SCART leads are 21-pin analog cables used for audio and video on older European AV equipment. Replace cables showing ghosting, crosstalk or intermittent faults. When buying, confirm full wiring, prefer metal-body plugs and good shielding; for modern TVs use an active SCART→HDMI converter.

What is a SCART lead?

SCART (also called Peritel or Euroconnector) is a 21-pin analog AV connector that was common across Europe. A single SCART lead can carry composite video, RGB video, stereo audio and simple switching signals between devices such as DVD players, set-top boxes, VCRs and older TVs.

Many modern TVs no longer include SCART inputs, but the connector remains important for legacy equipment and retro gaming setups.

Types of SCART leads

There are two common wiring types:

  • Fully wired SCART leads: carry audio and video (composite and/or RGB) and provide the full set of 21 pins.
  • RGB-only SCART leads: wired only for RGB picture (no audio). RGB leads are sometimes directional - they only pass RGB in one direction, suited to particular sources or displays.
Always check whether the cable is fully wired if you need audio and video on the same lead.

Signs a SCART lead needs replacing

  • Ghosting or blurred edges on the picture.
  • Audio crosstalk (channels bleeding into each other), especially noticeable in surround setups.
  • Intermittent connection, image dropouts or noise when the cable is moved.
Low-quality or damaged leads often use thin conductors and poor shielding, which allows interference between signals and causes these symptoms.

What to look for when buying

  • Confirm it's a 21-pin SCART lead and whether it's fully wired or RGB-only.
  • Connector quality: metal-body plugs add mechanical strength and continuous shielding. Gold-plated contacts resist corrosion and can lower contact resistance compared with plain nickel plating, especially over time.
  • Shielding and cable construction: better-built leads use thicker conductors and multiple layers of shielding (braid and foil) to limit crosstalk and RF interference. Some manufacturers use flat cable shapes for compactness, but cable diameter or construction alone does not guarantee performance.
  • Extras: ferrite cores or molded strain reliefs can reduce interference and extend cable life.

Modern alternatives and adapters

Because modern TVs and boxes mostly use HDMI, many users convert SCART sources using SCART→HDMI converters. Note that analog RGB/composite to HDMI is a digital conversion: most reliable solutions are active, powered converters or upscalers rather than passive adapters. 1

If you rely on legacy gear, replacing a poor SCART lead with a well-shielded, fully wired cable usually fixes common picture and audio issues. For connecting to modern displays, choose a reputable active SCART→HDMI converter when required.

  1. Confirm whether flat cord construction is a reliable indicator of superior shielding/performance for SCART leads.
  2. Confirm that converting SCART (analog RGB/composite) to HDMI (digital) always requires an active/powered converter/upscaler rather than a passive adapter in typical use cases.

FAQs about Scart Leads

Are SCART leads still used today?
They are less common on modern TVs but still used for legacy devices and retro gaming. Many people use SCART with converters or keep older displays for original equipment.
How can I tell if a SCART lead is RGB‑only?
RGB-only leads typically omit the audio wiring. Check the product description or wiring diagram; RGB leads are sometimes labeled directional and will not carry sound.
Do gold‑plated plugs make a real difference?
Gold plating resists corrosion and can reduce contact resistance over time versus basic nickel plating. It helps reliability but is not the sole indicator of cable performance - shielding and construction matter more for signal quality.
Can I connect a SCART source directly to an HDMI TV?
A direct passive adapter usually won't work because SCART is analog and HDMI is digital. Use a reputable active/powered SCART→HDMI converter or upscaler to convert the signal properly.

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