Connect AppleTV to old TV (no HDMI)

[fstfrwrd]

Hi, we've got an older TV that has no HDMI.

How do I connect my apple TV to it? (I've heard people got it to work properly, so can anyone help me out please?)

Thanks

[tom1971]

Check this

http://forum.awkwardtv.org/ and

http://wiki.awkwardtv.org/

[mchalebk]

Hi, we've got an older TV that has no HDMI.

How do I connect my apple TV to it? (I've heard people got it to work properly, so can anyone help me out please?)

Thanks

What connections does it have? HDMI is not the only way to connect. Component works also.

[newappleboy]

Component cables definitely work. I'm using them on my current TV (new TV in a couple months will finally have HDMI). There are more cords involved, but it definitely still works. :cool:

[fstfrwrd]

Component cables definitely work. I'm using them on my current TV (new TV in a couple months will finally have HDMI). There are more cords involved, but it definitely still works. :cool:


I used those red-white-yellow thingies. the audio L & R are in the right place, and I put the yellow video cable in the green plug on the back of the aTV and now i get a black & white image ...

any way to solve this?

[newappleboy]

I used those red-white-yellow thingies. the audio L & R are in the right place, and I put the yellow video cable in the green plug on the back of the aTV and now i get a black & white image ...

any way to solve this?

Unfortunately I don't know enough about it to be sure. You may also want to check what settings the Apple TV is displaying on. Chances are your TV isn't HD, so if it's trying to display in that format it could definitely be a source of problems.

[cmichaelb]

I used those red-white-yellow thingies. the audio L & R are in the right place, and I put the yellow video cable in the green plug on the back of the aTV and now i get a black & white image ...

any way to solve this?

You need a component cable, you are using a composite cable which only has 1 video connector- component has three.

You should see to the left of the green plug a blue and red also, all three need to be connected.

If your TV doesn't have a component hookup, I would suggest trying to find a converter of some sort that takes the three video plugs (red, blue, green ) and combines them into one (yellow) video plug.

[Thom_Edwards]

Let me make sure I am understanding this... If my non-high definition TV has component connections, then :apple:tv will work? Also, assuming now it does work, does it have the normal "black bars" at the top and bottom of the screen when showing wide-screen media?

I love the concept of the :apple:tv, but haven't found the need (or real desire) to get an HDTV--my Samsung square-screen is still doing just fine for my needs. I would love to get one, but haven't because all this time I thought it required an HDTV to work. Please tell me I am ignorant and I should go get one right now!

[newappleboy]

Let me make sure I am understanding this... If my non-high definition TV has component connections, then :apple:tv will work? Also, assuming now it does work, does it have the normal "black bars" at the top and bottom of the screen when showing wide-screen media?

I love the concept of the :apple:tv, but haven't found the need (or real desire) to get an HDTV--my Samsung square-screen is still doing just fine for my needs. I would love to get one, but haven't because all this time I thought it required an HDTV to work. Please tell me I am ignorant and I should go get one right now!

Yes, your non HDTV will work perfectly. I hate that one of the requirements of the Apple TV is listed as a widescreen TV because it just isn't true. I've been using my old school square TV for quite some time. Go for it. :cool:

[sandman42]

Apple's spec page (http://www.apple.com/appletv/specs.html) for the :apple:TV doesn't say that it can only be used with HD TVs (as is commonly believed), but it does say that the :apple:TV is only intended for use with widescreen TVs. It will work with non-widescreen TVs, but the image will be distorted as all output is formatted for widescreen. There is no video setting on the :apple:TV for standard aspect ratio (4:3) TVs. Some newer 4:3 TVs have a 'widescreen mode', but most people report poor image quality using this with their :apple:TVs.

As others have said, though, the :apple:TV only connects via HDMI or component video (Red, Green and Blue video connectors, plus red/white audio or optical audio, etc) it does not connect via composite (single yellow video connector, plus red/white audio). Unfortunately, I believe that adaptors that convert a component signal to composite are prohibitively expensive. If the OP's 'older' TV is non-widescreen and doesn't have component connections, the :apple:TV may not really be feasible without upgrading the TV.

