Forum Discussion

JaneB1's avatar
JaneB1
Binge Watcher
9 months ago

Which Roku for TV without HDMI

I have a 19 inch Sansui LCD TV with digital tuner as a bedroom TV. Full picture size setting is 16:9. In age it seems to have been just on the verge of when HDMI came out.  Has antenna (coaxial) jack, S-Video, PC monitor in, PC audio in, component (manual says these inputs are for use with a device which outputs 480i/1080i interlaced signals and 480p/720p progressive signals) and composite. BUT . . . IN SPIT OF ALL THOSE CONNECTIONS NO HDMI!!!!!

What got me very interested in connection to this one is how will I like the Roku Model 3 that I recently bought from a seller on eBay. What would the most economical to connect this Sansui and have it work well?

TV & Player Setup

16 Replies

  • JWS9518's avatar
    JWS9518
    Roku Guru
    9 months ago

    I am assuming that the Model 3 uses HDMI, you could try using an HDMI to component converter.  I am not sure how a 19-inch TV will handle the conversion, but you could give that a shot and see.

    • JaneB1's avatar
      JaneB1
      Binge Watcher
      9 months ago

      The Model 3 will be staying on the one it is on.  That was mentioned because it is what got me to the point of actually looking for one for this TV in the bedroom.

      The screen on it does have the 16:9 aspect ratio that I understand as the current expected ratio. 

      My understanding is that Roku models that attached directly via something other than HDMI are quite a number of years old and only available on the used market.  Used is not a major turn off (the Model 3 was purchased as a used unit) but I do question how long updates will be available for the oldest ones that are still usable now.  Then another consideration is that I have read of it can be tricky to get a HDMI converter to component, or whatever, to work reliably. Thus, my question to the group of what is the best way to go without breaking the bank?

      • JWS9518's avatar
        JWS9518
        Roku Guru
        9 months ago

        I would say that what would not be a good idea would be to buy an older model that isn't supported with the current OS as there will be issues with apps not working or not working correctly and devices with older OS's that have a limited period of usefulness due to them lacking support.   Most app makers are continually updating their channels, and they tend to make updates that older devices cannot handle and if that device is not updatable, then you will have a limited period before it will no longer function for most apps.

        It is true some converters are better than others, but it would probably be better in the long run to get a currently supported device with the latest OS and try with a converter as converters tend to be pretty cheap 10 to 20 bucks,  You could eventually grab a cheaper TV that has HDMI that would be ready for your current device as opposed to an older one that will most likely have no further support.