I have the following planned cabling of my new setup, I would appreciate anyones feedback before I go ahead and buy the cables.

1. From Foxtel Digital Scart Connection - Run this to Plasma TV via a SCART to Component (YPR) connection. Plasma has Component in for YPR.
2. HDD/DVD Recorder - Run Component (YPR) out to Plasma's 2nd component in to run progressive scan high quality DVD play back.
3. Foxtel Digitial - Run AV Cables (L+R sound + video) to HDD/DVD recorder so I can tape Foxtel Digital shows on the HDD. I cannot use the second SCART connector on foxtel digital to do this, because the HDD does not have a component in (only out).

Trickier issues need help with.
4. The only audio out from Foxtel I can use (AV Cables) is running into the HDD/DVD. The HDD is then running into an AMP for output. So how can I receive audio if I am watching Foxtel straight to Plasma via the component cables (ie the audio out from foxtel is going to the HDD). Can I buy a AV cable splitter so I can run the AV feed to the HDD and have a separate AV feed running to the AMP? Will this work?
5. High Definition - my plasma has an inbuilt HD tuner. I plan to run the arial into the HDD/DVD so I can tape free to air. However, to receive HD, only the Plasma can tune this (not the HDD's tuner), so in theory I need an arial running into the Plasma as well. Can you buy an arial splitter, to send an arial signal to the Plasma Tuner and also to the HDD tuner so I can tape free to air?

Any comments / feedback / points / experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Doesn't your HDD/DVD Recorder have an RF out (Aerial Out), which you can then connect to RF In on the Plasma?

Thanks Peter, I suppose that would work. Assuming the Plasmas High Def tuner can still tune, even though the HDD/DVD is tuning the signal also. Ta

Just a few comments:

I think Foxtel only outputs component through one of the Scart connectors, hence be careful if you ever think of upgrading say the HDD/DVD believing that you'll be able to component into it as well as the TV.

You can also get cables that have Scart to component/RGB and audio. Another solution is to use the SPDIF plug on the back of the Foxtel. This is a combined digital/analogue plug. I connect SPDIF to a TOSLINK using a fibre optic cable on my receiver for the best possible sound. Alternatively, I think you can use a cable that has a 3.5mm stereo jack to RCA red and white plugs.

Ah, a SCART to Component with audio (AV) would definetely help!

I agree that the second scart on the foxtel unit is of limited use.

I just hope that I can run 1 SCART to component and also run the AV (video) Cables similtaneously (leaving the 2nd SCART idle), otherwise I might not be able to record TV. Anyone run a SCART and the AV output without problems?

Cheers

That's the way VCRs are usually connected - aerial to VCR and from RF Out on VCR to RF In on TV. Usually the signal is boosted by the VCR and you end up with a better signal going into the TV. Tuning is not affected and the VCR can record one channel while you view a different one on the TV.

Yep that all makes sense One more problem solved.

Thanks Peter

I've not used one cable to run component, audio and video - but believe it is possible. Why do you want an idle Scart port on your Foxtel though?

My set up is:
*Foxtel to TV using Scart to component (video only, I don't have an all in one cable)
* SPDIF to AV receiver using fibre optic
* Foxtel Scart to a Scart input on my Panasonic HDD/DVD and using the S-Video input.

HDD/DVD sets like the Panasonic DMR-E85H are quite handy. You can connect Foxtel Scart to the Panasonic Scart and use RGB. The Panasonic will then output component to a TV. A number of people do this as they get high quality recording and only need a Scart/Scart cable and component/component cable to get it all going. My personal preference is to go direct from Foxtel to the TV as I don't do much recording and don't want my DVD on to watch Foxtel.

Make sure you don't turn off your Foxtel box ever. There is a bug that sometimes stops analogue signals from being transmitted through the Scarts that triggers only when the set is in stand by. I have recorded a number of shows with no sound in my time. However, no problems if you leave box on permanently. The bug was still there a few weeks ago, but you'd hope it will have a software fix eventually.

My DVD/HDD does not have a component in (only out), it has S-Video in & AV Video in. I have read that both the Foxtel SCART outputs must be the same (ie 2 x scart to component) or it will not work. Therefore, I have a SCART to Component going to the TV and I cannot run a second SCART to my HDD/DVD as there is no component in. This leaves me with the only option of using AV (video & Audio) to connect Foxtel to the HDD/DVD.

However now i'm confused because you are saying that you have used a SCART to Component (TV) and a SCART to S-Video (HDD) from the Foxtel STB and it works fine?

I finally got my Foxtel digital set up right. You can use all 3 outputs. This is what you want :

1. Foxtel SCART to component + audio on TV. This cable is called SCART to 5 RCA and is quite hard to get hold of. I got one from Jaycar.
2. Foxtel SCART to composite + Audio on DVD recorder. The second SCART only outputs composite . They do this to encourage you to get Foxtel IQ.
3. Foxtel A/V to VCR.

My TV has as input (and the cables are a bloody mess).
AV1 Foxtel
AV2 DVD player (for divx).
AV3 DVD recorder
AV4 VCR
HDMI1 HD STB

Depending on your signal strength you might be better off not using the TV's HD receiver so you can record direct from the HD STB.

Cool. If I can definetely use a Scart to Component & a Scart to Composite from Foxtel Digital then thats a good result! I think I'm about ready to tackle all these wires/connectors when my new TV arrives shortly! Wow, what a learning curve all this is.

When they first installed Foxtel for me they put in SCART to 6 RCA for both in and out A/V so the VCR could use the AV bypass on FOXTEL unit (Press AV on the Foxtel remote and the VCR sends the picture instead of Foxtel). This is handy with older TVs with limited inputs. In practice though it is a pain and a little confusing for people other than me so I don't use it anymore and the VCR output goes straight to the TV.

Another idea I just thought of - you could put the component to the DVD recorder and output from that to the TV. That way you get to record component. This could reduce the TV picture though with component not being direct. I might give that a try tonight. My DVD recorder was quite cheap ($123) and it has trouble with bright colours so this might help.

Thanks for the thoughts, unfortunately my DVD/HDD does not have a component in, only component out. Its has S-video in, AV Video In, Arial in, DV in .... Hopefully one day there will be one universal cable that does everything on every device, it is just ridiculous how many combinations, adapters, connecters there are out there. Makes life really difficult for someone making first home theatre setup (like me!).

Give it a couple of years to really take off and HDMI will save us all!