Scart problems

jps12345 · 14-05-2007, 21:34

I have a scart multiway box plugged into my TV, with DVD, Freeview and Playstation plugged into it. Not only is the picture quality terrible through the box (compared to plugging direct), the volume for each device is massively lowered, to the extent that I almost can't hear the TV at all. If I pull a lead out of the box the sound level jumps up (i.e 3 devices plugged in is very quiet, 2 is moderate, 1 is loud).

I originally had a cheap scart box, which I had replaced with a decent quality Belkin (£25) one thinking that could be the problem, it has made very little difference. 2 of the scart leads are high quality, 1 is cheap, but the picture quality is bad on all three devices.

I'd be grateful for someone to point me in the direction of a solution (without spending too much money if possible).

Many thanks

Jamie

Scorpio · 15-05-2007, 11:47

Let us know the number of scarts in each device, you will almost certainly be able to daisy-chain your small number of devices into the TV and dispense with the Belkin altogether.

Rgds,
Scorp

jps12345 · 15-05-2007, 12:25

Only one in the TV, DVD and playstation. 2 in our VCR (which we use so seldom its not really worth bothering with).

Would appreciate any ideas, I'm getting really fed up with having to plug and unplug devices each time I want to watch something different!

Scorpio · 15-05-2007, 16:33

Is this http://www.futureshop.co.uk/belkin-g...ter-p-552.html your Belkin adaptor? this should work OK.

The one you didnt mention was the freeview box.........if this has 2 scarts, try this.

DVD ---> Freeview VCR scart
Freeview TV scart ---> Belkin (DVD socket)
Playstation ---> VCR AV2
VCR AV1 ---> Belkin (Auxilliary socket)

Belkin output scart ---> TV scart input

Rgds,
Scorp

jps12345 · 16-05-2007, 12:31

Yes, thats the Belkin I bought.

Sorry, forgot the freeview, but thats only got 1 scart socket as well.

Very frustrating!

chrisjr · 16-05-2007, 14:05

The picture/text in the link posted by Scorpio does not make it very clear how that switcher actually works. It doesn't appear to have any buttons on it. Which makes me wonder if it relies on the pin 8 signal voltage to select which device you actually view on the TV.

Maybe that is the cause of the problem in that it can't cope with all the devices attached being on at the same time? Maybe the solution in that case is to change it for a fully manual switch, ie one with buttons to select which input you want to watch.

Not so convenient but might be the only solution in the long run.

Chris Simon · 16-05-2007, 15:20

I think I have one of those - it's not a switcher at all but a splitter, it can't cope with more than one device being switched on as all inputs are directly wired to the output. This I think explains the poor behaviour! the page linked to above says "Devices cannot be used simultaneously".

The cheap SCART switches (as available in Argos etc and usually have 3 inputs and 1 output together with switches for RGB/composite and A-B, A-C recording) should work OK - what problems were you having in the past that made you buy the Belkin instead?

However, you may get problems with a bit of feedback because of the A-B A-C record loop, and I think not all inputs will support RGB. (Make sure you're selecting RGB for best quality).

I've also got a similar looking box but with push-button switches for each input - it's not Belkin but I can't remember the make. I think I got it from Currys. This works well but I've noticed a slight deterioration in picture quality using it.

The Tristar 4-way manual/remote control SCART switch from Argos is fantastic. Expensive, and no record loop, but it does have 4 fully-enabled RGB inputs and it handles widescreen switching correctly.

Also, the Satcure 4-way rotary switch works equally well but is manual only. http://www.satcure.co.uk/accs/page4.htm (240-3646)

Scorpio · 17-05-2007, 10:50

Yes, my post was only a guess at the model the OP was using - a manually controlled switcher is the cheapest way to sort this one.

Scorp

jps12345 · 28-05-2007, 13:48

Just realised I forgot to say thanks for the help! I've got Sky tv arriving today so I'll see whether they can fix it, if not I'll get one of the manual switchers.

Thanks again

mediafriendly · 29-05-2007, 15:47

not sure why you would want a manual switcher; Richer Sounds sell one which even allows for digital audio loop through, which is completely automatic. Switch on the device, and the television output switches to that. Mains powered. No loss in picture quality.

