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Most current Roku players need an HDMI input. If your TV has no HDMI port, you may still be able to use it with a legacy Roku model that has composite output, or with a powered HDMI-to-composite converter. Either route has limits: composite video is standard definition, and converter compatibility is not guaranteed.
If your TV does have HDMI but you lack a cable or a free port, that is much simpler: use a suitable HDMI cable or switch between devices. The steps below focus first on TVs that genuinely have no HDMI input.
Check the TV’s inputs before buying anything
Look along the back and sides of the TV for labels. The connector type determines what will work:
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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →| What you see | What it means for Roku |
|---|---|
| HDMI / HDMI IN | Connect a current Roku directly with HDMI. Select that HDMI input on the TV. |
| Yellow, white, and red RCA sockets | These are composite video and stereo audio. A compatible legacy Roku or an active HDMI-to-composite converter may work. |
| Green, blue, and red video sockets, usually with red and white audio | These are component inputs, not composite. A yellow composite plug cannot simply replace the green component connection. You need a converter specifically made for HDMI-to-component, with a suitable audio connection, or another display. |
| VGA, DVI, or S-Video | These are different connection types and are not direct substitutes for HDMI or composite. A converter designed for the specific input may be required. |
| Only a threaded coaxial antenna input | A Roku connection is possible only through additional conversion equipment, typically an HDMI-to-composite converter followed by an RF modulator. This is usually an impractical setup. |
Do not confuse a Roku TV’s AV sockets with video outputs. A Roku TV is a television; its AV sockets, where present, are inputs for other devices, not a way to send a separate Roku player’s HDMI signal to the screen.
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- RCA Female to HDMI Video Converters Adapter : The cable is used to convert analog composite input to HDMI 1080p output, displayed on a 1080p HD TV/TV/monitor.
- Input ports: 1xRCA Female (Yellow, White, Red), Output ports: 1xHDMI 1.3 1080p. NOT support 3D and 4K, NOT support HDMI Converts to AV
- AV to HDMI Converter: Plug and Play, Easy to Install and Operate, Powered by External USB Cable. Note: Please hook up the USB power cable (included) to 5V 1Apower source during use (not included power supply ).
- Support PAL, NTSC3.58, NTSC4.43, SECAM, PAL/M, PAL/N standard TV formats input. For PS2,PS3,Xbox,N64,STB, VHS, VCR, DVD Players and other devices with standard composite AV input.
- You Will Get : 1x RCA Female TO HDMI Converter, 1xHDMI cable, 1xUSB cable, 1xUser Manual. ONE YEAR WARRANTY - if you are not satisfied for any reason whatsoever, do not hesitate to contact us .
Which Roku can work without an HDMI input?
Roku’s current players are designed for televisions with HDMI. Its TV requirements and current player lineup reflect that. Current Streaming Stick, Streaming Stick Plus, Streaming Stick 4K, Ultra, and Streambar devices use HDMI for TV video output. A Roku’s USB or USB-C power connection does not provide analog video.
There are two realistic options for a composite-only TV:
Option 1: Find a legacy Roku with native composite output
Some older Roku models, notably variants of the Roku Express+, were made for televisions without HDMI and support composite AV. Roku’s older support information references Express+ for this use, and its user guide describes yellow, white, and red composite connections.
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This is a used-device option, not a current Roku product recommendation. Check the exact model number and the physical ports; a listing that says only “Roku Express” does not prove it is an Express+ or has composite output. Confirm that the seller includes the right AV cable, power adapter, and remote, and consider the device’s Wi-Fi condition and whether the apps you need still support its software. App and device support can vary and should be checked for the specific model before purchase.
Option 2: Use a current Roku with an active HDMI-to-composite converter
This lets an HDMI-only Roku feed a TV’s yellow, white, and red inputs. The converter must be an active, powered HDMI-input-to-composite-output device. A passive cable or a simple plug cannot convert digital HDMI video into analog composite video.
