Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
You can connect a modern PC to a CRT, but the right adapter depends on the sockets at both ends. A CRT computer monitor with VGA input needs a different connection from a CRT television with composite, S-Video, component, or SCART. Check the PC’s video output and the CRT’s input labels first; then choose a cable or converter that explicitly supports that signal direction.
Identify the PC output and CRT input
Write down the PC’s available video outputs and the CRT’s input sockets. A VGA computer monitor usually accepts VGA, while a CRT television may have yellow RCA composite, S-Video, component, SCART, or—in some cases—VGA. The shape of a plug alone does not establish that it converts one signal type to another.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
- PC output: HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C, or VGA, as present on your particular computer.
- CRT input: VGA, composite, S-Video, component, or SCART, as marked on the display.
- Conversion direction: Match the converter’s source/input to the PC and its display/output to the CRT.
If both devices have matching VGA ports, a VGA cable may be sufficient. Intel says a VGA computer can connect to a TV when both have VGA, but advises checking the TV manual for supported resolutions: Intel’s VGA-to-TV guidance.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Choose the connection for your CRT
| CRT input | PC output | What to use | Important check |
|---|---|---|---|
| VGA monitor | VGA | VGA cable | Use a resolution and refresh rate accepted by the monitor manual. |
| VGA monitor | HDMI | Active HDMI-to-VGA adapter | HDMI must be the source and VGA the display output; the adapter’s maximum does not establish the CRT’s supported modes. |
| VGA monitor | USB-C | USB-C video adapter to VGA, if supported by the PC | Confirm the specific USB-C port supports DisplayPort or Thunderbolt video output; not every USB-C port does. |
| Composite TV | HDMI | HDMI-to-composite converter | Check supported HDMI input modes and whether the converter is set for the TV’s PAL or NTSC standard. |
| Composite or S-Video TV | VGA | VGA-to-TV converter with the required output | Check its supported VGA modes, power requirements, and PAL/NTSC setting. |
| S-Video, component, or SCART TV | Any | A converter explicitly supporting that TV input and the PC’s output | Composite RCA output does not automatically provide S-Video, component, or RGB-over-SCART. |
VGA CRT computer monitor
With VGA on both the PC and monitor, connect them using a VGA cable. With HDMI on the PC and VGA on the monitor, use an active HDMI-to-VGA adapter. For example, StarTech lists its HD2VGAE3 adapter with a maximum of 1920×1200 or 1920×1080 at 60 Hz; that is the adapter’s stated maximum, not a promise that a particular CRT accepts either mode. See the StarTech HD2VGAE3 specifications.
#1 Best Overall
- NTSC Format Output: HDMI to RF Modulator supports NTSC format output, with a frequency range of CH3=61.25MHz and CH4=67.25MHz, and supports multiple resolutions - 1080P/1080i/720P/576P/576i/480p
- 1080P PLL Control: VHF RF HDMI coaxial converter features 1080P PLL control with VHF working frequency, supporting HD Multimedia Interface input and RF input/output for high-definition video transmission
- Compatibility: HDM61 HDMI RF Modulator Adapter works with PCs, laptops, game consoles, game switches, cameras, TV boxes, DVD players, CCTV & DVRs, etc
- High-Quality Craftsmanship: HDMI to RF Modulator is meticulously crafted and compatible with your local CATV system; supports HD Multimedia Interface 1.4 and HDCP 1.4 for reliable operation
- Plug & Play: HDMI to RF modulator requires no driver installation; is portable, flexible, and ready to use straight out of the box
Set the PC to a resolution and refresh rate supported by the monitor. CRT limits vary by model, so do not infer compatibility from the adapter specification. If the PC’s only likely route is USB-C, first check its documentation for DisplayPort or Thunderbolt alternate-mode video support.
Composite CRT television
For a PC with HDMI output and a TV with yellow RCA composite input, use an HDMI-to-composite converter—not a passive plug adapter. StarTech describes the HD2VID as an HDMI-to-composite converter for analog displays with NTSC/PAL support: StarTech HD2VID product information. Eaton lists the P130-000-COMP as supporting NTSC up to 480i and PAL up to 576i; those are product specifications, not a guarantee about every TV or input mode: Eaton P130-000-COMP specifications.
