V+ not compatible with all DVD Recorder scart sockets?

TheWazzer · 22-01-2008, 23:47

Just thought I would start a new thread on this:

Last week when I had V+ installed the engineer tried to connect the cable from my Panasonic DVD recorder into the back of the V+ box. This was the last thing he was about to do as it was all setup ok (good picture, all channels seemed to work ok etc ..) when the TV picture kept going off everytime he connected the scart lead to the back of the V+ box.

I knew the leads from the DVD recorder where all ok as they had just been previously working on a Sky+ box.

He then made a comment about "Not all DVD recorder scarts are compatible with the V+ box". To which I replied can't see any reason why it shouldn't be?

Anyway I told him I would look at it after he had gone. Basically I just plugged it into the back of the V+ box and it worked, no problems.

Just wondering if it is true that not all DVD recorder scart sockets are compatible?

Mick Fisher · 23-01-2008, 12:06

Yes I reckon it is true.
I have a Philips-DVDR3480. This machine only has a scart RGB, component progressive or component interlaced inputs and so cannot use the dedicated VCR/DVDR Composite output scart found on both the V+ and Sky+ boxes.

Composite doesn't carry a wide screen signal anyway which is rapidly making this output redundent. Whether or not this can be changed by a software update I have no idea.
In the case of Sky I would expect (but don't know) that the problem is addressed with their HD Box. In the case of V+, as it is VM's HD Box, if it cannot be rectified by software it will become a useless appendage with the progressive death of the VCR.

altis · 23-01-2008, 12:36

It's probably because there are so many different implementations of the Scart 'standard'.

Scarts can carry three different types of video signal - RGB, S-video and composite. If the box that is transmitting is using one type of signal and the receiver is expecting another then you'll see nothing. Add to that leads with some of the connections missing, two different standards for widescreen switching, various, propretary, remote control standards and differing 'switch to this AV' implementations - it's amaizing that this standard still survives. Still, at least it's a standard - well in Europe anyway.

RonMac · 01-02-2008, 05:36

I see I am not alone!(lol)

Trying to connect Toshiba DVD/VHS recorder to V+ box.

It is not working, records what I think is RF output.

Going to try today to see if I can work this one out!

Ronmac
Glasgow

RonMac · 01-02-2008, 11:00

OK, seems to be doing backup now to DVD recorder.

It was a diagram of Scart loops from V+ to VCR/DVD recorder that did the trick. On this forum!

I shall know in 2 hours when programme has backed up wether it really has!

Says it is recording, AV2 is shoing recording picture, but as we all know that means little till you playback DVD that has just recorded.

RonMac

Paranoimia · 01-02-2008, 23:00

I'd say it's more likely to be the SCART cable than the socket itself.

As has been mentioned, SCART can carry a number of different signals. But not all SCART leads are fully wired, and only carry one type of signal. These are usually identifiable by the fact that not all pins are present.

I've heard that the DVD/VCR (lower) socket on the V+ only outputs a composite signal - so if you have a SCART cable wired only for RGB or S-Video, chances are it will not work.

For maximimum compatibility, make sure your SCART cable is fully wired.

bantamboy · 06-02-2008, 09:45

Morning all! I've got a possible scart related problem too, I've been using my Philips DVD recorder to back up from V+ for a few weeks without any problem. But recently I've been leaving it to copy and coming back to find that at a seemingly random point in the recording I lose the sound from the HDD and record "live" sound from whatever's on the box instead. Initially I put this down to a loose connection on the scart cable, which does have a tendency to loosen itself. But having re-jiggled the plugs back in and even changing the cable for a new one I keep having the same problem. It seems very strange that it seems to be an intermittent fault, which makes me think that it might be a problem with either of the scart sockets involved. Has anyone else had any similar problems? If the V+ box needs replacing the missus will go mental if we lose all her films.
Cheers

RonMac · 06-02-2008, 10:48

bantanboy,

Cant really say other than I had to make really sure that my Scart was 'all the way in' (sounds like a porno script!).

I had noticed sound was a problem unless Scart really was connected.

Sorry I cannot be more helpful.

RonMac

bantamboy · 06-02-2008, 11:46

Cheers Ron,
my first thought was that it was the cable working its way out, it was one of those really long ones with an angled connector that have a tendency to loosen themselves off. So that was replaced by a straight one and the problems have continued. Saying that though our recorder is the same one as Mick Fisher has had problems with above, but I'd still expect it to not work at all rather than the intermittent problems that I've had. And speaking of porn, it's a bit worrying when I'm recording the wife's films that it could actually be recording the sound of what I'm watching.

spiderplant · 06-02-2008, 12:32

It's a known software fault. It might happen less often if you don't use the V+ whilst archiving.

Paranoimia · 06-02-2008, 23:18

When you're copying to DVD, I find it best to leave it running overnight, leaving the V+ at the 'Copying' screen. Don't press 'TV' to go back to the full-screen picture.

I had the same problem as you, but since doing it this way, have not encountered the problem at all.