SCART to S-Video or Composite (RCA)

[tonemgub]

I want to capture from my VCR but unfortunately it only has RGB SCART (Euro-AV) as an output option. My capture device has S-Video and composite inputs so I bought a SCART to S-Video & 2 x RCA lead. When I try and capture I get a black and white, very grainy video image. I think this is because my card does not support RGB input. If I bought a SCART to 3 x RCA (i.e. 1 composite video plus L/R audio) would this 'un-RGB' the video output and allow my capture device to receive a proper video signal?

I've checked to make sure I have PAL set as I know that having it set to NTSC can result in a B&W image.

[The_Doman]

There are almost no VCR's which output a RGB signal!
With a normal VCR there is only a composite signal available on the SCART connector.
Most newer (european) S-VHS VCR's have the option to switch between composite or S-Video on the scart connector.

Scart adapter boxes or cables only route the signal pins to the different connectors, they don't convert the signal!
If you try to use the S-Video input with a normal VCR when there is no S-Video available then you will indeed get a black/white picture because the S-Video and Composite signal share some pins on the SCART connector.

Here is a pin layout of the SCART connector:
http://pinouts.ru/data/Scart_pinout.shtml

Just use the composite connection of your capture card with the SCART to RCA lead.
That should work.

[tonemgub]

Excellent, thanks for the in-depth answer Doman. I'll go and buy a Scart to RCA lead and give that a try!

[kipico]

i investigated vhs -> computer,
via scart-out on vhs player, to the composite in on my video cap card

instead of buying a scart->composite lead
check out a scart schematic, and its easy enough to knock up your own Scart->Composite using the correct pins.

not everyones cup of tea, but saving £15+, with nice results by only using a spare RCA cable, a Scart cable and a couple of wires...

bonus