Rank #2
- COMPACT DESIGN - The compact-designed portable Benfei HDMI to VGA adapter connects a computer, desktop, laptop, or other devices with HDMI port to a monitor, projector, HDTV, or other devices with VGA port; Tuck this lightweight gadget into your bag to do a business presentation with your laptop and projector, or extend your desktop screen to a monitor or TV;
- SUPERIOR STABILITY - Built-in advanced IC chip converts HDMI digital signal to VGA analog signal; ✅ It is NOT a bi-directional converter and cannot transmit signals from VGA to HDMI
- INCREDIBLE PERFORMANCE - The HDMI male to VGA Male cable supports resolutions up to 1920x1080@60Hz (1080p Full HD) including 720p, 1600x1200, 1280x1024 for high definition monitors or projectors; Gold plated HDMI connector resists corrosion and abrasion and improve the signal transmission performance; Molded strain relief increases cable durability
- BROAD COMPATIBILITY - The HDMI-VGA adapter is compatible with computer, pc, desktop, laptop, ultrabook, notebook, Chromebook, Raspberry Pi, Intel Nuc, Roku, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Wii U, Set Top Box, TV BOX, or other devices with HDMI port; ✅ NOT compatible with Blu-ray player and devices with low-power HDMI ports such as SONY PS4, Apple MacBook Pro with Retina Display, Mac mini, and Apple TV
- 18 MONTH WARRANTY - Exclusive Benfei Unconditional 18-month Warranty ensures long-time satisfaction of your purchase; Friendly and easy-to-reach customer service to solve your problems timely
If the PC can output VGA, a VGA-to-TV converter is another possible path. Manhattan’s 150095 manual documents VGA input, composite and S-Video output, USB power, and a PAL/NTSC switch. Its supported input modes—640×480, 800×600, and 1024×768 at mode-specific refresh rates—apply to that model only: Manhattan PC TV Converter 150095 manual and product information.
S-Video, component, and SCART
Check the television manual and converter specifications for the exact signal supported. A converter with composite RCA output is not a general-purpose converter for S-Video, component, or RGB-over-SCART. Compatibility depends on the PC hardware, converter, cable, and television.
Rank #3
- COMPACT DESIGN - The compact-designed portable Benfei HDMI to VGA adapter connects a computer, desktop, laptop, or other devices with HDMI port to a monitor, projector, HDTV, or other devices with VGA port; Tuck this lightweight gadget into your bag or pocket to do a business presentation with your laptop and projector, or extend your desktop screen to a monitor or TV; A VGA cable is required.
- SUPERIOR STABILITY - Built-in advanced IC chip converts HDMI digital signal to VGA analog signal; It is NOT a bi-directional converter and cannot transmit signals from VGA to HDMI
- INCREDIBLE PERFORMANCE - The HDMI male to VGA female converter supports resolutions up to 1920x1080@60Hz (1080p Full HD) including 720p, 1600x1200, 1280x1024 for high definition monitors or projectors; Gold plated HDMI connector resists corrosion and abrasion and improve the signal transmission performance; Molded strain relief increases cable durability
- BROAD COMPATIBILITY - The HDMI-VGA adapter is compatible with computer, pc, desktop, laptop, ultrabook, notebook, Chromebook, Raspberry Pi, Intel Nuc, Roku, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Wii U, Set Top Box, TV BOX, or other devices with HDMI port; NOT compatible with Blu-ray player and devices with low-power HDMI ports such as SONY PS4, Apple MacBook Pro with Retina Display, Mac mini, and Apple TV
- 18 MONTH WARRANTY - Exclusive Benfei Unconditional 18-month Warranty ensures long-time satisfaction of your purchase; Friendly and easy-to-reach customer service to solve your problems timely
What picture quality to expect
VGA is generally the more suitable CRT connection for a computer desktop when both devices support it. Composite and S-Video carry less detail; Sony cautions that “While S-Video and Composite Video connections can be used, they don’t provide the resolution of the other connection cables.” On a standard-definition CRT television, small text and detailed interfaces can therefore be difficult to read. Sony’s video-connection guidance explains the difference.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- SPECIALLY DESIGNED for TV sticks: this active HDMI to VGA adapter could connect HDMI compatible Device to VGA compatible monitor, projector, TV. Please use HDMI 1.4 Version cable within 26ft to ensure high performance of this TV stick adapter.❗Note: Its transmission is uni-directional, and it only transmits the signal from HDMI source to VGA display.
