An introduction to SCART
(also known as a Peritel Connector or Euro Connector)
by David Vere

from BAEC Newsletter No. 128 June 1998

Q...What is a SCART?
A...A SCART is a 21 pin connector found on the rear of most modern Televisions, Video Recorders, Satellite Receivers & Various other A/V accessories.

Q...What does it do?
A...When connected to another piece of equipment via a SCART lead, it bypasses the tuning processes and is essentially a direct link, usually accessed by A/V or AUX on the equipment concerned.

Q...What is the benefit?
A...Better picture quality, Easy to connect and use. Enables stereo audio feedthrough (essential for connection of Nicam Television and Nicam Video Recorder).

Q...Why does some equipment have two SCART sockets?
A...To facilitate connection to more than one item. NB: Some SCART sockets are fitted to equipment to enable connection of an external decoder facility.

The SCART socket on a television receiver will give improved results when used with home computers and video games. It also allows direct audio/video connections to a video recorder, satellite receiver or video camera.

C-VIDEO (Composite Video) is the most common form of picture signal fed through a peritelevision socket and is one level in quality above that which is obtained via the aerial socket.

Points to be aware of when dealing with SCART leads and equipment.

With the nearing introduction of Digital Broadcasting, it is my understanding that a 'set top box' will be required. To fully exploit this technology I believe it will have to plug into a SCART socket.

SCART Contact Functions

  • Audio output B: mono or stereo channel right.
  • Audio input B: mono or stereo channel right.
  • Audio output A: mono or stereo channel left.
  • Audio common return.
  • Blue return.
  • Audio input A: mono or stereo channel left.
  • Blue input.
  • Function switching.
  • Green return.
  • No connection permitted.
  • Green input.
  • No connection permitted.
  • Red return.
  • No connection permitted.
  • Red input.
  • Fast blanking, input.
  • Video return.
  • Blanking return.
  • Composite video output.
  • Composite video input.
  • Common return.
Scart