I bought a violin about a year ago, and now circumstances are finally allowing me to have a go at learning how to play it. I'm unable to afford a teacher, and unbelievably there are no violin tutors anywhere near my area, but I suppose with a lot of hard work and enough research, I'll eventually get the hang of it.
Recently, I managed to buy one of those chromatic tuners, you know with the lights and the doohickeys that make everything much easier to tune...
My problem is the A string. It seems much more loose compared to the other strings. When in tune, the others are nice and taut, and easy to play a note on, they sound really rich and it's enjoyable for a beginner to be able to make a nice sound, but I've just got this bouncy, scratchy, depressed A string which appears to be in tune (according to the tuner).

Is it supposed to be like this?

Could it be possible its tuned a whole octave down that what its supposed to be? I would assume at the point that string is pretty unplayable..

If you have a decent ear you can find tuning pitches online, like here: http://www.violinonline.com/tuning.htm

Examine the string cause it could be that you have to buy a new one. See if the string is unwinding or anything like that.

Though I like chromatic tuners as much as the next guy, it would be great if you were to learn how to tune in 5ths.

Tuning all the strings with the tuner doesnt mean they are all in tune with eachother. Tune the A alone and then use it to tune the other strings. Of course do this after you have had some serious ear training

you will never learn the best way to tune with a tuner, the best is your ear. and yes you probably have it tuned an octave low. it should sound low at the g and then sound progressively "higher" as you go across to the e. it would be a good idea if you have a piano to tune with your tuner, then play the notes and listen to them in relation to a hopefully very well tuned piano. (like all stringed instruments the piano will never be actually in perfect tune). i use a chromatic tuner but still now when my violin is out of tune, but this is because i don't have a piano. (at uni and the hall piano is awfully out of tune!)
keep using your chromatic tuner though as it will help you find the positions of your fingers, i suggest you mark them with a thin line of paper sticker or paper tape. (the decorative thin gold tape looks noce if you can find it - i used to teach little kids). this will help you get the hang of it.
if you can find a person in your area that can play make friends with them, they are better then nothing

You have to use your ear. I stopped using my tuner years ago. The A string should be tight, its the main string, that always has to be in tune.

Could it be possible its tuned a whole octave down that what its supposed to be? I would assume at the point that string is pretty unplayable..

i believe that that is the most likely cenario... your strings should not be bouncy. However, if a string is so loose that it is playing a whole octave down, it really shouldn't be making any sound at all. what I would do is try very carefully to tighten it and check it with your tuner and see if you can get it in tune. If so, problem solved, but if not, just get a new string.