVI in a practical tip.
- You can convert Scart to HDMI using an interface. The reverse is actually impossible due to the copy protection on HDMI devices. Nevertheless, there are adaptors available to convert HDMI to Scart. However, in such cases, the HDMI device may refuse to play the content.
- On Amazon, you can also find Scart-to-VGA adapter cables
