Sky-tv-hdd/dvd connections

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CM

141 posts

Master Geek

#49264 18-Nov-2009 14:26

Hi all

I've just bought a Samsung 650 40in telly (to replace old CRT) and now am reconnecting things between TV, Sky digital box (Pace), Sony HDD/DVD recorder (RDR-HX910), and cheap Phillips home theatre (don't have the model number handy). Still looking to only use home theatre for sound, not looking to hook it up to play dvds as that's what the Sony is for.

I'm going with component from HDD/DVD recorder to TV. Have already bought Component cable and attached. (No HDMI on HDD/DVD so that would seem to be the best connection available).

And I'm going to buy 'Scart to Component' to use from Sky box to TV, to replace 'Scart to RCA' which is what is currently used. I assume that's going to be an improvement (and the most best connection available)? I assume I should buy one that has the audio connections as well (e.g. http://images.marketplaceadvisor.channeladvisor.com/hi/68/68411/sc9528-5r.3m.sf.jpg)? Or does it not matter if I connect audio seperately?

The remaining connection is Sky box to HDD/DVD. At the moment I have 'Scart to RCA' there as well. Can I improve on that - would 'Scart to Scart' or 'Scart to S-Video' (both of which looks possible) be better? If so, which one would be the best?

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

Regards,
CM

EDIT: Fixed error where I said 'Component' instead of 'S-Video'.

Jaxson

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#274250 18-Nov-2009 15:39

Just a quick couple of ideas.
I think Sky give out the scart to component cables themselves, could maybe save some $ if they do.
Not sure on Audio out of Sky box in scart cable or by separate audio output plugs, but I'd be fairly certain they'd be the same thing so up to you.
Sky to HDD, scart to RCA is fine really, I doubt your HDD recorder has component input so probably s video is the only other option anyway and I don't know if the Sky boxes offer this output.

CM

141 posts

Master Geek

#274256 18-Nov-2009 16:05

Hi Jaxson - thanks for your response.
Ok will ask Sky about that cable (good call!).
If it makes no difference about audio, then will keep that seperate.
You are right, HDD doesn't have component input. I meant to say 'Scart to S-Video' as the second option there. So would be coming out of Sky Scart into either HDD Scart, or HDD S-video. Presumably either would offer better connection than using 'Scart to RCA'?

CM

141 posts

Master Geek

#275715 24-Nov-2009 08:48

Ok, got a quality scart-to-component going between Sky digital box and tv now. Looks a bit better.

However, I've put a scart-to-scart between Sky digital box and my Sony HDD/DVD but for some reason the picture is black and white. Anyone know why that would be the case? The cable has "All pins physically wired to all 21 pins". Would it be a faulty cable? Or is there some other reason why this might be happening? Any advice much appreciated......

Jaxson

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#275725 24-Nov-2009 09:25

Are there any settings in either the sky box or the hard drive recorder to describe the video format it's outputing? If possible, it would be the cheapest place to start having a look at your problem.

If you can take the scart to scart connector back, it would pay to check another one in case it is a cable fault.

If all else fails, I'd recommend getting a scart to composite and stereo audio cable, (scart to yellow video rca and white/red audio rcas) or a scart to s-video and stereo cable if possible. These types of inputs are more standard for use with the back of your hard drive recorder.

CM

141 posts

Master Geek

#276204 25-Nov-2009 15:03

Thanks Jaxson - I will try those suggestions.

richms

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#276257 25-Nov-2009 17:10

The VCR scart will only do svideo or composite. Chances are you have one end set wrong on the cable which will give black and white.

Shame you cant get RGB out one at the same time as component out the other since I have yet to see component in support on a dvd=-r unit, just rgb on the scart.

Richard rich.ms

CM

141 posts

Master Geek

#277678 30-Nov-2009 08:35

Have put a scart to s-video (and red/white audio) adapter into Sky digibox scart, then connected s-video cable from that into HDD/DVD, as well as the red/white audio. Seems to be ok, and the best possible given the limitations of available connection options. Cheers.