Ask the expert SCART Simplified audiovisual connections Need a simple way to connect multimedia equipment such as VCR’s and DVD players to your computer? – SCART (from Syndicat des Constructeurs d'Appareils Radiorécepteurs et Téléviseurs) technology is the solution.
The days of purchasing all audiovideo equipment from a single manufacturer to ensure compatibility are over. Now, SCART technology introduces a standardised method to enable the user to connect devices, even those from The Qosmio AV notebook PC different manufacturers, together. Best of all, high quality audio and video are extends your multimedia capabilities even farther with maintained throughout the connection. SCARTcompatible technology This “Ask the expert" article explains SCART and how Toshiba uses this technology to further extend the multimedia capabilities of the Qosmio G20 notebook computer.
What is SCART? example, a computer connected to a DVD player with a SCART cable allows the computer to control the audio and SCART is a method of standardizing video connections video from the DVD player and maintains a sharp, clear across all manufacturers. picture. For example, if a computer and a DVD player each have SCART in action a SCART connector, these devices can be connected SCART technology is present in most audiovisual with a single SCART cable. equipment produced within the European market. For example, a VCR or DVD player typically has 2 SCART You can then watch DVD’s SCART connectors join on your computer, just as two or more devices sockets, one that connects to the television or computer, together though you were watching and one that connects to a Pay TV or cable box. them on your television. Connecting the devices is a simple matter of inserting the cables in the appropriate slots or sockets. Prior to the invention of SCART, devices manufactured by different companies could have different and incompatible A SCART cable is available to support almost any standards. Purchasing devices made by the same configuration: whether connecting one SCARTenabled manufacturer was the only way to ensure device device to another, or to a nonenabled device, you can find optimization and compatibility. cables to support any multimedia setup.
Originating from France, the SCART standard uses a 21 It’s important to know that not all SCART cables are pin connector to allow multimedia devices to created equally – good quality SCART cables use communicate. Each pin specifically controls a particular miniature coaxial cables for the video signals, whereas portion of the audio or video signal. The connector allows a lesser quality cables use plain wires for all signals. A low device to control both audio and composite video signals quality cable results in a significant loss of image quality. from another device, and viceversa. Using the earlier
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Users should carefully read the cable packaging before „ connect gaming systems to play games on mobile purchasing. computer rather than on the television „ Using SCART with the Qosmio connect your Pay TV box to record and store programs for later viewing The Toshiba Qosmio AV notebook PC integrates „ use an LCD TV screen as a monitor device capabilities beyond Simply plug one LCD TV, DVD/HDD end of the SCART Recorder, Digital Audio, cable into the and notebook PC – use Qosmio D connector socket, the builtin Dconnector SCART connection via Dconnector SCART to Dconnector cable to extend the G20’s and the other end capabilities: into the video device. No configuration is required because the signals are built from the plug and socket connection. „ connect a VCR or DVD player to control program recording and playback from a notebook
„ connect a camcorder to watch recorded video, then burn a copy to DVD Summary of Features and Benefits The following chart summarises the important features and benefits of SCART technology available in the Qosmio G20.
Feature Benefit
Extended connectivity from a Create a complete home entertainment system by extending device integration notebook from the Qosmio AV notebook PC – connect devices such as VCR’s, DVD players, camcorders, PAY TV or cable boxes.
Single point of control Control all audiovideo devices from a notebook computer.
Maintain best quality audio and Devices connected using quality SCART cables ensures best quality audio and video video is maintained.
Plug and play Plugs are simple to insert into the sockets, saving time and effort. Configuration is not required.
PAL device standard Most video devices using the PAL standard are equipped with a SCART connector. Cables are widely available at retail outlets, and a SCART connector is included when you purchase a Qosmio within Europe.
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