No. SCART-to-HDMI and HDMI-to-SCART describe opposite signal paths, and a converter built for one direction should not be assumed to work in the other. Before you buy, identify which device has the SCART port and which has the HDMI port, then choose a converter whose labelled input matches your source and whose labelled output matches your display.
Why the direction is not interchangeable
A SCART connector carries an analogue composite or RGB-style signal. HDMI carries a digital signal. A converter has to translate between them, and it does so in one direction only. Reversing the cables does not reverse the conversion.
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SCART-to-HDMI: older source, newer display
This setup suits a device with only a SCART output, such as an older DVD player, satellite receiver or games console, connected to a flat-panel TV that has HDMI inputs and no SCART socket.
- The source’s SCART output connects to the converter’s SCART input.
- The converter’s HDMI output connects to a free HDMI input on the display.
DINIC’s SCART-to-HDMI product page states that its converter is designed exclusively for the SCART (analogue) to HDMI (digital) direction and is not suitable for the reverse signal path. That one-way statement is the clearest manufacturer warning on this question.
#1 Best Overall
- RCA to HDMI Converter: Converts analog RCA composite (Yellow, White, Red) input to HDMI 720P/1080P (60HZ) output,displayed on HDTV/Monitor,which can bring back your childhood memories.
- Plug to Play: ABLEWE Mini RCA to HDMI converter no extra drivers need, just plug and play,easy to use.Please hook up the USB power cable (included) to 5V power source during use.
- Wide Compatibility: Support source formats of PAL, NTSC3.58, NTSC4.43, SECAM, PAL/M, PAL/N standard TV. Provide advanced signal processing with great precision, colors, resolutions, and details.
- Widely Used:Widely applied to PS2,PS3,Xbox,N64, WII, STB, VHS, VCR, DVD Players and other devices with standard composite AV input.
- Attention & Package:Please ensure to connect this rca to hdmi converter to power source to make it work.Package include:1*RCA to HDMI Converter,1*usb power cable(adapter not included),1*User Manual.
HDMI-to-SCART: newer source, older display
This setup suits a modern source with only HDMI output, such as a streaming box or a current Blu-ray player, connected to a CRT or older television that has a SCART socket and no HDMI input.
- The source’s HDMI output connects to the converter’s HDMI input.
- The converter’s SCART output connects to the display’s SCART input.
Products in this direction are usually sold as HDMI-to-SCART converters, and the manuals reviewed describe HDMI input with SCART output. A SCART-to-HDMI box connected this way, with SCART plugged into the source and HDMI plugged into the TV, is not a substitute for the reverse product.
Rank #2
- Scart to HDMI Converter - Scart to HDMI Converter is an excellent device that upscales SCART signal (including RGB, Composite Video, and Audio) from various devices like Sky, Sky+, DVD player, set-top box, HD player, and game consoles (PS2, PS3, PSP, Wii, XBOX360, etc.) to digital HDMI 720p or 1080P. It also allows for connecting an HD video source with HDMI input.
- Scart converter - Scart converter features 3.5mm & coaxial audio out, and SCART audio is integrated into HDMI out as well as pass-through to earphone or amplifier. It can automatically detect RGB (50/60Hz), Composite Video (NTSC/PAL), and auto-store setting of output resolution.
- 1080P Scart Converter - Please note that this device only works as SCART or HDMI in, HDMI out. It does not support 4K and RGB input.
- Scart HDMI converter - Scart / HDMI to HDMI Converter is an essential device that maximizes the quality of your viewing experience. It is compatible with various devices and provides audio outputs and automatic detection of input signals. With its compact size and easy setup process, it is an ideal solution for any home entertainment system.
- inbox - We offer a SCART/HDMI to HDMI converter bundled with a USB cable. The product has a compact size of 10 x 10 x 2.5 cm and weighs only 29 g. To ensure your satisfaction, we provide a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you have any issues, please contact the seller on Amazon for a response within 24 hours.
Choosing the right converter
The table below compares the two setups and the example models named in manufacturer documentation. The examples show what those particular products specify; other models in the same direction may differ.
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Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →| Setup | Source output | Display input | Product to seek | Example specifications from manufacturer documentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old source, new TV | SCART | HDMI | SCART-to-HDMI converter | DINIC: multiple HDMI output resolutions, 5V power included. Transmedia manual: SCART input, HDMI output at 720p or 1080p, power not stated in the material reviewed. |
| New source, old TV | HDMI | SCART | HDMI-to-SCART converter | Schwaiger: HDMI input, SCART output, CVBS output at 480i/576i, PAL/NTSC selection, 5V supply. AVSL 122.417UK: USB 5V/1A power, PAL or NTSC selection, HDMI lead up to 7m. |
Checking labels before you buy
- Write down the source’s output. Look at the back of the source device. A SCART socket is a wide, trapezoid-shaped port with 21 pins. An HDMI output is a narrow, flat port. Some devices have both, so check which one you are using.
- Write down the display’s input. If the TV has a SCART socket and no HDMI, you need an HDMI-to-SCART setup. If it has HDMI inputs and no SCART, you need a SCART-to-HDMI setup.
- Read the product’s stated input and output. Do not rely on the shape of the plugs or on the product name alone. The converter’s own labels or manual should state which port is input and which is output.
