Question
Hi, I’m looking at purchasing a new LCD or LED telly and notice that virtually all models now have only one SCART socket but 2/3/4 HDMI sockets. I still want to use non-HD accessories such as my old VCR, DVD player, and Wii, but won’t be able to plug them all in one SCART (unless I muck about with a combining box which would be a nightmare of wires & plugs etc). Can the HDMI inputs be used? If so what connectors will I need?
Submitted online by Al Johnstone
Our Answer
You’re right that more and more TV sets are coming with multiple HDMI (High definition) inputs, and fewer SCART sockets. This is mainly because most new equipment (HD boxes, Apple TV, Blu-Ray, etc) comes with HD. For the old analogue kit though, all is not lost. Here are some notes on the subject:
Converting from SCART to HDMI is possible, but not cheap. If you’re looking to buy a dedicated ‘something’ to convert from SCART to HDMI, these are typically over £100. A quick search online revealed the Analogue and Digital AV Converter, which could the kind of thing you’re after, but it comes with a scary price tag. Why so pricey? You’re looking for something that converts analogue to digital, so it’s not just a cable!
The options:
Most TV sets have other kinds of connectors that are not as common, but perfectly usable, You might find that your new TV has Component, Composite or S-Video connectors, which will do the job. For example:
- The first generation Nintendo Wii boxes are not HD. You could connect this via a TV component socket
- Many DVD player / recorders have Component connectors
- You could connect the VCR via SCART, or you could connect using a co-ax aerial lead (although the quality won’t be quite as good as with SCART)
Failing that, you can get SCART extenders that let you plug multiple devices into a TV with only one SCART. There’s a good collection of SCART switch boxes at www.maplin.co.uk/cables/av-cables-and-switches
