[whoever]

Hi,
Could you please help me work out the best way to connect the following components:

TV: Panasonic TX-32LXD52
DVD-R: Panasonic DMREZ27
SKY+ Thompson box - not HD.

I'm thinking that the following configuration would be best, but just wanted to check for any other opinions etc.

SKY+ --RGB SCART --> TV
DVD-R--HDMI--> TV
SKY+ --SCART-->DVD-R

Thanks.

[Joe Fernand]

Hello whoever

As the second SCART Out on the SKY+ box is Composite video not RGB your going to limit the quality of your recordings from SKY.

Try SKY+ > SCART (RGB) > DVD-R > HDMI > TV - assuming the DVD-R doesn't mess up the SKY signal on its way through then that is likely your best option.

Joe

[Steven61]

Hi Joe,

I have a similar set up and was wondering the same as whoever.

From your solution, as the Sky+ box is not HD, would the HDMI cable send the picture from the DVD-R ok?

[Joe Fernand]

Hello Steven61

In effect the DVD-R becomes your Switching Hub and 'low cost' Analogue to Digital converter in one.

Most DVD-R units with HDMI Outputs will take in Analogue video (Composite, S-Video and RGB SCART) and carry out the required conversion to Digital before outputting on HDMI.

Some units will also offer some form of up-conversion to HD resolution - though that can be a debatable 'upgrade'!

Joe

[Jamie]

Alternatively the DVDR has RGB scart in and out. so RGB scart sky+ to DVDR then RGB scart DVDR to TV

Might be worth trying as the scaling might be better in your TV than the recorder, you can always remove if the HDMI looks just as good.

Also the HDMI would probably require the DVDR to be trurned on whereas most machines will give you scart pass through when in standby.

[whoever]

Thanks for your responses. Its actually my parents setup and neither of us have an HDMI cable to try.
So if I use HDMI from the DVD-R the DVD-R upscales, but if I use RGB Scart the TV will upscale. Correct?
Is there anywhere I can look up opinions on how good the upscaling is for the TV versus the DVD-R. Or even reviews on the upscaling of each of them individually?

[Jamie]

I'd say the best connection for playing DVD's would be the HDMI so get one anyway, I'd have thought you'd have access to a spare decentish RGB scart (even if you have to borrow from your own setup) and they need at least one scart.

Wire Sky+ -scart- DVDR
and connect both Scart and HDMI from DVD to TV and see which you prefer.
There may not be that much difference but not needing to turn on the DVD to watch sky via scart might be a convenient addition with the 2 scarts way.

If the scart to TV works better either take the opportunity to upgrade yourself to a better scart and leave yours in place or buy a 2nd scart

[Steven61]

So if i was to connect the Sky+ - Scart - DVD-R, DVD-R - HDMI - TV then i'd need the DVD switched on to watch Sky?

Could i use a scart between the Sky box and DVD-R and Sky and TV and then a HDMI from DVD-R to TV?

Would that work?

[whoever]

Thanks JimBob, good point.
OK - so they will end up with...

SKY+ --SCART RGB --> DVD-R --HDMI--------->TV
................................DVD-R --(SCART RGB)-->TV

Sounds like a good plan to me...
I'll go and check out the posts on which HDMI cable to buy now :-)

[Jamie]

of course if the DVD player is on you will be able to watch Sky with HDMI. I presume (most do) that the DVD recorder will give scart passthrough when in standby.

From a parents point of view not having to turn on the DVD recorder to watch TV will be better (basing this on my mum who is absolutley clueless with operating all the kit I have recommended she get )