SCART
Péritel / SCART
Invented in
1977
Invented by
France, the Péritel standard
Availability
Legacy (EU)
The big 21-pin European A/V connector that linked TVs to VCRs, decoders and early consoles with a single chunky plug carrying video and stereo audio both ways.
Technical specifications
Introduced1977 (France)
SignalAnalog video + stereo audio
Pins21
RegionEurope
Found on
a TVa games console
Recommended brands
01Hama
02Lindy
03Oehlbach
Where to buy
Europe-focused retailer searches. Some links are affiliate links and may earn a commission.
Common adapters and cables
Fun fact
Mandated on French TVs from 1980, SCART could even switch a TV to the right input automatically, smart, for the 1970s.
Tips & tricks
A fully-wired RGB SCART gives a far sharper picture than a composite-only lead.
Philosophy
A gloriously over-engineered European standard. Heavy, awkward, and for a generation, the sound of plugging in the games console.
Applications
Video / SATHi-Fi
