A Guide to SCART
Connections and Cables

SCART Leads and Connectors Explained

SCART connections are still fairly common in Europe as a method of connecting AV components.

So what do we need to know about this type of connection and when should we use it?

What does the connector on the device look like?

The SCART connector on your device looks like this.

As you can see from the shape of the connector, SCART leads are designed so they will only fit one way round, so make sure you pay attention when plugging it in.

What does the cable look like?

SCART cables that are used to connect two devices look like this.

With a SCART lead, make sure you push it in firmly or you may not get a good image.

What does it do?

SCART connections send analog video and audio signals between devices.

They only support standard definition images and stereo audio signals.

When should I use it?

This type of connector is quite old now, and is becoming less common in new AV equipment. In modern equipment, there are better ways of connecting devices such as the HDMI connector or with a component video cable.

However, if you have devices with SCART sockets then this can be an easy way to sending the video and audio signals between the two using just one cable.

What else can you tell me?

SCART connections are mainly used in Europe and Asia to connect AV devices. Throughout the world they are also known by other names such as the Euroconnector and the EIA Multiport.

With the introduction of digital high-definition images and multi-channel audio this connection will mainly be found in older AV equipment.

A fully wired SCART cable is compatible with component RGB as well as a composite video signal.

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