How to connect a Roku to an old TV without HDMI
Streaming sticks only output HDMI and old tube TVs take analog video, so you need a powered HDMI to AV converter into the TV’s yellow input. It must convert HDMI to AV, the opposite of the converter used for VCRs.
Yes. You need a converter.
What you need
- HDMI cable Look for: High Speed HDMI (Ultra High Speed for 4K 120Hz)
- HDMI to AV converter Look for: HDMI to AV / HDMI to RCA / HDMI2AV
- Composite AV cable (yellow/white/red) Look for: 3 RCA male to 3 RCA male
Connect it like this
- RokuHDMI out
- HDMI cable
- HDMI to AV converterHDMI in, Composite AV (RCA) out. Needs power.
- Composite AV cable (yellow/white/red)
- Old tube TVComposite AV (RCA) in
What to know
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Cost
- About $28–$55 if you buy everything new
- Picture
- Standard definition
- Lag
- Some. Noticeable in fast games or lip-sync
- Extra power
- Yes, the converter needs USB or wall power
Why this works
HDMI is digital and Composite AV (RCA) is analog. A plain cable can’t bridge that. A powered HDMI to AV converter translates the signal.
Before you buy
- Direction matters. You need HDMI in and Composite AV (RCA) out. The AV to HDMI converter looks almost identical but works the other way. Check that the box says “HDMI to AV”.
- Picture is scaled down to standard definition. Cheap units add a little lag. 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.
Your gear a little different? Answer a couple of questions about your own ports.
Check my exact setup