In this guide
Yes, you can connect an old DVD player to a new TV — but you need a converter, not just a cable. Most new TVs only have HDMI inputs, while old DVD players output analog signals via RCA (yellow/red/white) or component (green/blue/red) connectors. A small converter box bridges the gap.
- You use an RCA to HDMI or component to HDMI converter
- The converter is powered (usually via USB)
- You select the correct HDMI input on your TV
- You try to plug RCA or component cables directly into HDMI
- Your converter is low quality or unpowered
- Cables are mismatched or connected to wrong ports
Why You Need a Converter
HDMI carries a digital signal. RCA and component cables carry analog signals. These two signal types are electrically incompatible — no passive cable or simple adapter can convert between them. You need an active converter box that does the analog-to-digital conversion for you.
This is the same reason a USB-C to HDMI connection also requires the right signal support — the connector shape is only half the story.
Which Converter Do You Need?
| Setup | Works? | Need | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| RCA (composite) DVD → HDMI TV | Yes | RCA to HDMI converter | Most common setup |
| Component DVD → HDMI TV | Yes | Component to HDMI converter | Slightly better image quality |
| RCA plugged directly into HDMI | No | Converter required | Incompatible signal types |
| DVD with HDMI out → HDMI TV | Yes | Standard HDMI cable only | Some newer DVD players have HDMI |
How to Set It Up
- Connect your DVD player’s RCA or component output cables into the matching input on the converter box
- Run a standard HDMI cable from the converter’s output to any HDMI port on your TV
- Power the converter via its USB cable (plug into TV’s USB port or a wall adapter)
- Turn on your TV and select the correct HDMI input (e.g., HDMI 1)
- Press play on the DVD player — picture and sound should appear
What to Expect from Picture Quality
DVD resolution is 480i or 480p — standard definition. Converting that to HDMI does not make it HD. The image will be upscaled to fill your screen but will look softer than Blu-ray or streaming. A quality converter reduces signal loss; a cheap one can add noise or colour shifts. Tom’s Guide covers what to look for in a DVD-to-HDMI converter if you want a reliable pick.
If your TV has a built-in upscaler, the picture may look better than you expect — especially on a quality screen set to the right picture mode.
Check Your DVD Player First
Some DVD players made after 2005 include an HDMI output. If yours does, skip the converter entirely and use a standard HDMI cable. Check the back panel before buying anything. If you run into display issues after connecting, the same troubleshooting steps for a non-working HDMI connection often apply — check input selection, cable seating, and power to the converter.
Bottom line: Connecting an old DVD player to a new TV is straightforward with a $10–$20 RCA to HDMI or component to HDMI converter. You won’t get HD quality, but you will get a working picture and sound on any modern TV.