Bluedelta Designs has updated is SmartSCART router, increasing not only the number of SCART connections it can intelligently and automatically route signals between but also adding stereo audio and a pair of RCA compostite video and two S-video inputs too.

The SmartSCART Plus has six SCART inputs and a seventh SCART connector dedicated to the TV. The device watches out for signals coming in from any of the eight inputs - the RCA and S-video pairings each operate as a single input - and routes the signal to the output.

If more than one input is active - you're playing a DVD and your Freeview set-top box is running, it will choose which signal to output according to a port number - the further the port is on the device from the output connector, the higher its priority.

The unit will also route input signals from the set-top box to, say, the VCR, allowing you to record a programme while watching a DVD or playing a games console. Each connector is fully shielded, Bluedelta said, and each as its own signal amplifier too.

Three inputs have video sensing circuitry to help cater for devices that don't have automatic SCART control - step forward, games consoles. One port has auto-blanking for home cinema kit like 5.1 decoders, and another port supports video senders. All the ports are clearly labelled so you know where to connect each of your AV devices.

The original SmartSCART was a blessing for folk with a one-SCART telly, and the new version comes as punters start kitting themselves up with new devices like PVRs and DVD recorders for the summer's sporting events. The new model is available now and costs £59.95 from Bluedelta. ®