What is a scart cable for?

A scart cable is a multi-pin video and audio connector common in Europe. The cable can carry audio, composite video, S-video, RGB and component video as well as a limited amount of control data. Used for connecting video recorders to televisions, it also supports return video )i.e from the television to the recorder).

The connector was only used in domestic video installations and never in a commercial environment. The connector was prone to reliability problems as the weight of the cable was sometimes able to dislodge the connector.

Scart connectors are now giving way to HDMI and becoming less common on new equipment.