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!

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.

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!

Its this one.

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

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/

thats quite a nice looking panel

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.


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.

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.

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).

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!

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.

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).


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.

Cheapest option I can find

Looks alright that tbh mate; should I assume that most DVDR's that have SCART input and HDMI output can output the SCART to HDMI as well?

Ive never taken much notice of DVDR's/Freeview boxes or SCART-HDMI and upscaling systems before you see, just watched genuine 720p via the meida centre in the past.

Samsung LE40B650 + 3 Year Warranty 40
Our price: £799.01
Matt with regard to your comment regarding this television why not go into the shop to try it out, I took a usb stick with a film on it into the shop and played it. regarding the speed of the internet widgets and network, I am typing this using the above television. The problem with most reviews is it depends on how good your internet connection really is! I have my television connected via the ethernet direct to my router without any lag.
it is also one of the highest rated lcds for its blacks.
you could also look at the samsung LED versions such as their ultra thin model.
6000, 7000 and 8000 LED HDTV's Samsung

Im not debating the TV itself mate, just it does not suit my requirements (I need ultra-thin and IPS as it will be mounted). Any internet element is irrelevant to me anyway, because id never use it. I barely use my media centre nowadays as it is, never mind anything else. Can't recall making proper use of it for a few years now!

The Samsung LED backlit TV's did interest me, until I red the reviews of the LED backlighting functions; whilst I love the idea of the blacks being near-true (hence my hidden desire for plasma) thanks to the individual LED dimming, as well as the energy efficiency of the sets, there is too many issues reported, and the biggest downfall for me is viewing angles. Im also a bit warey of taking on "new" technology, that in the past, has been ridiculed for its flaws (I seem to recall the first LED tv that Sammy launched a couple of years back hd a terrible reception).

Id love to get my hands on a Samsung 850PAVV for the setup I envisage, with surely by now, comparable results to the KURO, but I have a pretty good feeling it will be well out of my budget (im looking at around £1200 tops). I was originally thinking about a 50", but as with everything I buy, I wont just buy the first thing that comes along, ill make sure its the best that I can get for the money through long hard research and actually playing about with them first, so if it came between a high-end 46" and a mid-range 50", id be sure to take the 46".

Tbh its something I have been considering since about Christmas, I have seen a fair few sets in action, and scoured the net for both critic and user reviews and opinion, and feel the 2 sets I am looking at are the ones for me. Im not the biggest fan of Samsung in general (whilst they make some excellent components and actual panels, testiment to this being the fact that so many other OEM's use them, theyve never seemed to grasp the concept of making a good end product, at least not until recently), but none of their current line-up interests me, except for sets that are somewhat out of budget.

So im going to have to stick to the idea of running everything through HDMI; which isnt all that bad anyway, as I am considering a single HDMI cable to run everything, instead of multiple wires coming out; I just need to work out a way how to do it first lol. Theres no problem with not having/using SCART on the TV, so long as I can get my SCART devices to feed via HDMI.

It's a shame SED died a death, otherwise we might have been seeing them on the market now; though I have a distinct feeling we will see them sometime in the future, when the manufacturers see sales of new televisions dropping off again. Another reason why I don't want to blow 2k on a TV, because your guaranteed that 2010 will see the next big advancement (well as the manufacturers like to call it - spin really) in TV's.

you don`t want a plasma mate, the heat off them is terrible, especially in the summer.

Compare a Pioneer KURO with any LCD you like, and then tell me that lol. Besides which, heat isnt as much of an issue on modern sets as it used to be, much like grey toned balcks isnt as much of an issue on modern LCD's as it used to be.

Think im going to opt for a DVD recorder, though I will continue to use my Technics for DVD's, the opportunity to archive stuff off the TopUp TV box and SuperVHS recorder onto DVD is appealing to me.

Was looking at the new Panasonic DMR-EZ28, but to be honest, the DMR-EZ27 is pretty much the same unit, but with a 25% saving - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Panasonic-DMR-EZ27-Recorder-Up-Conversion-Freeview/dp/B000QDIRV0

Anyone suggest any other decent DVD recorders that support HDMI output and SCART input from personal experience of using them. I think the one Waddi showed me before is available in Tesco, which is handy, for around the same price as the Panny, so am considering that, but the Panny has a couple of features that interest me.

My DVD recorder is a pain in the bum, takes ages to recognise disk and longer to format the ones that need formatting. Doesn't like some disks (eg Mr Data r/w), I wish I had gone for a HD recorder.

Admittedly its a few years old now so they may be better, but I would never get another.

But I won't be primarily using it for DVD recording, I have a PVR

It is going to cost almost the same price as a DVD Recorder to get a SCART to HDMI convertor, so I will get far more value from this. It also means I wont be solely reliant on my SuperVHS VCR for archiving, as I will be able to use DVDR's (which are far cheaper than SuperVHS video tapes).

The modern Panasonics can come out of standby and be recording within a matter of seconds, and they are much improved from the previous generation of DVD recorders. Thats not to say they are perfect of course, but a lot of it comes down to the quality of media being used, and Pannys supposedly have better compatability than most.

One other bonus is when the TUTV+ box is recording 2 programmes at once, and there is a third on, the integrated Freeview may come in handy, so I can record onto a DVD-RW. That is of course, until TopUp get around to implementing Mux recording instead of channel recording anyway (they will be forced to if they lose any more capacity - so my fingers are crossed lol!!).