[fstfrwrd]

Apple's spec page (http://www.apple.com/appletv/specs.html) for the :apple:TV doesn't say that it can only be used with HD TVs (as is commonly believed), but it does say that the :apple:TV is only intended for use with widescreen TVs. It will work with non-widescreen TVs, but the image will be distorted as all output is formatted for widescreen. There is no video setting on the :apple:TV for standard aspect ratio (4:3) TVs. Some newer 4:3 TVs have a 'widescreen mode', but most people report poor image quality using this with their :apple:TVs.

As others have said, though, the :apple:TV only connects via HDMI or component video (Red, Green and Blue video connectors, plus red/white audio or optical audio, etc) it does not connect via composite (single yellow video connector, plus red/white audio). Unfortunately, I believe that adaptors that convert a component signal to composite are prohibitively expensive. If the OP's 'older' TV is non-widescreen and doesn't have component connections, the :apple:TV may not really be feasible without upgrading the TV.

My 'older' TV is widescreen.
Can you give me a link of such a convertor?

[sandman42]

My 'older' TV is widescreen.
Can you give me a link of such a convertor?

I'm surprised that your widescreen TV doesn't have component inputs, but I don't doubt you. Out of curiosity, what brand/model is it? At any rate, here's a link (http://www.svideo.com/ypbpr2svideo.html) to a convertor. I wish I knew why they're so expensive!

[tdhurst]

I used those red-white-yellow thingies. the audio L & R are in the right place, and I put the yellow video cable in the green plug on the back of the aTV and now i get a black & white image ...

any way to solve this?

Dude, no. Component has red and white for audio, and red, green and blue for video.

Your red-white-yellow thingies are composite video/audio and are not compatible.

[fstfrwrd]

I'm surprised that your widescreen TV doesn't have component inputs, but I don't doubt you. Out of curiosity, what brand/model is it? At any rate, here's a link (http://www.svideo.com/ypbpr2svideo.html) to a convertor. I wish I knew why they're so expensive!

It's a pretty old Bang&Olufsen

[renninge]

Dude, no. Component has red and white for audio, and red, green and blue for video.

Your red-white-yellow thingies are composite video/audio and are not compatible.

Of course they are compatible with the Red/White/Yellow...
all you need to about $10 of HDMI/DVI adapters from ebay.
with the procedure described here: http://www.appletvhacks.net/2007/10/12/get-color-output-from-apple-tvs-composite-video-output/

I've been using my AppleTV (2.0, 2.0.1, 2.0.2, 2.1) since January using this.
Works perfect. Only downside, everytime it reboots you need to do the 10sec procedure.

[emt1]

Of course they are compatible with the Red/White/Yellow...
all you need to about $10 of HDMI/DVI adapters from ebay.
with the procedure described here: http://www.appletvhacks.net/2007/10/12/get-color-output-from-apple-tvs-composite-video-output/

I've been using my AppleTV (2.0, 2.0.1, 2.0.2, 2.1) since January using this.
Works perfect. Only downside, everytime it reboots you need to do the 10sec procedure.

I can confirm this works (just did it). Used a HDMI to female-DVI adaptor. I had to short circuit pins 14 and 16 on the female side with a paper clip to get this to work.

[renninge]

I can confirm this works (just did it). Used a HDMI to female-DVI adaptor. I had to short circuit pins 14 and 16 on the female side with a paper clip to get this to work.

I never had to do paper clip anything, I got both a HDMI-DVI and DVI-VGA connector, cost about $10 total on ebay.

remember you have to do this everytime you reboot the Apple TV, so I'd rather stay away from paper clips...

[Sipheren]

I havent been able to find out how to use the new AppleTV with my older TV, I only have Component, SCART, S-Video and Composite available.

Can someone link me to the cables I need as Google isn't turning anything up.

Thanks

[Yvan256]

I havent been able to find out how to use the new AppleTV with my older TV, I only have Component, SCART, S-Video and Composite available.

Can someone link me to the cables I need as Google isn't turning anything up.