Read the direction carefully. An AV-to-HDMI converter takes an older device’s analog output and sends it to an HDMI TV—the reverse of what you need. Look for a converter with composite RCA video and audio output, the appropriate video standard for your region (NTSC for most U.S. TVs), and explicit compatibility information for protected HDMI sources. No converter is guaranteed to work with every Roku, stream, and television.
You will need:
- A current Roku player and its power adapter.
- An active HDMI-to-composite converter and its required power supply.
- An HDMI cable, if the Roku model does not include one.
- A composite cable, unless the converter has attached yellow, white, and red leads.
- A TV with working composite AV inputs, plus Wi-Fi and a Roku account for setup.
Connect a current Roku through a converter
- Turn off the television and Roku. Place the converter where its cables can reach both devices.
- Connect the Roku’s HDMI output to the converter’s HDMI input.
- Connect the converter’s yellow video output to the TV’s yellow composite video input. Connect white to the TV’s left or mono audio input and red to right audio.
- Power the converter as its instructions specify. Power the Roku with its supplied adapter, preferably from a wall outlet rather than an older TV USB port.
- Turn on the TV and use the TV’s original remote to select the input labeled AV, Video, Composite, or similar. If the converter has a switch, turn it on.
- Complete Roku setup: join your Wi-Fi network and activate the player through your Roku account. Roku’s setup instructions cover the general connection, input, power, Wi-Fi, and activation flow; screen labels can vary by model and software.
- If the picture is missing or unstable, check the converter manual for its NTSC/PAL switch or other output controls. Follow its instructions rather than assuming every model uses the same setting.
Roku says there is no separate Roku activation or support fee. A request to pay a fee just to activate the device is a scam warning sign. Roku hardware does not make every service free: individual streaming services or premium channels may require subscriptions.
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- RCA to HDMI Converter: Converts analog RCA composite (Yellow, White, Red) input to HDMI 720P/1080P output on HDTVs/Monitors. Only support RCA to HDMI. NOT Support HDMI to RCA!
- Plug to Play: AV to HDMI converter doesn't need extra drivers, just plug and play, easy to use. Please hook up the USB power cable (included) to 5V power adapter when using this RCA to HDMI adapter.
- Wide Compatibility: This av hdmi converter supports for all standard TV formats such as PAL, NTSC3.58, NTSC4.43, SECAM, PAL/M, PAL/N. Provide advanced signal processing and make videos come to life.
- Extensive Use: Composite to HDMI converter widely applied to PS2, PS3, Xbox, N64, WII, STB, VHS, VCR, DVD Players and other devices with standard composite AV input.
- Attention & Package: Please ensure to connect this rca to hdmi converter to power source to make it work. Package include: 1x RCA to HDMI Converter, 1* Micro USB cable (adapter not included), 1*User Manual. Please free feel to contact us if you have any product problems.
What picture quality should you expect?
Composite is a standard-definition connection. The converter may output a commonly used standard-definition mode, but the actual result depends on the converter, TV, and regional video standard; do not assume a particular resolution without checking those specifications. A converter changes the connector and signal format—it does not make an old TV display HD, 4K, HDR, Dolby Vision, or modern high-frame-rate video.
On a 4:3 CRT, widescreen video may be letterboxed, cropped, stretched, or otherwise compromised. Roku menus and small on-screen text may be difficult to read, especially on a small set. Some protected HDMI sources may not work through a particular converter. Conversion does not guarantee a way around content-protection compatibility issues.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Troubleshooting
No picture or “no signal”
- Make sure the TV is on its AV/composite input, not an HDMI input or antenna channel.
- Check that yellow is connected to the composite video socket—not a green component socket or another input.
- Verify that the converter is powered and that Roku HDMI goes to the converter’s HDMI input.
- Try another HDMI cable, then restart the TV, converter, and Roku.
- Power the Roku and converter reliably from their adapters. If the converter has a video-standard switch, check its manual and select the setting appropriate for the TV.
- If possible, test the converter with another HDMI source. If that source works but the Roku does not, the converter may be incompatible with the Roku’s protected signal or another part of the setup.
