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Im considering buying a new TV... I have seen a set I like that is an ultra-thin LCD (3cm deep compared to 10cm of normal LCD's - thinnest in the world I think), but the drawback with this is it only has HDMI and VGA input, no SCART (presumably due to size constraints). It is to be VESA mounted, hence my reasons for trying to get the thinnest screen possible. It also has an IPS panel, which means viewing angle issues are practically non-existent, again imho, an important factor when mounting.

The TV will upscale HDMI sources to 1080p and the VGA sources to 720p (and has one of the best upsacling processors on the market), in the short term I can connect my SCART devices to the VGA connector using a SCART-VGA lead, but obviously this has drawbacks in that firstly, I will have to keep changing the cable over from media centre to SCART convertor, unless I buy a VGA splitter, which is okay to a point but unless I spend a decent amount of money, will most likely degrade the signal, and secondly, thought im not that fussed, id rather have the TV upscaling to 1080p since at sizes bigger than 40" it does start to make a difference in a smallish room (albeit a minimal difference imho).

So I figured, the way forward is to purchase a SCART-HDMI convertor. Remember that SCART is an analogue (RGB in this case for the TUTV+ and Sky+, PAL for SVHS) signal and HDMI is a digital signal, so its not as simple as just having a lead with a HDMI connection on one end and a SCART connection on the other, the signal has to be changed from analogue to digital.

I have seen a couple of boxes, one which I know will do the trick (Lektropacks CM393 Centaur Pro) but is a bit steep, though I can get a one way convertor for about £130ish, and one that probably will do the trick (Thor HDC200) that I like (good make as well) though im not 100% sure at this point.

Now, obviously these are fairly pricey options (especially when you add another £40 on top for a decent cambridge HDMI lead), considering all they are going to do is convert a signal and connector, so does anyone know of a Freesat or Freeview box, that will accept a SCART input and convert the SCART signal so that it can be output via HDMI to the television. Im thinking such an alternative may work out cheaper, but also offer a bit more for the cash (Freesat wise anyway), though im probably going to end up with a dedicated solution, just seeing if anyone has any ideas for me to consider. Its basically a case of getting my TopUp TV+/Sky+ boxes and SuperVHS Recorder analogue SCART signals to digital over HDMI. I don't need the signal upscaled tbh, as the TV will do that job using its own (and almost certainly far superior) upscaling processor, so would rather leave it at 576i anyway.

Cheers!

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Hey Matty, where you been dude?

The Way I've done it is, I have a DVD recorder with a 2scart in's and a HDMI out, SKY+ scart into DVDR, PS2 scart into DVDR, DVDR hdmi into TV. Then use the DVD menu to select the source.

DVDR also has a range of other inputs that can all then be converted to HDMI out, i.e Component, S-video, USB etc.

The one I have only upscales to 1080i but its a good 18months old so newer ones may have a 1080p mode. but if the TV upscales anyway it wont matter, will it?

Just dont lose the DVDR remote, I find ours in toy boxes where the kids have had it, even in the fridge once, lol.

hope this helps.


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MattLFC Offline OP
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Alright Waddi matey! That is actually a rather interesting idea, I never thought of using a DVDR - havent even considered how my Technics DVD unit (component iirc) will fit into it all come to think about it (need to use that for DVD's for the DD and DTS otherwise im stuck with DPL2 on the surround as all the inputs on the AV reciever are analogue). May I ask what model the DVDR is so i can look into it mate?

Cheers!

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Sorry mate, it aint that one, that one has Freeview, mine doesn't.


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Samsung b650
has a host of features including internet access, widgets,
games mode, scart 4 hdmi, vga optical out
http://www.hdtvtest.co.uk/Samsung-LE40B650/
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thats quite a nice looking panel smile


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MattLFC Offline OP
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Alright matey, as decent as that TV looks (and seemingly well priced at ~£799), im afraid its too deep for my needs, and does not have an IPS panel (cos its Samsung lol) so does not support as wide a viewing angle.

Quote
I have seen a set I like that is an ultra-thin LCD (3cm deep compared to 10cm of normal LCD's - thinnest in the world I think), but the drawback with this is it only has HDMI and VGA input, no SCART (presumably due to size constraints). It is to be VESA mounted, hence my reasons for trying to get the thinnest screen possible. It also has an IPS panel, which means viewing angle issues are practically non-existent, again imho, an important factor when mounting.

If I wanted to go for a deeper TV I could get any set with allsorts of connectivity, and id probably actually get a plasma, so the problem here isnt actually the lack of inputs (though it is the root of the problem), it's rather, gauging idea's on how to get around the lack of inputs.

