How To Connect A TV To A Receiver Without An HDMI

Are you wondering how to connect A tv to a receiver without an HDMI? Picture this, you and your family are relaxing on a warm Sunday afternoon in the living room.

You have just found some old vintage collection of tapes and CDs of your childhood memories and some content of your parents and grandparent’s younger days.

Unfortunately, these age-old devices do not come with modern HDMI ports.

Hence, to relive those memories, you might have to put in some effort.

If you have ever wondered how to connect your TV to a receiver like an old DVD player or receivers that come without HDMI ports, do not worry, we have got you covered. 

However, before the list is curated, I would like to break down what is a HDMI cable.

High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) as we all know, is a cable used to transfer video and audio content from a receiver to a TV in a very high definition.

In this article, we will offer you multiple alternatives on how to connect a Tv to a receiver without an HDMI cable to ensure you can still have some quality family time with your folks.

3 Ways To Connect A TV To A Receiver Without An HDMI

  1. RCA Composite Video Cables
  2. Component Video Cables
  3. An HDMI Converter

1. RCA Composite Video Cables

How-To-Connect-A-TV-To-A-Receiver-Without-A-HDMI

Remember those red, white, and yellow tri-coloured cables? Yes, they can come in handy in situations like these.

Besides, most older receivers that did not come with HDMI ports and cables most definitely have these composite cables.

All that needs to be done is slotting each cable into its corresponding-coloured port.

Some smart TVs nowadays have these ports, so you do not miss out on the fun of your older devices.

Although, it does come with certain limitations.

These cables do not offer High-definition streaming of content as the video signal passed through the single yellow cable must be compacted. 

Additionally, radio frequencies can adversely alter video quality.

These cables are called composite video cables as you only need one cable for the video connectivity.


2. Using component video cables

How-To-Connect-A-TV-To-A-Receiver-Without-A-HDMI

Compared to a composite video cable, which uses only one channel of cables to transmit a video signal, a part video cable uses several channels of cables to transmit a video signal.

Precisely, 3 video cables (blue, green, and red) and 2 audio cables.

You will need the 5 RCA part video cable to send audio from your TV to your receiver.

Additionally, the extra ports and cables enhance transmission quality as each cable/port have its own unique function.

For example, each of the three video transmission cables has a specific function.

One cable is specifically used for brightness and the other 2 for colour.

As a result of these enhancements, one can now stream content in High definition up to 1080p. 

In comparison to the previous RCA composite cables, these component cables exhibit greater audio and video quality.

These cables ensure that the quality is clearer, brighter, and louder.

Overall, they can be purchased separately as audio and video cables or together as a set of 5.


3. An HDMI Converter

How-To-Connect-A-TV-To-A-Receiver-Without-A-HDMI

In the rare occasion that you do have an HDMI cable but do not have an HDMI port on the receiving device, then fear not, as we have got you covered yet again.

Finally, we have the HDMI converter, which upgrades the analogue signal from the RCA composite cables to a digital signal like the one received from an HDMI cable.

This converter is a compact and neat device that requires connecting the RCA cables to their color corresponding ports on one end and connecting an HDMI cable to it from the other end, ultimately attached to your TV.

Although at first, it may seem like a lot of effort, it upgrades your experience.


Ending Thoughts On How To Connect A TV To A Receiver Without An HDMI

To conclude, I would say to use any of the methods mentioned above, you must first be familiar with the devices you are working with.

You must know what port and cables you have on your TV and receiver.

Once you have established this, you can undergo the following steps:

  • Switch on your TV and receiver
  • Connect the cables into their respective Ports.

Make sure they are wired into the right inputs. Audio, Component, and Composite are all terms used to describe them.

When choosing where to plug-in which wire, remember to use the colours as a reference.

Check up the setup.

Turn up the sound and see if you can hear more now that it is linked.

Besides, the link has been made, and you are ready to go if you can now hear the music and dialogue from the video you’re watching.

Unplug the cables to sever the bond if you wish to use a new receiver or TV.

Do not get worried or anxious if you do not know how to connect your vintage receivers without an HDMI cable.

Follow any one of the steps mentioned above, and you will be good to go.

Moreover, always make sure that you do not compromise on the quality of these cables as it is truly the most crucial aspect that ensures a smooth experience.

Ensure you can purchase a reputed brand with a warranty and ensure that its build quality and the materials used are of the finest quality.

Additionally, make sure that none of these audio cables are close to power cables as they can distort sound and cause weird noises. 

Preferably, keep these cables at 90 degrees to the power cables.

Besides, if you have taken all of the considerations mentioned above and steps, you will most likely have a hassle-free and smooth experience.

That relaxed Sunday with the family looks like a more realistic weekend now that you have insight into what needs to be done to make those vintage products work.

Finally, let us know your views about this post in the comment section.

Check our recent content on headphones, earphones, soundbars and speakers.

Leave a Comment