scart setup for 2 dvds + sky decoder

ifconfig

I'm in the process of setting up a TV viewing config which will consist
of a Philips DVD recorder, a Sony home cinema amp/tuner/dvd combo,
an old Pace Sky digital box (which I'll run for Free-to-air).
My LCD TV has 2 x scart connections (EXT-1, EXT-2) and probably
AV leads as well.
What would be the best way to connect these so that I've all sources
connected with minimal signal loss(es) ?

My current guess is that I'll just wire the DVD recorder & DVD/home theatre
combi to EXT-1 and EXT-2 scart female sockets directly to the TV
and then use a SCART->AV/phono(yellow/red/white) to the separate
three colour AV input section of the TV.

Are there better approaches?

Sorry if the question is a bit naive/basic!
What's the story about S-video .. I remember reading once that it delivers
better signal than SCART.

-ifc

conax

I would put the TV out scart from the digi box to the EXT2 of the DVD recorder
EXT1 of the DVD recorder to the TV, the sony to EXT2 of the TV and drop a stereo phono lead from the TV to the AUX in of the Sony.

If the Sony had a YPrPb and the TV YPrPb in I would put the Sony on this, put the TV out of the Digi box on EXT2 on the TV, put a scart from VCR out of the Digi box to EXT2 of the DVD recorder and drop a stereo phono from the TV to the sony AUX in.

Assuming that the sony is a standard combi surround sound unit and not a AV receiver.

omited the EXT1 from the DVD recorder to the EXT1 on the TV

ifconfig

Thanks for that advice Conax.

Actually the DVD//home theater unit is like this:
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-BRAVIA-DAV-HDX265-Theater-System/dp/B000O6SI6S

I'm guessing that's a combi and not an A/V receiver.
I'm guessing (from memory) that there is a difference between a combi home theater and a dedicated A/V receiver.

Out of curiosity what is that difference (sorry, home cinema virgin here !)

-ifc

conax

An AV receiver: well first its AV stands for Audio and Video and receiver means it has a radio tuner built into it, however generally speaking AV receivers have multiple Audio and Video source selection meaning you can connect many different sources such as CD players/ Audio servers/DVD players/VCR’s/CCTV/Satellite boxes/cable boxes etc all of these devices are switched via the AV receiver and its remote. they generally have multiple options for the connection of Digital audio assignable per source.
The Sony has a HDMI output would you not use that and connect the same as the 2nd option.

ifconfig

conax wrote:

...
The Sony has a HDMI output would you not use that and connect the same as the 2nd option.

Good point. I've read bits of info and FUD about HDMI cables and their
cost,etc. What should I be realistically spending on one that is a bit
better than half decent ?
I have none .. this is my first foray into equipment which HD inputs/outputs.

-ifc

conax

2-5meters there is no need to spend more than 20 Euro on a HDMI lead.