how to connect dvd player to roku tv without hdmi

Connecting a DVD Player to a Roku TV Without HDMI

While HDMI is the simplest way to connect devices to your TV, some DVD players may not have HDMI outputs, especially older models. In such cases, you can use alternative connections such as composite, component, or even an RF modulator. Here’s how you can connect your DVD player to a Roku TV without using HDMI.

Using Composite Cables

Composite cables are typically color-coded with yellow for video and red and white for audio.

1. Locate the composite output on your DVD player. Look for the yellow, red, and white RCA jacks.
2. Connect one end of the composite cable to the DVD player, matching the colors of the plugs to the jacks.
3. Locate the composite input on your Roku TV. It may be labeled as “AV” or “Composite”. If your Roku TV doesn’t have a composite input, you may need to use an AV to HDMI converter.
4. Connect the other end of the composite cable to the respective jacks on your TV or the converter if you are using one.
5. Power on your DVD player and Roku TV.
6. Using your Roku TV remote, navigate to the input selection by pressing the ‘input’ or ‘source’ button.
7. Select the composite input you connected your DVD player to.
8. You should now see the DVD player’s output on your TV screen. If not, double-check your connections and the input selection on your TV.

Using a Component Cable

If your DVD player and Roku TV support component cables, which provide better video quality than composite, the cables will be red, blue, green for video, and red and white for audio.

1. Find the component output jacks on your DVD player.
2. Connect the component cables from the DVD player to the Roku TV, matching the color-coded jacks and plugs.
3. Power on both devices.
4. Using the Roku TV remote, select the input source to the component input.
5. The DVD player’s output should now be visible on the Roku TV.

Using an RF Modulator

If the Roku TV does not have composite or component inputs, you may require an RF modulator. This device converts the RCA signal from your DVD player into a coaxial (RF) signal.

1. Connect the DVD player’s composite cables to the RF modulator, again matching colors for video and audio.
2. Use a coaxial cable to connect the RF modulator’s output to your Roku TV’s antenna/cable in.
3. Power on the DVD player, RF modulator, and your Roku TV.
4. Set your Roku TV to the appropriate channel, typically 3 or 4, as per the RF modulator’s instructions.
5. You should now be able to view the DVD playback on your Roku TV.

Using an AV to HDMI Converter

If your Roku TV lacks all analog inputs, you will need to use an AV to HDMI converter to connect your DVD player.

1. Connect the DVD player’s composite or component cables to the converter.
2. Use an HDMI cable to connect the converter’s output to your Roku TV’s HDMI input.
3. Switch on the DVD player, converter, and Roku TV.
4. With your TV remote, switch the input to the HDMI port connected to the converter.
5. The DVD player should now be viewable on your Roku TV.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Ensure all cables are connected securely and to the correct inputs and outputs.
• Check if the DVD player needs to be set to a particular output mode.
• Verify that the TV’s input corresponds to the connected cable.
• If using an RF modulator or AV to HDMI converter, make sure these devices are powered on and set to the correct mode.
• Some converters may need to be configured to work with your specific TV or DVD player.

Connecting a DVD player without HDMI to a Roku TV might require some additional equipment or cables, but following the steps above should help you accomplish the task smoothly.