14-05-2007, 21:34	#1
jps12345 Forum Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 4	Scart problems I have a scart multiway box plugged into my TV, with DVD, Freeview and Playstation plugged into it. Not only is the picture quality terrible through the box (compared to plugging direct), the volume for each device is massively lowered, to the extent that I almost can't hear the TV at all. If I pull a lead out of the box the sound level jumps up (i.e 3 devices plugged in is very quiet, 2 is moderate, 1 is loud). I originally had a cheap scart box, which I had replaced with a decent quality Belkin (£25) one thinking that could be the problem, it has made very little difference. 2 of the scart leads are high quality, 1 is cheap, but the picture quality is bad on all three devices. I'd be grateful for someone to point me in the direction of a solution (without spending too much money if possible). Many thanks Jamie

15-05-2007, 11:47	#2
Scorpio Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Somerset Posts: 3,048	Let us know the number of scarts in each device, you will almost certainly be able to daisy-chain your small number of devices into the TV and dispense with the Belkin altogether. Rgds, Scorp

15-05-2007, 12:25	#3
jps12345 Forum Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 4	Only one in the TV, DVD and playstation. 2 in our VCR (which we use so seldom its not really worth bothering with). Would appreciate any ideas, I'm getting really fed up with having to plug and unplug devices each time I want to watch something different!

15-05-2007, 16:33	#4
Scorpio Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Somerset Posts: 3,048	Is this http://www.futureshop.co.uk/belkin-g...ter-p-552.html your Belkin adaptor? this should work OK. The one you didnt mention was the freeview box.........if this has 2 scarts, try this. DVD ---> Freeview VCR scart Freeview TV scart ---> Belkin (DVD socket) Playstation ---> VCR AV2 VCR AV1 ---> Belkin (Auxilliary socket) Belkin output scart ---> TV scart input Rgds, Scorp

16-05-2007, 12:31	#5
jps12345 Forum Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 4	Yes, thats the Belkin I bought. Sorry, forgot the freeview, but thats only got 1 scart socket as well. Very frustrating!

16-05-2007, 14:05	#6
chrisjr Forum Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Reading Posts: 27,916	The picture/text in the link posted by Scorpio does not make it very clear how that switcher actually works. It doesn't appear to have any buttons on it. Which makes me wonder if it relies on the pin 8 signal voltage to select which device you actually view on the TV. Maybe that is the cause of the problem in that it can't cope with all the devices attached being on at the same time? Maybe the solution in that case is to change it for a fully manual switch, ie one with buttons to select which input you want to watch. Not so convenient but might be the only solution in the long run.

16-05-2007, 15:20	#7
Chris Simon Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Snowdonia Posts: 2,725	I think I have one of those - it's not a switcher at all but a splitter, it can't cope with more than one device being switched on as all inputs are directly wired to the output. This I think explains the poor behaviour! the page linked to above says "Devices cannot be used simultaneously". The cheap SCART switches (as available in Argos etc and usually have 3 inputs and 1 output together with switches for RGB/composite and A-B, A-C recording) should work OK - what problems were you having in the past that made you buy the Belkin instead? However, you may get problems with a bit of feedback because of the A-B A-C record loop, and I think not all inputs will support RGB. (Make sure you're selecting RGB for best quality). I've also got a similar looking box but with push-button switches for each input - it's not Belkin but I can't remember the make. I think I got it from Currys. This works well but I've noticed a slight deterioration in picture quality using it. The Tristar 4-way manual/remote control SCART switch from Argos is fantastic. Expensive, and no record loop, but it does have 4 fully-enabled RGB inputs and it handles widescreen switching correctly. Also, the Satcure 4-way rotary switch works equally well but is manual only. http://www.satcure.co.uk/accs/page4.htm (240-3646)

17-05-2007, 10:50	#8
Scorpio Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Somerset Posts: 3,048	Yes, my post was only a guess at the model the OP was using - a manually controlled switcher is the cheapest way to sort this one. Scorp

28-05-2007, 13:48	#9
jps12345 Forum Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 4	Just realised I forgot to say thanks for the help! I've got Sky tv arriving today so I'll see whether they can fix it, if not I'll get one of the manual switchers. Thanks again

29-05-2007, 15:47	#10
mediafriendly Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 2,183	not sure why you would want a manual switcher; Richer Sounds sell one which even allows for digital audio loop through, which is completely automatic. Switch on the device, and the television output switches to that. Mains powered. No loss in picture quality.

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Scart problems