Btw, just looked at a Trusted Review video of that Samsung, and they said that for all the TV's stregnths with regards picture quality, the online interface was slow and simply did'nt work half of the time, which begs the question as to why lol. They are essentially adding the cost of the required hardware/software to the TV, and its most likely to be a novelty, that one would get bored of after a few times of it not working.

Does anyone know of any other devices that will accept a SCART input and output it via HDMI (doesn't need to be upscaled - would prefer the option not to have it upscaled tbh) - I have looked into Blu-ray players, but the Japanese manufacturers don't really care about European customers, so none support SCART for either input or output (I can understand output because obviously you need HDMI or component to carry HD, but no so much input).

I think im edging towards the Thor HDC200 right now as its a dedicated solution, but still looking for alternatives; theres no big rush anyway.

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HDMI outputs - The HDMI output connects to HD ready televisions including LCD TVs and Plasma TVs allowing signals from any of the AV sources connected to the HDMI inputs to be viewed at resolutions upto 1080p ( where supported by your equipment )


Does this not mean that it doesn't convert from Scart to HDMI, on switches between the 3 HDMI inputs. and the scart out switches between the 3 scart inputs.


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What about a newer amp/receiver?

For example: http://www.richersounds.com/showproduct.php?cda=showproduct&pid=ONKY-TXSR506-BLK would allow you to connect the sky and TUTV boxes using YPbPr and the SVHS using a SCART to s-video cable. Then use the HDMI lead to the TV.

You could probably grab one of these or similar for cheaper from ebay or one of the forums specialising in AV equipment talk.

For what it's worth el-cheapo HDMI leads work just as well as the branded 'high end' ones. You usually just paying for 'HDMI certification' and/or kudos, you've said your self its a digital signal, it either works or it doesn't (and I've a £40 IXOS that performs no better than the £3 jobbie from Tesco).

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MattLFC Offline OP
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I did consider a new AV reciever (liking the idea of HD Audio, DTSES etc), but the problem is it wont bode well with my Technics setup - essentially id have to replace the whole lot, and the only thing to to survive would possibly be the speakers and Eltax sub etc, and I don't really want to have to shed out loads to replace everything/add (its only currently a 5.1 system, would love to go towards a 7.1 system to make the most of any new AV reciever) as I quite enjoy the sound setup I have at present (even though it is over 5 years old now).

As the Sky+ and TUTV+ don't have component as standard, im sort of trying to minimise the amount of interconnects between different standards, and changing the SCART to component will just add another interconnect/POF imho. Probably why im edging towards the Thor system, because it should get it all done without hassle and any signal degredation.

Cheers for the suggestions guys, keep em coming!

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Originally Posted by WADDI
Quote
HDMI outputs - The HDMI output connects to HD ready televisions including LCD TVs and Plasma TVs allowing signals from any of the AV sources connected to the HDMI inputs to be viewed at resolutions upto 1080p ( where supported by your equipment )


Does this not mean that it doesn't convert from Scart to HDMI, only switches between the 3 HDMI inputs. and the scart out switches between the 3 scart inputs.

Last edited by WADDI; 14th May 2009 7:39pm.

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Btw, has anyone used a SCART - HDMI convertor such as the Thor or the Lektropacks listed above? If so, any opinions etc would be greatfully appreciated.

smile

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Originally Posted by WADDI
Originally Posted by WADDI
Quote
HDMI outputs - The HDMI output connects to HD ready televisions including LCD TVs and Plasma TVs allowing signals from any of the AV sources connected to the HDMI inputs to be viewed at resolutions upto 1080p ( where supported by your equipment )


Does this not mean that it doesn't convert from Scart to HDMI, only switches between the 3 HDMI inputs. and the scart out switches between the 3 scart inputs.

This is why im not 100% sure on the Thor unit mate, though it has been suggested by someone on another forum that this will do the trick (although he does not use one himeself).

Quote
and one that probably will do the trick (Thor HDC200) that I like (good make as well) though im not 100% sure at this point.

Thats why im keeping the Lektropacks in mind, and looking for a cheaper/better value alternative; the Lektropacks 1-way SCART to HDMI convertor is £130 on its own, so if I could get a Freesat box (around the same price), or alternatively a cheaper DVDR/Freeview box that will essentially do the same thing, then it would be preferable to paying £130 just for the convertor.

Ideally id be going for the CM393, but at £300 I can't really find a way to justify the cost.

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