Thanks

I'm sorry to say this is the least expensive option (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10114&cs_id=1011402&p_id=5035&seq=1&format=2) I could find.

[Sipheren]

I'm sorry to say this is the least expensive option (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10114&cs_id=1011402&p_id=5035&seq=1&format=2) I could find.

Yeah I found those, I think it will be easier to just buy the old AppleTV, my TV doesnt support 1080p so should be fine.

Cheers

[Xandros]

I remember this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlhIexkjfuk

Might be the most cost effective, if "unofficial" method.

[Irishman]

I used those red-white-yellow thingies. the audio L & R are in the right place, and I put the yellow video cable in the green plug on the back of the aTV and now i get a black & white image ...

any way to solve this?

Um, that is called composite cable. That yellow video cable cannot pass through an HD signal. Period.

As you've learned, it doesn't work on the ATV either. Here's why: you're only connecting it to one of three color channels it expects to receive. That's why your color is jacked up.

Does your TV have the red green and blue connections on it? If so, use that (it's called component video, and it does support HD signals).

[Irishman]

It's a pretty old Bang&Olufsen

Buy a new TV and be done with it.

Especially with the analog sunset coming.

EVERYTHING will be HDMI anyway, because movie studios can do DRM through it.

[sandman42]

Um, that is called composite cable. That yellow video cable cannot pass through an HD signal. Period.

As you've learned, it doesn't work on the ATV either. Here's why: you're only connecting it to one of three color channels it expects to receive. That's why your color is jacked up.

Does your TV have the red green and blue connections on it? If so, use that (it's called component video, and it does support HD signals).

Buy a new TV and be done with it.

Especially with the analog sunset coming.

EVERYTHING will be HDMI anyway, because movie studios can do DRM through it.

You may not have noticed that you're replying to posts that are over two years old. This is an old thread that was resurrected yesterday to address connecting the new :apple:TV to older TVs, now that the new one no longer supports component video.

Incidentally, just to clarify (and as stated above), the :apple:TV -- at least the old one -- does not require an HD TV, just a widescreen one; it can support 480 resolution. Also, there is a fairly simple hack (again, for the old one) that makes the :apple:TV output a composite signal from one of the three component connectors, and that signal can be carried by any RCA-RCA cable (such as the yellow one). This isn't possible on the new :apple:TV due to no component output. This is all addressed in previous posts on this thread.

[Irishman]

You may not have noticed that you're replying to posts that are over two years old. This is an old thread that was resurrected yesterday to address connecting the new :apple:TV to older TVs, now that the new one no longer supports component video.

Incidentally, just to clarify (and as stated above), the :apple:TV -- at least the old one -- does not require an HD TV, just a widescreen one; it can support 480 resolution. Also, there is a fairly simple hack (again, for the old one) that makes the :apple:TV output a composite signal from one of the three component connectors, and that signal can be carried by any RCA-RCA cable (such as the yellow one). This isn't possible on the new :apple:TV due to no component output. This is all addressed in previous posts on this thread.

And I hate necroposting :)

Oy...

but, who wants to watch only SD on an ATV? Old OR new?

[colbyotte]

I just bought the new Apple TV, but I dont have an HDMI port on my TV. I do have a DVI with 2 audio Jacks, Component, Composite video jacks.

What are my options?

[Hammie]

I have an old 20" SDTV that I was going to put an Apple TV on so I can stream my ripped DVD's to, but since it only has a Composite video, I have not found a cost effective solution. I do not plan on buying a new TV since it only is used with DVD's when my wife does her school work. I guess I will look for a cheap old :apple:TV.

[TEG]

I just bought the new Apple TV, but I dont have an HDMI port on my TV. I do have a DVI with 2 audio Jacks, Component, Composite video jacks.

What are my options?

Not much. The video is easy to convert, but the audio is another story. Your best bet would be to find a cheap audio receiver with optical inputs, and connect the audio up that way. Many will then have analog audio outputs that you can use.

TEG

[mchalebk]

Not much. The video is easy to convert, but the audio is another story. Your best bet would be to find a cheap audio receiver with optical inputs, and connect the audio up that way. Many will then have analog audio outputs that you can use.

