How to connect an old camcorder to a TV
Older camcorders use an AV cable with one small plug at the camera end and yellow, white and red plugs at the other. Check the TV for an AV input first. If it has none, add a powered AV to HDMI converter.
Yes. You need a converter.
What you need
- Composite AV cable (yellow/white/red) Look for: 3 RCA male to 3 RCA male
- AV to HDMI converter Look for: AV to HDMI / RCA to HDMI / AV2HDMI
- HDMI cable Look for: High Speed HDMI (Ultra High Speed for 4K 120Hz)
Connect it like this
- Old camcorderComposite AV (RCA) out
- Composite AV cable (yellow/white/red)
- AV to HDMI converterComposite AV (RCA) in, HDMI out. Needs power.
- HDMI cable
- TV (flat screen)HDMI in
What to know
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Cost
- About $28–$55 if you buy everything new
- Picture
- Standard definition
- Lag
- Minimal
- Extra power
- Yes, the converter needs USB or wall power
Why this works
Composite AV (RCA) is analog and HDMI is digital. A plain cable can’t bridge that. A powered AV to HDMI converter translates the signal.
Before you buy
- Direction matters. You need Composite AV (RCA) in and HDMI out. The HDMI to AV converter looks almost identical but works the other way. Check that the box says “AV to HDMI”.
- It makes the connection work. It does not make old video HD. Some converters show a black screen with copy-protected video such as streaming apps; if that happens, pick one whose listing says it supports HDCP.
Good to know
- Many "HDMI only" TVs still have a small AV input hidden on the side. Press Input/Source on the remote and look for AV or Composite.
Your gear a little different? Answer a couple of questions about your own ports.
Check my exact setup