How to Connect Your Apple TV to a TV Without HDMI Port: 3 Quick Solutions

How to Connect Your Apple TV to a TV Without HDMI Port: 3 Quick Solutions

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What To Know

  • Use an HDMI to Composite (RCA) converter for TVs with composite inputs (red, white, yellow jacks), though it supports a maximum resolution of 576p, resulting in lower image quality.
  • An HDMI to Component converter works for TVs with component inputs (red, blue, and green for video; red, and white for audio).
  • For TVs with a VGA input, an HDMI to VGA converter can be used, but an additional audio connection (such as a 3.5mm audio cable) is required for sound.

In this guide, I’ll show you three simple solutions to connect your Apple TV to a TV  that lacks an HDMI input.

Let’s get started!

1. HDMI to Composite (RCA) Converter

If your TV only has composite inputs (the red, white, and yellow RCA jacks), you can still connect a modern device like an Apple TV using an HDMI to Composite converter. 

MINI HDMI to RCA converter placed in front of a smart TV

This device will convert the HDMI output from your Apple TV into a signal compatible with your TV’s older composite ports.

Do keep in mind, though, that a composite (RCA) connection supports a maximum resolution of 576p, so you’ll have a lower-quality image compared to what modern TVs can produce.

For this setup, I’ll use a Sony TV model KD-43X75K along with my Apple TV 4K and a MINI HDMI to Composite (RCA) converter as an example:

Step 1: Plug one end of an HDMI cable into the Apple TV’s HDMI output port.

connect an HDMI cable to the Apple TV

Step 2: Connect the other end of the HDMI cable to the HDMI input port on the converter.

connect an HDMI cable to the MINI HDMI to RCA converter

Step 3: Attach the composite cables to the converter output.

connect Composite cables to the output of MINI HDMI to RCA converter

Step 4: Connect the other ends of the composite cables to the TV’s composite input ports.

Match the color-coded connectors (Red, White, Yellow) from the converter to the corresponding inputs on the TV.

Connect composite cables to input ports on a smart TV

Step 5:  Make sure the converter is connected to a power source.

powering a MINI HDMI to RCA converter

Step 6: On the TV, select the input option to “AV” or “Video” to see the Apple TV screen.

Video input option on a Sony TV

an Apple TV is connected to a Sony TV via HDMI to RCA converter

2. HDMI to Component Converter

Similar to the Composite converter, if your TV has Component inputs (red, blue, and green for video, plus red and white for audio), you can use an HDMI to Component converter.

Here’s an example of a setup I did with my HDMI to Component converter and an old Samsung TV:

Step 1:  Plug one end of an HDMI cable into the Apple TV’s HDMI output port.

Step 2:  Connect the other end of the HDMI cable to the HDMI input on the converter.

connect HDMI cable between Apple TV and a HDMI to Component converter

Step 3: Connect the Component cables to the converter’s output ports.

Connect component cables to the output of HDMI to the Component converter

Step 4: Attach the other end of the Component cables to the TV’s Component inputs, making sure to match the cable colors to the corresponding ports on the TV.

Connect component cables to the input ports on a TV

Step 5: Ensure the converter is connected to a power source.

powering a HDMI to Component converter

Step 6: On the TV, select the input option to “Component” to see the Apple TV screen.

select the Component input option on a TV

Apple TV is showing on a non-smart Samsung TV

3. HDMI to VGA Converter

Some older TVs, such as Velvu LED TVs, came with a VGA input port.

In case your TV also has a VGA input, using an HDMI-to-VGA converter is a practical choice.

an HDMI to VGA converter placed on a table

Since I don’t own a TV with a VGA input, I’ll demonstrate this method using my monitor, model CM2406P.

Step 1: Plug the HDMI connector of the converter into the Apple TV.

connect HDMI connector of HDMI to VGA converter to Apple TV

Step 2: Connect one end of a VGA cable to the converter’s VGA output.

connect a VGA cable to the VGA out on a HDMI to VGA converter

Step 3: Attach the other end of the VGA cable to the VGA input on the monitor.

connect the VGA cable to the VGA input port on a monitor

Step 4: Connect one end of a 3.5mm audio cable to the converter’s audio output.

connect a 3.5mm audio cable to the audio out on an HDMI to VGA converter

Step 5: Connect the other end of the 3.5mm audio cable to the audio input on the monitor or to an external speaker.

connect a 3.5mm audio cable to the audio input on a monitor

Step 6: Ensure the converter is powered on by connecting its micro-USB power cable to a power source.

powering micro-USB power port of HDMI to VGA converter

Step 7: On the monitor, select the VGA input option to display the Apple TV screen.

the signal source is set to VGA on a CM2406h VSP monitor

Apple TV home screen is showing on a VSP monitor

And there you have it: a straightforward way to upgrade your old TV or monitor for modern streaming, using an HDMI-to-VGA converter. 

Solution for Older Apple TV Models

The older Apple TV models, such as the first-generation Apple TV, came with a component output option.

If you’re using this type of Apple TV, you can connect it to your TV with a component cable, such as a Mediabridge Component video cable.

Mediabridge Component Video Cables with Audio (6 Feet) - Gold Plated RCA to RCA - Supports 1080i
  • Meant for connecting audio/video components, like DVD players, Blu-Ray players, satellite receivers,...
  • 1080i-capable cable neatly bundles 5 connectors on each end: 3 video (red, blue and green signals)...
  • Durably assembled to maximize signal strength and conductivity, like a flexibly soft PVC jacket,...

Last update on 2024-12-09 / Paid Link.

However, this connection might result in lower image quality, so consider upgrading to a TV with HDMI inputs for improved visuals.

Conclusion

In summary, connecting your Apple TV to an older TV without an HDMI port is easy. 

You can use three types of converters: HDMI to Composite (RCA), HDMI to Component, or HDMI to VGA, depending on what ports your TV has. 

These converters help link your modern Apple TV with older TVs but keep in mind that the picture might not be as sharp as on newer TVs. 

If you have an older Apple TV, you can use a component cable for connection, but upgrading to a TV with HDMI is better for clearer images.

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