TEG

Actually, the audio is easy:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10423&cs_id=1042302&p_id=6884&seq=1&format=2

[NogbadTheBad]

Can do HDMI to component and audio with one of these :-

http://www.curtpalme.com/docs/HDfury3manual.pdf

[scottt]

The new Apple TV is shipping and you really, really want one. You think this is perfect for your old television, but then you realize you don’t have an HDMI or component input. But you really, really want one.

[stevenb]

I just bought an Apple TV2 and just waiting for one cable to arrive. I have an old Sony CRT 36XBR800 and no HDMI, but it does have a DVI and component audio connections (red and white RCA). I got an HDMI to DVI cable and an optical digital audio cable. They have converters on Amazon that will convert the optical audio to component red and white RCA. That is how I am going to hook-up and then stream. My TV said it is HDCP compatible, so we will see. It was made in 2002-2003. It has a max resolution of 1080i and is 4:3, not 1080p and 16x9. I am not too sure what resolution I am going to get. Some people have said only 480p and black bars on all four sides. Some say 720p and only upper and lower black bars. If I get 720p, I will end up with about a 33 inch 16x9 picture, which I am ok with at this time. Total cost for the Apple TV, cables and audio converter was a little less that $200.00. If this does not work the way I want, I am going with a new TV, Sony KDL55NX810, as the picture is beautiful. They were down to $2,399.00 on Amazon with no sales tax and free shipping. I have heard good things about the Panasonic VT25, but not too sure about going plasma instead of LCD/LED. I will update in a week or so.

[yankintx]

Let me make sure I am understanding this... If my non-high definition TV has component connections, then :apple:tv will work? Also, assuming now it does work, does it have the normal "black bars" at the top and bottom of the screen when showing wide-screen media?

I love the concept of the :apple:tv, but haven't found the need (or real desire) to get an HDTV--my Samsung square-screen is still doing just fine for my needs. I would love to get one, but haven't because all this time I thought it required an HDTV to work. Please tell me I am ignorant and I should go get one right now!

I did not see the need either....until the cable guy who was at my home hooked up a hd box during a football game. That green blur of a field is now individual blades of grass. I watch no non hd channels now.

[Spinjack]

So, do we have a solution for the new ATV (only an HDMI output)?

I tried to use a Composite Scaler from Gefen with no success. A call to Gefen's tech support informed me that most scalers will not pass HDCP signals, which the ATV most likely uses. A/V Receivers will upscale to HDMI but don't downscale.

This has to be a problem for a very large number of people. Is there even a solution out there?

Edit: Just got off the phone with Apple Tech support. Apple offers no solution.

[thetruth1985]

http://www.amazon.com/HDMI-RCA-Component-AV-Converter/dp/B002WBOQPU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1295942245&sr=8-1

I can personally vouch for this product as I have it connected to my projector right now (component input)

[Spinjack]

http://www.amazon.com/HDMI-RCA-Component-AV-Converter/dp/B002WBOQPU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1295942245&sr=8-1

I can personally vouch for this product as I have it connected to my projector right now (component input)

Using Apple TV (the new one)?

[FreedomHD]

I have both ATV1 and ATV2, i finally ended up buying HDfury to give a new life to my Mits 65 in RPTV and it works flawlessfully, no more HDCP issue at all and excellent picture quality.

[thetruth1985]

Using Apple TV (the new one)?

Yes, the new one.

[kclou3357]

And I hate necroposting :)

Oy...

but, who wants to watch only SD on an ATV? Old OR new?

Po People:(

[dgalvan123]

http://www.amazon.com/HDMI-Composite-S-Video-Converter-3RCA/dp/B0047PDBP0/ref=pd_cp_e_1

I use this one. Works great. Plug hdmi in from ATV2 to the converter, then plug RCA audio and either RCA video or S-Video from converter to your older TV.

TVs last a long time. Better to spend $50 to bring the ATV functionality to an old TV then spend many hundreds or $1k+ on a new TV when you don't need one.