What is a SCART connector?

SCART (an acronym of Syndicat des Constructeurs d'Appareils Radiorécepteurs et Téléviseurs) was originally developed in France as standard way for connecting audio visual equipment together.  The standard included the definition of a 21-pin connector.

It is also known as Péritel (especially in France, where it is not often called SCART), 21-pin EuroSCART (which was a marketing term introduced by Sharp in an attempt to market the connector in Asia) and Euroconnector. 

What is SCART used for?

The SCART standard cable makes it easy to connect AV equipment (including Televisions, Personal Video Recorders, DVD players and game consoles). The main advantage of SCART is that it combines a number of common analog signals into a single cable and connector.  Before SCART was developed each of these signals would require it's own cable and connector, causing the typical home AV setup to be a mass of leads and cables.

SCART is able to transfer composite and RGB (with composite synchronisation) video, as well as stereo audio input and output.  The standard was improved in the 1980s to also support S-Video signals.  Control signals can also be sent across a SCART connection providing the ability to bring a TV out of standby or to be switched to video mode.

Useful SCART Connection Tips

Better quality output from your DVD player - for FREE!

Most DVD players that have SCART sockets output RGB video, which offers far better picture quality to that of composite video signals. However, many players do not have RGB output turned on by default - instead they output composite by default.  RGB normally needs be chosen manually in the DVD player's setup menus.  For best quality video output from your DVD player turn on RGB output.

Improve your games console video output

The Sony PlayStation 2, Microsoft Xbox, Microsoft Xbox 360, Nintendo GameCube and Nintendo Wii can output RGB, YCrCb, S-Video, or composite video. Many of these games consoles come with a standard composite video connector, but it is also possible to improve the quality of the video output dramatically by using a component video cable or RGB via SCART cable.  The GameCube and Xbox automatically switch to the correct video mode when a cable is connected, but the Sony PS2 must be have it's setup changed via a selection in the system menu to use either YPbPr or RGB component video.

What is the maximum SCART cable length?

The maximum cable length for SCART cable runs without additional relay equipment is approximately 10 to 15 metres. 

Is it safe to plug in SCART cables while equipment is switched on?

The SCART standard allows for relatively high voltages to be transmitted along the cable and through the connector.  Hot plugging is not recommended and can damage sensitive electronic components in audio/video equipment, although there is no risk of personal injury.