TV Doesn’t Have HDMI? Here’s What To Do

Most modern TVs come in smart collections and have some unique features. In addition, some of these TVs are equipped with multiple ports.

However, if you have one of those old model TV set at home without an HDMI port, there are still ways around it.

You can still initiate connections, and we will be recommending ways on how to go about it.

What is an HDMI?

High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is a port/cable that allows high-quality picture and sound transmission. It is an alternative to connecting different audio and video cables to a source. An HDMI cable does the job effortlessly without cluttering wires.

When you get a TV set, it is essential to check the ports you have. This will help you pick out suitable cables. Generally, most TVs come with HDMI or RCA. That is, if your TV set does not have an HDMI port, it will have RCA ports. RCA ports are the classic red, white and yellow cables, or red, blue and green ports. 

How to Connect a Device with HDMI Port to TV without HDMI Port

We can connect several devices to our TVs, such as consoles, DVD players, soundbars, media streamers, webcam devices, etc. However, if your TV set does not have an HDMI port, connecting any devices might be a hassle. 

Fortunately, you can solve this issue by bridging the connection. Note that this is dependent on your TV set and the port type available on it.

#1. Use an Adapter

Below is a guide on how to connect any device to your TV without an HDMI port using an adapter:

  • Identify the port of the device

It is essential to get an appropriate cable for the device’s port. This is possible once you can identify the type of port the device has.

Generally, most gadgets come with the standard HDMI port. Hence the standard HDMI cable may suffice. Ensure that the HDMI cable is a perfect fit for the device’s HDMI port.

  • Get an Adapter
VGA to HDMI Adapter

The next step is to get a suitable adapter. As mentioned above, most TVs without HDMI ports usually come with VGA. So, the TV set could have a composite video input, VGA, or component video input.

Generally, it is recommendable to get a composite video input when sourcing for an adapter. Bear in mind that you will need different adapters for different port types.

  • Connect the HDMI cable to the device

Once the first two steps are out of the way, power on the device, you want to connect to your TV. Proceed to and connect to the TV set by connecting the HDMI cable to your device by inserting the matching end of the cable into its HDMI port. Ensure that it fits appropriately to avoid any damages to the port or cable.

  • Connect to Adapter

This is the stage you use the adapter you got. Connect the other end of the HDMI cable to the adapter. Some adapters can connect directly to the TV, while others need a separate cable from the TV to the adapter.

If your adapter can connect directly to the TV, you can connect the TV adapter first or the adapter to the transmitting device. However, for VGA adapters, you might need to match the corresponding colours to the TV.

  • Switch to the HDMI Source on the TV

Power on the TV and the device you want to connect. Once the display on the TV comes on, it should automatically display what is on the other device.

However, if it doesn’t, you have to manually select the source, using your TV remote to navigate through the options.

#2. Buy an HDMI Switch

HDMI Switch

Alternatively, you can purchase an HDMI switch. It is a relatively cheap and compact device that makes HDMI connections hassle-free.

With an HDMI switch, you can connect to a single HDMI output on your TV. In addition, it allows you to plug two or more HDMI devices into a single port.

To use an HDMI switch, connect the HDMI switch’s output port to the TV using an HDMI cable. Then you can connect up to three other HDMI devices to the switch.

Conclusion

You do not need to discharge that TV set without an HDMI port. With the above recommendations, you can find a way around optimizing your TV and other devices you want to connect.