Cheers for that reply Matt, partially restores my faith in them - I was just so disappointed with mine - menus were a bloomin nuisance as well.

As you say - they are a lot better now, and in your situation make the obvious solution.

I think the worst thing is that you can't trust it to record properly, some media don't work properly and some media do change, I bought Mr Data because they had worked prviously, but they must have changed them because 10 discs on the run from two different packs didn't record properly. This is ok if you are copying a VHS because you can just do it again, but when you use it to record part 1 of 22 part programme, it is easy to break windows!

I know full well what you mean mate, its quite often the same with burning on laptop's, some drives prefer certain brands of media, even when it comes to CDR's they can be picky - I remember when I had my first CDRW drive about 10 years ago (when the disks were gold, and then emerald was the new big thing lol) I never had any trouble at all. I must asdmit, that was a Pleccy, but in fact, when I bought a LiteOn 48x drive in about 2002ish, when the new "ultra" speed generation were coming onto shelves, again, I don't recall ever having any problems burning disks no matter what speed.

It leads me to only two conclusions, either the media quality has severely declined to a point where 50% of it is utter crud, or the drives themselves/software is getting worse and worse as time goes on. I always burn CDR's at 12x nowadays, to help prevent any errors such is the high rate nowadays.

I must admit PVR's are the way forward, although other than Sky+ (which must be accepted as the benchmark for reliability), there isnt really a PVR on the market without problems!!

As much as I enjoy it now, and support them, the TUTV+ box was dreadful until last year, how they never got a class action case bought against them for the units not being "fit for purpose", ill never know. Fortunately, it has been significantly improved since the release of v3.31 back in October and v3.59 in April, and we are currently testing v4.06 which should resolve all outstanding problems, and be launched in the next 4 - 6 months! It took Sky 3 years or so to perfect Sky+ though, so if we are using that as the benchmark... lol!

The problems you mention with DVD recorders, is one of a few reasons I have never had any interest in buying one. That coupled with the Sky+, the worry of scratched DVD's and the fact I would never use one for playing DVD's, just killed off the idea for me personally. My auntie bought a DVD recorder a few years ago, and asked me to set it up, so I did. Seemed to work okay, but it started screwing disks and a few days later she asked me to come and have a look. Counld'nt fathom it out, so she took it back and still uses VHS to this day. The problem is she records stuff for my uncle, who is a maintenance engineer on a ship in the North Sea, going between rigs, 1 month on and 1 month off, so the plan was to buy a portable DVD player and use DVDR's, which would be much better (smaller) than VHS and the video player and TV (that he has to share of course). It does make you wonder wherre DVDR technology went wrong!


I know the feeling mate, when I first tried to move over from Sky+ to TUTV+, the damn thing would just randomly "miss" recordings for no reason at all... I was fuious with it, and went back to using Sky+ for the remaining months until they fixed the damn problems!! Fortunately, I did'nt have to pay for the box, otherwise it would have been sent back to them. Supposed to be getting a new dev box this week, not sure what the hardware changes will be at this point though, im hoping it may have HDMI or be able to use the USB socket for transferring media, but thats wishful thinking, it will probably just look different or have an extra button for something stupid lol. In fact, im guessing it may well just carry the new logo haha!

Got this sorted, bought a Toshiba DVD recorder with built in Freeview etc, but most importantly, SCART, Component, S-Video and Composite in, and HDMI out, with a 1080p upscaler. Works a treat... well sort of.

I now have a problem with the SCART coming out of the DVD (via HDMI) recorder in CVBS, it does not seem to want to entertain the idea of RGB at all. So of course, it is leading to slight fuzziness and a generally more noisy picture than RGB.

Its deffo not the SCART cables as I have tried 5 lol, currently have a £24 Thor RGB SCART cable connecting it. Tried a TUTV+ box, Sky+ box, and two normal Sky boxes, all set to RGB, and same old story. Changed every setting I can find in the DVD and TV menu's 100 times over. Tried forcing the RGB by sending it via a multi-SCART changer, again no joy.

So I got fed up, and changed over to S-Video, just to get clear pictures. Crystal clear on S-Video, no problem at all; the think that is annoying me though, is the S-Video and audio-in ports are located on the front of the DVD recorder, which is handy for use with cameras etc, but no so good for a permenant solution having 3 wires running out of it (ie. ugly).

So going to telephone Toshiba on Tuesday and see what hey have to say on the matter, hopefully the unit is just faulty and ill have to go and get a replacement.

The TV itself is a bit of a bitch with it really built for HD sources, ive been using the DVD recorder to upscale to 1080p and its actually working a bit better than the TV in a lot of respects. Finally getting there with the calibration of the TV, just taking a long time. Watched "Tiesto In Concert II" on DVD before, upscaled to 1080p, and it made a very noticeable difference, and only suffering the very very slightest of noise, which was cleaned up by the TV's DNR once activated.

Watched Terminator II in 1080p and a few BBC docs in 720p, of course direct through the VGA rather than via the DVD and its performing well.

Hope I can get this bloody RGB SCART problem sorted! Anyone else run a similar setup (ie. RGB SCART - DVDR - HDMI) and had any problems like this?

Cheers for the advice guys, twas much appreciated!

Bought one of those at Christmas, had it a couple of weeks, thought it was me being a dipstick, Wouldn't do what it said on the tin. Took it back to comet to swop for another, girl told me they had no more and wasn't getting anymore. she wouldn't say it but gave me the impression they got to many back, got money back got a Panasonic, more money but made up with it.