Page 1 of RGB Scart vs. S-Video

Can anyone tell me the techy reason why an RGB scart connection is better then an S-Video connection? Its just that I can`t notice any difference on my Pioneer 535! Mind you, it might be just that the telly`s a tad old.

So . . . in alleged order of quality . . . is it:

RGB Scart
S-Video
Video Scart
Phono?

Technically, its supposed to be;

RGB (Scart only)
S-Video (Scart or 4 pin S-Video)
Composite (which can be Scart or phono)

RGB is supposed to give better colours than the others. Personally, I don`t think there`s much difference between RGB and S-Video as regards picture. Its more to do with convenience. As RGB is always via Scart, then the audio is carried on the same connection so you don`t need separate audio connections as you do with a 4 pin S-Video lead and you get auto switching on many TVs via Scart connections.

An RGB SCART separates the Red, Green, and Blue colour signals, where they are rejoined at the TV. This gives much sharper pictures, and a lot less colour bleed.

It is definately better than S-Video in my opinion. Try it on a Panasonic 36PF10 or a Loewe Vitros and you can see the difference between RGB and S-Video.

It goes like this:

1. RGB
2. S-Video
3. Composite Video

Composite is either the yellow phono on the back of your player, or it can be output through a SCART.

S-Video can also be output through a SCART, as well as its own socket.

RGB is output through SCART only.

Of course, there is an option which is better than all of these methods, but it is only available on a few DVD players and TVs / projectors, and this is Component Video.

It uses phonos, in Red, Green, and Blue, just like the SCART does (because that`s basically what a SCART is - a collection of phonos), but the wires are separate, so there is less chance of interference.

There you have it.

Most VHS recorders in the UK do not cater for S-Video connections... Think S-Video is more akin to Camcorders.

Can`t go wrong with RGB scart connection.. Especially when copying DVD to VHS... Get a gold plated shielded scart lead.. around £20.. but excellent recordings.

How d`ya manage that one Davey ?

My player will only feed a signal to a VCR by way of a composite signal - am I missing something ? Tried it on RGB and got black and white (R2) - any ideas ?

You CANNOT record an RGB signal onto a PAL VHS tape - it will only accept composite video signals. Like you say, it goes black and white. Even if you could, the picture would not be any better because VHS video recorders cannot output RGB signals anyway.