Forum Discussion

streambeam's avatar
streambeam
Reel Rookie
5 years ago
Solved

Can the Roku Ultra use a HDMI-to-RCA composite cable ?

Hi everyone!

I'm getting an Ultra model, but I want to connect it via RCA composite.

Will the Roku Ultra provide a converted signal so that I only need an adapter cable?

Or do I need to get the HDMI-RCA converter (with separate power) ?

Hoping that Roku has an option in the menu to output an analog HDMI signal!  Any ideas?  Thank you!

SK

TV & Player Setup
  • DBDukes's avatar
    DBDukes
    5 years ago

    Current Roku devices output HDMI only. If you want to connect to an older TV that uses composite input (RCA), you'll need an HDMI to composite adapter. You can find those at Best Buy, Amazon, etc.

    One thought: you haven't said why you want to do this. Assuming it's simply to utilize an existing TV, then it may be worthwhile to get a much cheaper Roku device, such as the Express. The converter of HDMI to composite will mean your picture will be in 480 resolution, not HD or UHD/4K. Save $75 and get the cheapest Roku.

    Or, depending on the size of the TV, it may be more cost effective to get a Roku TV. Walmart has them for under $100, with a 32-inch less than $120. An Ultra and a converter will run you $115, and you'd still have just a 480 picture.

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  • DBDukes's avatar
    DBDukes
    Community Streaming Expert
    5 years ago

    Current Roku devices output HDMI only. If you want to connect to an older TV that uses composite input (RCA), you'll need an HDMI to composite adapter. You can find those at Best Buy, Amazon, etc.

    One thought: you haven't said why you want to do this. Assuming it's simply to utilize an existing TV, then it may be worthwhile to get a much cheaper Roku device, such as the Express. The converter of HDMI to composite will mean your picture will be in 480 resolution, not HD or UHD/4K. Save $75 and get the cheapest Roku.

    Or, depending on the size of the TV, it may be more cost effective to get a Roku TV. Walmart has them for under $100, with a 32-inch less than $120. An Ultra and a converter will run you $115, and you'd still have just a 480 picture.

    • streambeam's avatar
      streambeam
      Reel Rookie
      5 years ago

      Thanks for those thoughts!

      What I neglected to say is that I needed the Roku Ultra because I don't have WiFi, I only have a wired ethernet.  So I had no choice but to go to the Ultra.

      As for my question: Can the Roku Ultra output an analog signal?  If it could, and if I could select this in its menus, then I'd be able to use a cable/adapter rather than an active converter that requires power.

      Does anyone know if I can set the Roku to output analog on the HDMI?

      • Tivoburkee's avatar
        Tivoburkee
        Community Streaming Expert
        5 years ago

        A hdmi to rca cable is a scam, they NEVER work. What you need is hdmi to rca converter, in it is circuitry to switch signals that mere cable doesn't have. This converter is not backwards capable, so don't get rca to hdmi converter, you need one that states its changing the signal from hdmi to rca. 

  • bdrums's avatar
    bdrums
    Binge Watcher
    3 years ago

    I know this post is over a year old, but I thought I'd respond with yes! I bought an adapter on the electronic Bay for under 10 bucks that goes from a Streaming Stick's HDMI to RCA component out.