- Check the supported video formats. Confirm that the converter accepts your source’s signal and produces a format your display can show.
- Check power and regional settings (see below) before connecting.
Some products carry both SCART and HDMI ports but convert between them in one direction only, or are sold for HDMI-to-HDMI use. Read the labelled ports rather than assuming a box with both connectors works both ways.
Rank #3
- VERSATILE COMPATIBILITY: Converts analog SCART signals to digital HDMI output, supporting multiple TV formats including PAL, NTSC3.58, NTSC4.43, SECAM, PAL/M, and PAL/N standards
- DUAL RESOLUTION OUTPUT: Features selectable 720p/1080p resolution at 60Hz through an easy-access toggle switch for optimal display matching with modern HDTVs
- PLUG AND PLAY DESIGN: No drivers required - simply connect your legacy devices like DVD players, game consoles, or satellite boxes to modern HDTVs with minimal setup
- ADVANCED PROCESSING: Utilizes sophisticated signal processing technology to ensure excellent color accuracy, sharp resolution, and preserved detail in video output
- COMPACT SIZE: Lightweight converter measures 3.6 x 2.4 x 1.0 inches with clearly labeled ports and DC 5V power input for straightforward installation
Power and PAL/NTSC settings
Conversion can require external power, and this varies by model. The Schwaiger HDMI-to-SCART product includes a 5V supply. AVSL describes USB 5V/1A power for its HDMI-to-SCART unit, as stated on its 122.417UK support page, last updated 1 January 2025. Use the supply that comes with your converter, or one that the manual specifies.
For some models, the output format must match your region. AVSL instructs users to select PAL for UK and EU content and NTSC for US content. Schwaiger specifies PAL and NTSC output in the same way. A mismatch can produce a distorted or unstable picture, so set the format before you judge the result.
Rank #4
- VERSATILE COMPATIBILITY: Converts HDMI signal from PS4, DVD player, TV box, PC and other modern devices to SCART output for older TVs and monitors
- VIDEO FORMAT SUPPORT: Features PAL/NTSC switch for broad compatibility and supports up to 1080P/60fps input resolution for high-quality conversion
- PLUG AND PLAY: Simple setup with HDMI input and SCART output ports, includes necessary 5V DC power supply for reliable operation
- ONE-WAY CONVERSION: Designed for HDMI to SCART conversion only, does not support SCART to HDMI signal conversion
- CABLE SPECIFICATIONS: Comes with integrated cable design featuring HDMI male connector on one end and SCART connector on the other for direct connection
What “upscaled” output means
Transmedia describes its SCART-to-HDMI converter as taking an analogue SCART input and producing a 720p or 1080p HDMI output. That describes the output format. It does not mean the original picture gains high-definition detail. A standard-definition DVD or analogue broadcast will still look like standard definition, only scaled to fit a digital display. Set expectations accordingly.
What the manufacturer documentation says
Two statements capture how the vendors frame the connection:
Best Value
- RCA Female to HDMI Video Converters Adapter : The cable is used to convert analog composite input to HDMI 1080p output, displayed on a 1080p HD TV/TV/monitor.
- Input ports: 1xRCA Female (Yellow, White, Red), Output ports: 1xHDMI 1.3 1080p. NOT support 3D and 4K, NOT support HDMI Converts to AV
- AV to HDMI Converter: Plug and Play, Easy to Install and Operate, Powered by External USB Cable. Note: Please hook up the USB power cable (included) to 5V 1Apower source during use (not included power supply ).
- Support PAL, NTSC3.58, NTSC4.43, SECAM, PAL/M, PAL/N standard TV formats input. For PS2,PS3,Xbox,N64,STB, VHS, VCR, DVD Players and other devices with standard composite AV input.
- You Will Get : 1x RCA Female TO HDMI Converter, 1xHDMI cable, 1xUSB cable, 1xUser Manual. ONE YEAR WARRANTY - if you are not satisfied for any reason whatsoever, do not hesitate to contact us .
- DINIC, on its SCART-to-HDMI converter product page: “The converter is designed exclusively for the SCART (analogue) to HDMI (digital) direction and is not suitable for the reverse signal path.”
- AVSL, on its 122.417UK support page (last updated 1 January 2025): “Using a HDMI lead of the required length, connect one end to the input port of the converter and the other to the output port on your source device (max length 7m).”
These are vendor statements and setup instructions. They are not independent performance tests, and they describe their own products.
Troubleshooting a converter that does not work
- No picture after connecting: Check that the converter is in the correct direction for your ports. A SCART-to-HDMI converter cannot take an HDMI source.
- No power light or no output: Confirm the supply is connected and matches the specified voltage and type.
- Picture is distorted, rolling or has the wrong colours: Check the PAL or NTSC setting against your region and your source’s broadcast or disc standard.
- Picture is present but the display shows no signal: Confirm the display is on the matching input (HDMI or SCART) and that the cable is seated fully at both ends.
- Converter labelled for one direction is the only one you own: Do not try to force it into the reverse path. The manufacturer documentation describes these products for one direction only.
Limits of this guidance
The specifications above come from individual manufacturer pages and manuals, not from a survey of the market. Power requirements, supported resolutions, format switches and port layouts differ between models and can change between revisions. The label on your converter and the manual supplied with it are the authority for your specific product.
Quick Recap
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