Picture but no sound
Check the red and white audio plugs and confirm the converter actually outputs analog audio. If the TV has one mono audio input, use the left/mono input or an appropriate stereo-to-mono arrangement. Testing the TV with another composite source can help distinguish a TV problem from a converter problem.
Black-and-white picture
Check that yellow is in the composite video input and that the converter’s video-standard setting matches the TV. Some TVs use a manufacturer-specific breakout cable for side or front AV sockets; the color-coded RCA leads may need that cable rather than plugging in directly.
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Picture is stretched, cropped, or hard to read
Composite output is standard definition, and older TVs or converters may handle widescreen content and aspect ratios poorly. Check the TV’s picture-size setting and the converter’s instructions. If the Roku interface remains unreadable, the equipment may simply be a poor match.
Roku restarts, flashes a warning, or seems dead
Try the Roku’s supplied wall adapter instead of the TV’s USB port. An older TV USB port may not supply enough power or may stop supplying it in standby. The converter may need its own separate power. Roku notes that insufficient power can cause problems on some players; its setup and troubleshooting guidance recommends wall power for power-related issues.
Remote will not pair or control the setup
Make sure the Roku is powered and has finished starting up, then follow the pairing directions for that specific remote and player. Keep the TV’s original remote: you still need it to choose the AV input. The Roku mobile app is not a guaranteed first-time substitute, because it generally requires the phone and Roku to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
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- HDMI to RCA Converter: This convert HDMI video signal to normal CVBS signal, Available for TV, VHS VCR, DVD recorders, etc.
- HDMI to AV Converter: support two formats of PAL and NTSC output with a selecting switch, usually NTSC for America, PAL for other Countries. Note: If your TV shows black and white, Please change RCA format NTSC to PAL or PAL to NTSC by the N/P switch.
- Esay to use : Plug and play without any drivers,portable and flexible. Please hook up the USB power cable (included) to 5V power source during use（no included）.
- HDMI 1.3 Input: Support HDMI input from 480i to 1080P, does not support 3D and 4K. It can work properly for TV Stick (such as Fire Stick).But do not support with mobile phones and iPad series.
- Compatible: HDMI to AV Adapter Suitable for TV Stick, Roku, Blu-Ray, DVD player, Android TV Box, PC, more. Then connect the RCA end into any display with RCA inputs such as Monitor/ Older TV/ Projector and more.
If the TV has component or coaxial input only
Component: Use a converter explicitly designed for HDMI-to-component, and check how it handles audio. Component and composite use different signals even though both often use RCA-style plugs. Do not connect a yellow composite lead to the green component socket and expect it to work.
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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Coaxial only: You would generally need an active HDMI-to-composite converter and then a compatible RF modulator to feed the TV’s antenna input. This adds equipment, setup steps, and potential signal or compatibility problems. Unless preserving the set is important to you, a TV with HDMI or composite inputs is the more practical choice.
Is it worth connecting Roku to an old TV?
For someone who already owns a working composite TV and wants to keep using it, a converter may be a reasonable compromise. But it adds another powered device and another point of failure, and the picture stays standard definition. A legacy Roku avoids the HDMI conversion step but introduces used-device, cable, Wi-Fi, remote, and app-support risks.
Compare the total cost of a current Roku, converter, cables, and any needed adapters with the cost of a replacement TV available to you. Prices and used-device availability change, so there is no universal break-even amount. If the combined setup approaches the price of a suitable modern TV—or if you want readable menus, reliable current app support, or HD/4K—the TV replacement is generally the cleaner long-term solution. If you discover that the TV does have HDMI, a current Roku can connect directly without any analog converter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I connect a Roku directly to the red, white, and yellow ports?
Only if you have a legacy Roku model with native composite output and the correct cable. Current Roku players use HDMI, so they need an active HDMI-to-composite converter for those TV inputs.
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Possibly, but compatibility is not guaranteed. It depends on the Roku, converter, TV, protected content, and whether each app supports the Roku model and software.
Do I need a Roku account to set up the player?
Yes. Setup also requires internet access. Roku says it does not charge a separate activation fee; individual streaming services may charge their own subscriptions.
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