SCART

SCART is a 21-pin analog audio/video connector standard that was widely used in Europe for connecting television sets, VCRs, DVD players, set-top boxes, and other AV equipment. Also known by the French name Peritel, it was developed in the 1970s by a consortium of European manufacturers to provide a single, versatile cable for both audio and video signals.

The SCART standard was formalized to allow interchangeability and ease of use across devices from different manufacturers. A SCART cable can carry stereo audio (left and right) and a video signal, with implementations supporting either composite video or RGB video formats, along with multiple ground connections and a control/switch signal that helps indicate device roles (for example, whether a connected device is providing video or receiving it). The result was a simple, front- and rear-panel connection that reduced the need for multiple cables.

In practice, SCART became a dominant interface in Europe from the 1980s into the early 2000s. However, it has limitations, including potential signal compatibility issues between RGB and composite modes, varying wiring conventions among devices, and the absence of standardized digital-signal support. The rise of digital interfaces, particularly HDMI, led to a steady decline in SCART usage, though many older devices still retain SCART sockets and legacy equipment remains in operation in vintage and retro setups.

Today SCART is largely considered a legacy AV connector. It is still referenced in discussions of vintage European home audiovisual equipment and in the context of retro gaming and restoring older setups.