SCART (also known as Péritel, Péritélévision, EuroSCART, or Euroconector) is a French-originated standard and associated 21-pin connector for connecting audio-visual equipment. The name comes from Syndicat des Constructeurs d'Appareils Radiorécepteurs et Téléviseurs ("Radio and Television Receiver Manufacturers' Association"), the French organization that created the connector in the mid-1970s.[1]
In Europe, SCART was the most common method of connecting AV equipment from the 1980s until the widespread adoption of HDMI in the 2000s. It was far less common elsewhere in the world.
Standards
- EN 50049-1 (CENELEC) - The official European standard, first published in 1978[1]
- IEC 933-1 - Alternative standard reference[2]
- First appeared on TVs in 1977[1]
- Became compulsory on new TVs sold in France from January 1980 (decree adopted 7 February 1980)[1][3]
- French legal requirement revoked on 3 July 2015[3]
Signals Supported
SCART can carry multiple signal types through a single connector:[1]
- Composite video (CVBS) - Input and output
- RGB video - With composite sync (active when pin 16 blanking voltage is 1-3V)
- S-Video - Non-standard extension, uses pins 15 (chroma) and 20 (luma)[4]
- Component video (YPbPr) - Rare, non-standard extension
- Stereo audio - Input and output
- Control signals - Standby switching, aspect ratio signaling, AV.link
Pinout
| Pin | Function | Direction |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Audio Output (Right) | Out |
| 2 | Audio Input (Right) | In |
| 3 | Audio Output (Left) | Out |
| 4 | Audio Ground | — |
| 5 | Blue Ground | — |
| 6 | Audio Input (Left) | In |
| 7 | Blue Signal | In |
| 8 | Function Switching | In |
| 9 | Green Ground | — |
| 10 | Data Bus (AV.link) | Bidirectional |
| 11 | Green Signal | In |
| 12 | Data Bus (AV.link) | Bidirectional |
| 13 | Red Ground | — |
| 14 | Data Ground | — |
| 15 | Red Signal / S-Video Chroma | In |
| 16 | Blanking Signal (RGB switching) | In |
| 17 | Composite Video Ground (Output) | — |
| 18 | Composite Video Ground (Input) | — |
| 19 | Composite Video Output | Out |
| 20 | Composite Video Input / S-Video Luma | In |
| 21 | Shield/Frame Ground | — |
Control Signals
Pin 8 - Function Switching:[1]
- 0V–2V: No signal / standby
- 4.5V–7V (nominal 6V): Widescreen 16:9 signal
- 9.5V–12V (nominal 12V): Normal 4:3 signal
Pin 16 - Blanking/RGB Selection:[1]
- 0V–0.4V: Composite video mode
- 1V–3V (nominal 1V): RGB mode
Technical Specifications
| Signal | Specification |
|---|---|
| Composite Video | 1Vp-p, 75Ω impedance |
| RGB Signals | 0.7Vp-p, 75Ω impedance |
| Audio | ~0.5Vrms, low impedance output |
| Maximum cable length | 10-15 meters (without amplification) |
Cable Types
The original specification defined cable types by ring color:[1]
| Type | Color | Description |
|---|---|---|
| U (Universal) | Black | Fully wired (all 21 pins) |
| V (Video) | White | Composite video only |
| C (Combined) | Grey | Composite video + audio |
| A (Audio) | Yellow | Audio only |
| B (Bus) | Green | Data connections only |
In practice, color coding is rarely followed and cable quality varies significantly. Cheap cables often lack proper coaxial shielding for video signals, causing ghosting and interference.
Common Equipment
Game Consoles
- PlayStation, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3
- Sega Master System, Mega Drive/Genesis, Saturn, Dreamcast
- Super Nintendo Entertainment System (PAL)
- Nintendo GameCube (PAL), Wii (PAL)
- Neo Geo, Neo Geo CD
- Xbox, Xbox 360
Computers
- Amstrad CPC
- ZX Spectrum (later models)
- Amiga
- Atari ST
- MSX (European models)
- Acorn Archimedes, BBC Micro
Other Equipment
- VCRs (VHS, Betamax)
- DVD players
- Satellite receivers and set-top boxes
- Laserdisc players
- Upscalers and video processors (RetroTINK, OSSC, Framemeister)
JP21 Compatibility
Warning: SCART and JP21 connectors are physically identical but electrically incompatible. Connecting them directly will result in reversed colors and potential equipment damage.
The Japanese JP21 (RGB21) connector uses the same physical 21-pin form factor but has a completely different pinout. Key differences:[5]
- Red and Blue signals are swapped
- Audio pin assignments differ
- Control signal voltages and functions differ
See JP21 for detailed comparison and adapter requirements.
Safety Notes
- Hot plugging not recommended - The relatively high signal voltages can damage electronics if connected improperly while powered on[1]
- Electric shock risk - Class II (double-insulated) TVs can hold the SCART shield at half mains voltage when one end is unplugged; always connect the device end first, TV end last[3]
See Also
- JP21 - Japanese 21-pin connector (incompatible pinout)
- Composite (CVBS)
- S-Video (Y/C)
- RGBS
