How do I connect a VCR or old DVD player to a TV with only HDMI?

Last checked November 14, 2026

VCR or DVDTV12:00ConverterRed, white, yellowHDMI cable

Short answer

Use an AV (RCA) to HDMI converter and an HDMI cable. The converter takes the red, white and yellow plugs from the player and turns them into HDMI for the TV.

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You also need

These go with the AV (RCA) to HDMI converter.

How to connect it

  1. Plug the player's red, white and yellow cable into the matching sockets on the converter.
  2. Give the converter power with its USB cable (the TV's USB port or a phone charger works).
  3. Connect an HDMI cable from the converter to the TV.
  4. Switch the TV to that HDMI input and press play.

Check this first

  • RCA plugs are the round red, white and yellow ones: yellow carries the picture, red and white carry the sound. Many DVD players also have an HDMI socket, so check the back first: if yours does, an HDMI cable is all you need.
  • It needs power from a USB port. A USB cable usually comes in the box; the TV's USB port or a phone charger works.
  • You also need an HDMI cable from the converter to the TV.
  • Use the device's own red, white and yellow cable. Yellow is the picture, red and white are the sound.
  • The picture is still standard definition, so it looks softer than modern HD on a big screen. The converter cannot add detail that is not there.
  • If your device has red, green and blue plugs (component video), choose a component to HDMI converter instead.

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.

Will the picture look like HD?

No. VHS and DVD are standard definition, and the converter cannot add detail, so the picture looks softer on a big modern TV.

My DVD player has an HDMI socket. Do I need this?

No. If the player has HDMI, a plain HDMI cable is all you need.

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