Forum Discussion

Inyx13's avatar
Inyx13
Channel Surfer
10 months ago

how do I connect Roku to an old tv using an HDMI Modulator RF Converter RCA Coaxial

Long story short. Trying to add a Roku Express to a 1987 RCA TV. I know the TV works, I've used it for playing dvds. I know the Roku Express works, I took it into another room and hooked it up to a...
TV & Player Setup
atc98092's avatar
atc98092
Community Streaming Expert
10 months ago

It appears to be hit or miss if an HDMI-Analog converter works with a Roku. Some have been successful, while others have the same issues you're having. So, it's possible another converter would work.

That said, depending on the size of your TV screen, I would really suggest replacing the TV.

  • First, your TV is analog only, so won't receive any TV station broadcasting today, since they are now all digital.
  • Second, your TV is only standard definition, while the vast majority of content available today is HD (720p minimum).
  • Third, your TV is the old 4:3 aspect ratio, while almost all content created since the 60s (not counting broadcast TV programs until the early '00s) is in some version of widescreen aspect ratio.
  • Finally, TVs really don't cost a lot today. A TV set from the 80s is likely no larger than 26". You can buy a brand new 40" 1080p set at Best Buy for $100, or a 32" 720p set from Amazon for $70, and you're spending $25 or more just for a converter that may or may not work. 
  • Inyx13's avatar
    Inyx13
    Channel Surfer
    10 months ago

    The firs three points I'm well aware of.

    The fourth, is incorrect because you're looking at American prices, I'm in Canada. The difference between the box and a new TV is three times as much (minimum) than the converter.

    I'd also have to buy a stand for it since any newer TV is too large for the current TV stand I have. So we're talking 5x as much as the solution I'm trying.