What is SCART?
SCART is a 21 pin connector that is mainly used to connect audio visual equipments together. SCART is one of the most common connectors that is known in other names such as 21-pin EuroSCART, Peritel and Euroconnector. It is referred to as IEC 933-1 standard.
SCART connector was initially used in television sets in the year 1977. Before the introduction of SCART to the market, RF antenna was used in television sets to input signals. AV equipments were easily connected with the SCART connector. It works by collecting the analog signal types in to a single connector. SCART carries signals such as RGB video, composite, digital signalling and stereo audio input/output. In 1980s, SCART was upgraded to support S-video signals. SCART connector can be either used to awaken a TV from stand-by mode or to switch to the video mode. This is a bidirectional device that can carry analog audio and composite video signals. Television sets is designed to send video and antenna audio signals to the SCART connector and wait for the signals to return back in order to display and reproduce them. This enables the transparent set up boxes to pre-process the television signals.
Two devices can be connected between each other without actually considering the type of socket because the pins for video and audio uses the same pins for both up and down connectors. SCART is designed to command the television to switch signals quickly in order to form overlays in the image. SCART supports automatic widescreen switching.
Different cables were marked by a key colour in the original SCART specification. DVD players with SCART connectors produce high picture quality to composite signals that are typical with the output RGB video. Some DVD players do not come with RGB output and hence have to be set manually at the back of the player.
A good SCART connector cable uses coax cables for the video signals while the cheapest type uses simple wires for all types of signals that creates low image quality. This also is the reason for ghostly images. SCART cables that come with ribbon cords are properly covered with coaxial cables and thus help in reducing the ghostly images. SCART connectors that are plated with gold can deliver clear signals and lasts long as it does not corrode like the ordinary nickel. Gold plated connectors work effectively only if both socket and plug are gold plated. In case gold plated plug is put in to the nickel plated socket, atmospheric reaction near the connector causes electrolytic reaction between the metals. Materials that completely match the connector ensures long term connection.
