RCA AV cable (red, white and yellow)
The classic three-plug cable: yellow for the picture, red and white for the sound.
See options on AmazonHow do I connect a Roku or Fire TV Stick to an old TV without HDMI?
Last checked November 14, 2026
Short answer
Use an HDMI to AV (RCA) converter that supports HDCP. The streaming stick plugs into the converter, and a red, white and yellow cable runs from the converter to the old TV.
Best matchHDMI to AV (RCA) converter
See options on AmazonYou also need
These go with the HDMI to AV (RCA) converter.
How to connect it
- Plug the streaming stick into the converter's HDMI socket (a console needs an HDMI cable to it).
- Power both the converter and the stick from USB or their own adapters.
- Connect the red, white and yellow cable from the converter to the TV's AV input, matching the colours.
- Set the converter to NTSC for a US TV, then switch the TV to its AV or Video input.
Check this first
- RCA plugs are the round red, white and yellow ones: yellow carries the picture, red and white carry the sound.
- Pick one that lists HDCP support. Streaming sticks protect their video, and a converter without HDCP can show a blank screen. Results vary by device, so check recent reviews that name yours.
- It needs power from a USB port. A USB cable usually comes in the box.
- A streaming stick plugs straight into the converter. A console needs an HDMI cable to it.
- Set its switch to NTSC for a US TV (PAL is for most of Europe and Australia).
- You also need a red, white and yellow AV cable if one is not in the box.
- The old TV shows standard definition, so small text can be hard to read.
Questions people ask
What are the red, white and yellow plugs?
They are RCA plugs. Yellow carries the picture (composite video); red and white carry the right and left sound.
Why is the screen blank?
Streaming sticks protect their video with HDCP. A converter without HDCP support can show nothing. Pick one that lists HDCP and check recent reviews that name your stick.
Will it look sharp?
An old TV shows standard definition, so small text can be hard to read.
Not your setup?
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