SCART is a cable connection used for transmitting video and audio signals between devices, such as a TV and DVD player. The spelling of the word is based on the acronym for "Syndicat des Constructeurs d'Appareils Radiorécepteurs et Téléviseurs" (Radio and Television Receiver Manufacturers' Association), which developed the standard in France. The phonetic transcription of SCART is /skɑːrt/, with a long "a" sound and a silent "c". It is pronounced as "skart" in everyday use.
SCART is an acronym for "Syndicat des Constructeurs d'Appareils Radiorécepteurs et Téléviseurs," which translates to "Syndicate of Radio Receiver and Television Apparatus Manufacturers" in English. SCART is a standardized audio and video connection interface predominantly used in Europe. It provides a single cable connection for transmitting audio and video signals between various audiovisual equipment, such as televisions, VCRs, DVD players, and gaming consoles.
The SCART connector consists of a 21-pin interface, with each pin designated for a specific purpose. These pins serve different functions, including video input/output, audio input/output, RGB video signals, composite video signals, stereo audio signals, input/output control signals, and even other special functions like widescreen signalling and teletext encoding. The SCART interface supports both analog and composite video signals, providing high-quality audio and video transmission between devices.
Due to its versatility, SCART became the de facto standard in Europe, enabling easy and efficient connectivity among different audiovisual devices. It eliminates the need for multiple cables and adapters, simplifying the setup and reducing clutter. However, SCART is not widely used or recognized outside of Europe, as other countries have adopted different standards, such as HDMI and component video, which offer superior video and audio quality.
Despite its diminishing popularity in recent years due to technological advancements, SCART remains an important part of older audiovisual equipment and provides a convenient solution for connecting legacy devices.