How to Connect Roku to old TV with no HDMI port

Have you ever heard someone say “My number one pick for cable cutters is Roku?” Don’t be surprised, it is the number one streaming player for people who want to watch content from the internet on the television. At the present time, Amazon Fire TV competes with Roku but it is deemed the better among the two.

What is Roku?

There are several versions of Roku out there but it is a small black box that comes with a remote control and power adapter. IT can connect to the internet through Wi-Fi and some versions can make use of an Ethernet connector for the availability of the internet. Without the internet, you can’t use Roku.

With Roku, you can watch paid and free content online such as Amazon Instant Video, Hulu, YouTube, Netflix, and several other streaming services on your TV. It is not a replacement for cable TV as some people thought. The major difference is that this device is a lot cheaper or somewhat cheaper than a cable TV contract, and it offers no long-term commitment.

This is a means to deliver solid performance with great streaming services, visual and audio standards, People love the competitive prices.

Roku isn’t a DVR, and it can’t record video. Remember, if you have a smart TV now, you may not need it because your TV can easily connect to the internet.

Most models have just HDMI output, which means that they won’t work with tube-type televisions. This is where this write-up is actually directed. How to use it with a TV that has no HDMI port.

Is it Possible to Connect Roku to an Old TV with no HDMI port?

It is possible to connect your TV that has no HDMI port to Roku. There are basically two ways to achieve this. But note that even if you do connect your Roku to your TV that has no HDMI port, you will not be able to stream 4K content. Why should you bother about 4K content? If you love top-quality pictures when watching movies or playing music videos, then you do appreciate 4K content. It is also known as digital cinema 4K, especially seen in movie theaters. The resolution is quite higher than the normal 1080p. That is what you can’t get if you connect your Roku to your TV that has no HDMI. You may say, you don’t care – you just want to enjoy your Roku regardless of the quality. In that case, read on to find out how to connect both devices.

How to Set Up Roku on TV with HDMI

It is pretty simple to do if your TV has an HDMI port. Follow the instructions below to fully set up your Roku.

Step 1

Plug the Roku device into your TV through the HDMI port

Step 2

Plug the Roku device into the power source

Step 3

Turn on the TV, then choose the input to be HDMI

Step 4

Set up Roku following on-screen instructions

That’s all you need to do to begin enjoying your favorite streaming services.

How to Connect Roku to an Old TV with no HDMI port

There are just two ways to do that.

1. Use a converter box
2. Get the 2018 Roku Express Plus

Let us explore the two ways diligently because one could be easier for you to achieve than the other.

Connect Using a Converter Box

The converter box is like a mediator between your old TV and the device. In this way, it goes between your TV and your device and converts the HDMI connection to an analog combination that is befitting for old Televisions without HDMI ports.

To connect using a converter box, follow the short instructions that are found below.

Step 1

Plug the Roku device into the side of the converter with the HDMI port. If it is with the Roku Streaming Stick Plus, you will need to plug the device directly into the converter. With other devices, just plug the HDMI cable into the converter.

Step 2

Use the 3 RCA or the composite cable side of the converter; connect them to the corresponding ports on the TV.

Note: The three cables have three different colors of red, yellow, and white. Find the corresponding colored ports at the back of the TV, and plug them in accordingly.

Step 3

Connect Roku device to a power source

Step 4

Turn on the television and choose the TV/AV input because you’re not using HDMI at this time – you connected with the converter box. Go to the device and set it up in the normal manner to enjoy your many streaming services online. Remember, without the internet, Roku will not work.

Connect Using 2018 Roku Express Plus Model

It also has a version of its devices that can work with your old tube-like television. It is known as the 2018 Roku Express Plus model. As the name suggests, it could have been released in that year. This Express Plus model comes with composite cables that are ready for connection. You don’t need a third-party anything in this case.

There are four short and simple steps in this case as well. Take note of them below and connect your Roku to your TV easily.

Step 1

Connect the Roku Express Plus cable to the corresponding ports of your TV. Composite ports are found on old TVs and newer versions as well, and this won’t present a challenge for you as you try to find these composite ports.

Step 2

Connect Roku device to a power source

Step 3

Turn on the TV, select input settings, and then choose TV/AV input. Once you do that, you should see Roku booting up on your screen

Set up the Roku device in the normal manner, and start to enjoy all your favorite streaming content.

That’s it for connecting using 2018 Roku Express Plus. However, sometimes there are challenges that could come when you’re trying to connect. One of them is the “no signal” message.

Why Does the “No Signal” Message Pop Up?

That could be due to three main reasons. The first is that you may have chosen the wrong input for your device. Both the connections up here for old TVs will show the error if you try to connect using the HDMI port. Instead, make use of the TV/AV input.

Secondly, your device needs electricity on its own to work. In this way, you need to ensure it is powered accordingly.

Thirdly, it may be that the problem is from the device or the TV. You may need to restart your TV or have the Roku Device checked by professionals.