You managed to buy a SCART to HDMI cable??? I didn't think they existed, the two connectors are
completely incompatible, making that cable about as good as a bit of string.
Ignore the HDMI connection, and get something that will convert composite or s-video to VGA. They can be had for even less than the DVD Recorder.
Starter for 10:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/LINDY-Video-.../dp/B000OZ4BQA