Member Avatar for MiketheBook

I have an old heavy analog tube TV that we can't watch TV on but I would like to be able to connect my laptop to it to watch internet LoveFilm movies. The TV only has scart sockets. Is this possible please?

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For : it can be done, but the important detail nobody has fully explained yet is matching the signal types between the laptop and the SCART socket. As and hinted, the solution rests on two things: (A) what your laptop actually outputs (HDMI, VGA/analogue, mini‑DisplayPort, etc.), and (B) which signal the TV accepts over SCART (composite or RGB). Get those two answers first — they determine the hardware and settings you need.

Quick checklist and practical steps:

  • Identify the laptop output(s). HDMI and DisplayPort are digital; VGA is analogue RGB.
  • Inspect the TV’s SCART for an “RGB” label or check the manual. If you can borrow a SCART‑to‑RCA lead and test a composite source, that tells you if composite works.
  • Match signal to signal. A digital output cannot be turned into an analogue SCART signal with a passive lead — it needs an active device that produces analogue video plus stereo audio and, in many cases, its own power.
  • Set the laptop to mirror/duplicate the display and try low TV‑friendly modes (e.g. 640×480 or 720×576 and the correct 50/60 Hz for your region). For 4:3 CRTs remember to force letterboxing or accept black bars.

Troubleshooting pointers:

  • Black‑and‑white or no picture often means composite vs RGB mismatch or PAL/NTSC mismatch.
  • No audio usually means the audio wasn’t routed into the SCART audio pins or the adapter needs a separate audio input.
  • If a streaming player blocks output, try a local video file first to confirm the video chain works.

If the setup proves fiddly, a small modern media device that natively outputs composite/SCART or a low‑cost replacement TV with AV inputs will usually be the simplest route.

Recommended Answers

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Member Avatar for JorgeM

Yes, it is possible. Do a search for "USB to Scart" adapter.

Member Avatar for PhilEaton

Yes, I use a similar configuration but with the old RCA input type. You will need a converter box/cable. It is hefty and often requires it's own power supply. I know it's probably not much help to you, but it is easiest to just buy a newer tv and conect VGA to HDMI, or even HDMI to HDMI if your laptop has that. Here is an example:

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