The connection consists of a 21 way female socket ( pin 21 being the metal
shield of the connector ) that is fitted to most video cassette
recorders ( VCR's ) and television sets these days. The pin numbering of
the socket is shown below ...
The Peritel SCART connector provides for bi-directional connection of audio
and composite video signals, uni-directional RGB video and a number of control
signals that allow the television to control a VCR and vice-versa.
Two pieces of audio-visual equipment may be connected to each other using a
single Peritel SCART connecting cable which has male plugs fitted at each end.
Connections required to link VCR to VCR, VCR to television and VCR or television
to a Hi-Fi unit are described later on this page.
Disclaimer
Whilst it is entirely possible to construct your own cables to link equipment
that has Peritel SCART connectors fitted; the Happy Hippy takes no responsibility
whatsoever for any damage that may be caused directly or indirectly by the
construction of such cables.
If you are in any doubt as to your ability to construct such cables or are
concerned about damage that may be caused to any equipment to which such
cables may be connected; you should purchase commercially available cables and
seek professional advice before connecting such cables to your equipment.
Although the information provided herein has been derived from what are
believed to be reliable sources; the Happy Hippy does not accept any
responsibility for any inaccuracies in any of the information provided that may
lead to damage of any equipment in any manner or form either directly or
indirectly or for any other losses caused by a reliance on the information
information provided herein whatsoever.
Always check the manufacturer's specifications before connecting any pieces of
equipment together.
The Peritel SCART Connector Signals
The VCR to VCR / VCR to Television Connecting Cable
To connect a Video Cassette Recorder to another Video Cassette Recorder or a
Television using composite video; two Peritel SCART plugs ( male ) should be
wired one-to-one with the exception of the following pins which are
crossed-over, from socket to socket , between one end and the other ...
- 1 to 2
- 2 to 1
- 3 to 6
- 6 to 3
- 19 to 20
- 20 to 19
Pins 1, 2, 3 and 6 ( Audio ) should be connected using a 4-core shielded cable
with the shield connected to pin 4 at each end.
Pins 19 and 20 ( Video ) should be connected using 2-core shielded cable with
the shield connected to pin 17 at each end.
Pins 7, 11 and 15 ( RGB Video ) should be connected using shielded cable with
each shield connected to pins 5, 9 and 13 respectively.
Because audio and video signals are sensitive to distortion and interference it
is necessary to use suitable cable for all connections to avoid cross-talk and
other problems.
Given the difficulties in obtaining suitable cable, and the risk of interference
which may cause degradation of picture and sound quality; it is recommended that
a commercial connecting cable is purchased from a local store. These cables are
not generally more expensive than home constructed ones and such a purchase will
avoid all the difficulties of attempting to solder some 42 connections in, what
will turn out to be, very tight connectors.
Please read the disclaimer above before commencing the
construction of any cable based upon this information.
The VCR to Hi-Fi / Television to Hi-Fi Connecting Cable
Only three pins are needed take stereo audio from a video cassette recorder or
television to a Hi-Fi unit using the Peritel SCART connector ...
- Pin 1 - Right Audio Out
- Pin 3 - Left Audio Out / Mono Audio Out
- Pin 4 - Audio Ground
The connection should be made using either one, two-core shielded cable or two,
single core shielded cables. The decision on which to use will normally depend
on the input connection required to the Hi-Fi unit; 3 or 5-pin DIN ( one, two
core cable ) or phono jacks ( two, one-core cables ).
The left audio line should be connected to pin 3 and the right audio line should
be connected to pin 1. The shield of each cable should be connected to pin 4.
If the video recorder or television provides a monophonic output only; then a
connection need only be made to pin 3 although the output may also be present
on pin 1 on some equipment.
Because audio signals are sensitive to distortion and interference it is
necessary to use suitable cable for all connections to avoid cross-talk and
other problems.
If there is interference on the sound channels, such as mains hum; it may be
necessary to leave the shields unconnected at the Hi-Fi inputs or leave
the shield connections to pin 4 at the Peritel SCART connector off ( separating
the two cable shields at that point ). Some experimentation may be necessary to
remove any interference.
Please read the disclaimer above before commencing the
construction of any cable based upon this information.
Connecting a Computer Monitor to a VCR
Given the availability of cheap, second-hand computer monitors it is tempting
to consider using these instead of televisions; although it is obvious that
they won't work with off-air signals received through an aerial or up a cable
link ( a tuner is needed ), connection to a VCR looks appealing.This is however rarely possible to do.
Most computer monitors expect to be supplied with three signals ( RGB ) and
some synchronisation signals whilst a VCR will normally only supply RF, which
feeds into the TV aerial input, or a single composite video signal.
Although the SCART connector is specified to allow the RGB signals to be
sent from a VCR, very few actually send these signals; most only send a
composite video signal.
Although the composite video signal can be split into RGB signals ( a TV does
this internally ) it would require an external interface to perform this function
when linking a VCR to a computer monitor.
Splitting a composite video signal into its RGB and synchronisation components
is not easy to do and the circuitry required to do this can be expensive to
build.
There is also the problem that some computer monitors do not allow an awful
lot of colours to be displayed; the red, green and blue guns may be turned on or
off but not set to particular levels. To say that watching anything under these
conditions would be less than perfect is an understatement.
Given the low cost of a second-hand, colour television; it will probably work
out cheaper to buy one than trying to build an interface for a monitor.
