What's the best configuration for connecting tv/sky/dvd/video?

Is there an ideal way to connect various bits of tv equipment. I can play and watch a video but I can't seem to record so before I go any further I want to make sure i've got all the equipment connected properly - each item has at least two scart sockets I think.
Thanks Kg
Kg, February 2005


done
Depends on what features your TV and Video equipment have.
Some TV's and Video equipment can communicate data over specific connection terminals.

However, generally this will work fine if your TV is limited to two Scart Inputs....

Using three Scart - Scart Cables:
Television Scart 1 to Sky Scart (TV).
Television Scart 2 to DVD Scart.
VCR Scart 1 to Sky Scart (VCR).

ie. the VCR loops through the Sky Box and shares TV Scart 1.

RF Cables:
Aerial Input to SKY RF IN.
SKY RF Out 1 to VCR RF IN.
VCR RF Out to Television Aerial Socket.

This provides both RF and AV recording capabilities.
(You may be required to activate VCR modulator for RF output).

NB: There may be preferable connections, depending if TV scart sockets are RGB, S-VHS capable, TV / Video equipment has Q-Link/Smart Link, External Link or if the TV has integrated digital decoder(s).

Cobweb, February 2005