The manual is no good, and I have not got the skills to recognise the sockets.

They are all here
http://www.expertreviews.co.uk/tvs/1...oshiba-46yl863

Toshiba web site simply says "scart socket", no it isn't!!!!
If I knew what toshiba called it, I cold go to amazon and google the relevant cable.

I want to connect composite signal to the tv. Would that be through the scart or is there another socket ( one of the 3.5mm ones?)

I also warn to know if I can connect a dsub VGA to the tv via the socket labeled rgb/VGA. But what is the socket, what adapter do I need.

This series of Toshiba requires non-standard breakout cables for the component, composite, scart and PC/RGB sockets which should be included with the TV in the box, if you don't have them then you need to acquire them from Toshiba.

As far as I'm aware ALL TV's that use such adaptors use their own proprietary ones, and the only option is to source them from the manufacturer if you've lost them. However, they do tend to be expensive!!,

Bugger!

I don't see why this adapter wouldn't work with the composite 3.5mm socket :
http://www.amazon.co.uk/LINDY-AV-Ada...+3.5mm+adapter

It looks like a standard connection to me. Worth trying for a fiver.

RGB connector looks like Toshiba's own.
If the source device doesn't have a HDMI out connector is there space to fit a graphics card with that output ?
Alternatively try an adapter for a similar model :
http://compare.ebay.co.uk/like/28111...f13=80&ff14=65

The trouble is there is no standard! I have seen at least three variations on the theme of four pole jack to three phono socket adapters. And it is impossible to tell just by looking how the four poles of the jack are connected to the phono sockets.

If you are lucky all it means is that the colour of the socket does not match the expected yellow for video, red for right audio and green for left. I know of at least two variations where the red and yellow are reversed relative to each other. I have also seen variants where pole 1 of the jack is common ground and others where pole 2 is the ground.

I may be showing my ignorance here but there should be some standard for slim sockets. when a need becomes apparent the relevant group should step in.

Great stuff I checked eBay before but could find anything. I know there is a risk of incompatibility and even damage, but what the heck
VL863 RGB/PC compared to my YL863, worth a gamble.

Looking at the back of the units
http://www.hdtvtest.co.uk/news/toshi...1109131377.htm
And
http://www.expertreviews.co.uk/tvs/1...oshiba-46yl863
They are identical, therefore they must be compatable

I took your advice and purchased cables from ebay for a tv in the same range. They arrived and work perfectly.

I'd like to think manufacturers would use identical socket adaptors across ALL their TV's, but models in the same range should certainly do so (probably all the same basic chassis).