- AUDIO SYNC SUPPORTED - Comes with an independent output of 3.5mm audio, external audio, to achieve simultaneous audio and video playback. you could connect to the speaker via the included 3.5mm audio cable. Include a Micro USB port, essential for devices with low-power output. ❗If you're not sure, try connecting.❗
- INCREDIBLE PERFORMANCE - The HDMI female to VGA male converter supports resolutions up to 1920x1080@60Hz (1080p Full HD) including 720p, 1600x1200, 1280x1024 for high definition monitors or projectors; Gold plated HDMI connector resists corrosion and abrasion and improve the signal transmission performance; Molded strain relief increases cable durability.
- BROAD COMPATIBILITY - The HDMI-VGA adapter is compatible with all desktop/notebook/TV stick/raspberry Pi/tablet PC/digital set-top box/digital Camera/SLR camera/video Camera that have HDMI port; VGA male port is compatible with all TV/monitor/projector/LCD and other displays that equipped with VGA female port.❗Be careful to identify low-power devices❗
- 18 MONTH WARRANTY - Exclusive BENFEI Unconditional 18-month Warranty ensures long-time satisfaction of your purchase; Friendly and easy-to-reach customer service to solve your problems timely.
Rank #4
- Composite to HDMI Converter: Converts analog AV composite (Yellow, White, Red) input to HDMI 720P/1080P (60HZ) output, displayed on smart TV, Projector or HD Display, which bring back your old and cherish memories.
- Plug to Play: This HDMI Converter no extra drivers need, just plug and play,easy to use. Please hook up the USB Power Cable (included) to 5V power source during use. Note: The Video Converters only support converts AV to HDMI, can't converts HDMI to AV.
- Widely Used: This composite to hdmi adapter is widely applied to PS1, PS2, PS3, Xbox, N64, Wii, STB, VHS, VCR, DVD Players and other devices with standard composite AV input. Note: It can only be used when PS2 is set to RGB output.
- Wide Compatibility: This Video Audio Converter Adapter supports source formats of PAL, NTSC3.58, NTSC4.43, SECAM, PAL/M, PAL/N standard TV. Provide advanced signal processing with great precision, colors, resolutions, and details. Important Note: This converter can't improve video quality!
- Attention & Package: Please ensure to connect this av hdmi converter to power source to make it work. Package include: 1*AV to HDMI Adaptor, 1*USB Power Cable(adapter not included), 1*User Manual.
Connect the devices and configure the picture
- Connect the signal path: PC output to converter input, then converter output to the CRT input. Confirm the converter’s stated direction matches those connections. Follow the device manuals about whether equipment should be off during connection.
- Power the converter: Attach USB or external power if the converter requires it, using the method specified in its manual.
- Set the TV standard and input: If the converter has a PAL/NTSC control, select the standard supported by the television. Then use the TV’s input/source control to select the connected socket.
- Enable the CRT on the PC: In Windows, press Windows+P and choose a display mode such as Duplicate or Extend. Menu names and options can vary with the operating system and graphics driver; Dell documents the Windows display choices at Dell’s monitor-connection guide.
- Choose a supported mode: Set resolution and refresh rate to a mode supported by both the converter and the CRT. Consult the manuals rather than relying on an adapter’s advertised maximum.
- Connect audio separately if needed: VGA carries video only, so a VGA setup needs a separate audio connection if sound is desired. HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-C may carry audio when the PC and adapter support it; select the appropriate audio output device if sound does not play through the CRT setup. Philips documents separate computer audio wiring in its guidance: Philips computer-to-TV connection guidance.
Troubleshoot a missing or incorrect picture
- No picture: Check converter power, signal direction, the TV’s selected input, and whether the CRT is enabled in the PC’s display settings.
- “No signal” or an unsupported-mode message: Try a resolution and refresh rate listed in the CRT and converter manuals. An adapter’s maximum specification does not prove the CRT accepts that mode.
- Black-and-white composite image: Check that the converter’s PAL/NTSC selection matches the TV’s supported standard and that the TV input is set correctly.
- No sound: If the connection uses VGA, add a separate audio cable. Otherwise, verify the converter supports audio and the PC is sending sound to the selected output.
- Unexpected connector mismatch: Recheck the exact input and output types. A connector-fitting cable or adapter may not convert the signal required by the other device.
- Still not detected: Check for a faulty cable or incompatible adapter and consult the PC, converter, and TV manuals. Intel’s troubleshooting guidance identifies an unsupported adapter, inactive TV display, wrong input, or damaged cable among possible causes: Intel display troubleshooting.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
