Freeview SCART

Freeview SCART cable

All Freeview boxes come complete with a SCART connector. This is a standard connecting interface standard on most TV, DVDs, etc. However there are actually 2 types of SCART connectors available. The most common type being a partially wired lead and the second type being the not so popular fully wired lead. There really is no reason to buy the fully wired lead, as the partially wired lead normally is sufficient for most needs.

To obtain the Freeview signal is not really any different to tuning your video or DVD player that you may have connected via a SCART cable, i.e., you really only need to make sure you switch on the AV channel on your TV. In the rear instance your TV does not actually have a SCART connector you will then need to purchase a Freeview box with an inbuilt TV modulator that allows you to connect to the TV via the TV aerial. Although if you purchased your TV within the last 10 years, it is more than likely to come with at least 1 inbuilt SCART socket.

What is actually SCART? Well, SCART stands for Syndicat des Constructeurs d’Appareils Radio Recepteurs et Televisieurs, it is also known as a PERITEL Socket, or a Euro Connector. The SCART connector was actually developed by the French, originally for the sole purpose of preventing foreign TV imports, as previously the French had legislation preventing any TV imports unless the set was capable of receiving the old French 819 line monochrome system. The majority of television sold today come equipped with at least 1 SCART socket if not more.

For those who are real techies at heart, each SCART socket has a female 21-pin connector interface (see picture below). A male ended cable is actually used to connect the devices. The RGB signal is input only, although the audio and video signals are provided each end. By the way, if you only need to connect your TV or video recorder to a stereo, you actually will only be using 3 of the 21 pin connection.

If you are encountering problems with you Freeview reception, it is worthwhile checking the SCART cable, as sometimes, the pins can be bent, when connecting the cable to the unit. I hope you have found the above information useful, however, should you have any further queries regarding your Freeview SCART cable, please drop us a line.