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How to connect a PlayStation 2 to a modern TV

Use the PS2’s component cable into a component-to-HDMI converter for the cleanest picture. A composite (yellow) AV-to-HDMI converter is cheaper but softer.

A vintage tube TV on wooden legs

Yes. You need a converter.

What you need

  1. Component video + audio cable Look for: 5 RCA: green/blue/red video plus red/white audio $8–$15
  2. Component to HDMI converter Look for: Component (YPbPr) to HDMI $25–$45, needs USB or wall power
  3. HDMI cable Look for: High Speed HDMI (Ultra High Speed for 4K 120Hz) $8–$15

Connect it like this

  1. PlayStation 2Component video out
  2. Component video + audio cable
  3. Component to HDMI converterComponent video in, HDMI out. Needs power.
  4. HDMI cable
  5. TV (flat screen)HDMI in

What to know

Difficulty
Easy
Cost
About $41–$75 if you buy everything new
Picture
HD (up to 1080p)
Lag
Minimal
Extra power
Yes, the converter needs USB or wall power

Why this works

Component video is analog and HDMI is digital. A plain cable can’t bridge that. A powered Component to HDMI converter translates the signal.

Before you buy

  • Direction matters. You need Component video in and HDMI out. The HDMI to component converter looks almost identical but works the other way. Check that the box says “Component (YPbPr) to HDMI”.

Good to know

  • Most retro consoles send 240p. Many cheap AV to HDMI converters and some modern TVs handle 240p poorly (flicker or dropouts).
  • 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.

Other ways to do it

Cheapest You need a converter. Composite AV cable (yellow/white/red) + AV to HDMI converter + HDMI cable

What you need

  1. Composite AV cable (yellow/white/red) Look for: 3 RCA male to 3 RCA male $5–$10
  2. AV to HDMI converter Look for: AV to HDMI / RCA to HDMI / AV2HDMI $15–$30, needs USB or wall power
  3. HDMI cable Look for: High Speed HDMI (Ultra High Speed for 4K 120Hz) $8–$15

Connect it like this

  1. PlayStation 2Composite AV (RCA) out
  2. Composite AV cable (yellow/white/red)
  3. AV to HDMI converterComposite AV (RCA) in, HDMI out. Needs power.
  4. HDMI cable
  5. 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.

Your gear a little different? Answer a couple of questions about your own ports.

Check my exact setup

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