An S-Video to SCART cable connects a 4-pin mini-DIN S-Video source to a 21-pin SCART (peritelevision) input, carrying separated luminance (Y) and chrominance (C) signals rather than combined composite video. SCART is standardised under CENELEC EN 50049-1 (IEC 60933-1:1988), which designates pin 20 as the Y luminance input and pin 15 as the chrominance C input on the SCART female end, with grounds on pins 17 and 4 respectively. The S-Video signal level is 1 V peak-to-peak luminance and a colour subcarrier at 3.58 MHz (NTSC) or 4.43 MHz (PAL) into 75 Ω. This cable type was widely used in Europe during the 1990s to connect S-VHS recorders, game consoles, and set-top boxes to SCART-equipped televisions.
4 pin mini-DIN male connector
21 pin SCART male connector
| S-Video | => | SCART |
|---|---|---|
| Ground (Y) | 1 | |
| Ground (C) | 2 | |
| Y - Intensity (Luminance) | 3 | |
| C - Color (Chrominance) | 4 |
Alternative
| S-Video | => | SCART |
|---|---|---|
| Ground (Y) | 1 | |
| Ground (C) | 2 | |
| Y - Intensity (Luminance) | 3 | |
| C - Color (Chrominance) | 4 |
Notes
The SCART connector is wired so that outputs at the source device drive corresponding inputs at the receiving device — pin 20 (Y luminance input) and pin 15 (C chrominance input) on the SCART female end are driven by the S-Video source. Both signals require 75 Ω termination. To enable S-Video (Y/C) mode on the television rather than composite mode, pin 16 (fast-blanking/RGB select) on the SCART connector should be driven to 1–3 V; leaving it floating or at 0–0.4 V selects composite video mode instead. The mechanical SCART connector specification is IEC 60807-9:1993, which defines the 21-pin two-row staggered contact arrangement.
Signals
- Y (Luminance) — luma component of the S-Video signal; 1 V peak-to-peak into 75 Ω; drives SCART pin 20 (Y input)
- C (Chrominance) — colour subcarrier component; 3.58 MHz (NTSC) or 4.43 MHz (PAL) into 75 Ω; drives SCART pin 15
- Ground (Y) — signal return for the Y luminance channel; connects to SCART pin 17
- Ground (C) — signal return for the C chrominance channel; connects to SCART pin 4
References
- IEC 60933-1:1988 – Audio, video and audiovisual systems – Interconnections and matching values – Part 1: 21-pin connector for video systems
- IEC 60807-9:1993 – Rectangular connectors for frequencies below 3 MHz – Part 9: Detail specification for a range of peritelevision connectors
- BS EN 50049-1:1998 – Domestic and Similar Electronic Equipment Interconnection Requirements: Peritelevision Connector