So you found an old DVD or DVR player…
And you thought about using it on your relatively new Samsung TV.
You know, just for old time’s sake.
However, it only connects via an RCA cable…
Now the question is…
Will it actually work on your Samsung TV?
Continue reading to find out:
- How to use the RCA input on your Samsung TV.
- A simple workaround if your Samsung TV doesn’t have RCA ports.
- How to quickly check if your Samsung TV actually has an RCA input.
- And a lot more…
Do Samsung TVs have RCA inputs?
Most Samsung TVs have RCA inputs. This input is actually called AV in the Source menu. And you may use it by plugging a device into the TV’s RCA ports. But for models without those ports, you may connect your device to an HDMI to RCA adapter. Then you can plug the adapter into your TV’s HDMI port.
How to check if your Samsung TV has RCA input
You may check if your Samsung TV has an RCA input by pressing the Source button on your remote. When a window pops up, look for AV. That’s what the RCA input is called on Samsung TVs. Now, if you can’t find it, then your Samsung TV doesn’t have that input.
In addition to clicking the Source button…
Another way to check if your Samsung TV has an RCA input is by checking its ports.
You may find them either at the side or on the back of your TV.
Just look for ports with the colors yellow, white, and either red or orange.
Yellow’s for video. White’s for left audio. And the red or orange is for the right-side audio.
Now, most Samsung TVs should have those ports.
However, Samsung’s also beginning to phase them out. That’s because some of the latest models no longer have them.
This is because RCA is a relatively old technology.
And it has since been surpassed by HDMI. Which combines audio and video into one port. Plus, it produces a much better display and sound quality.
Fun fact: RCA actually stands for Radio Corporation of America. It’s the name of the company that built this technology in the 1930s.
If you’d like to know how an RCA or composite port differs from others, watch this video:
How do I use RCA Input on Samsung TV?
You can use the RCA input on Samsung TV by plugging a device into the TV’s RCA ports. And then, using your remote, change the source to AV. Your RCA-connected device should then start playing on your TV screen. But if your TV doesn’t have an RCA port, you may use an HDMI to RCA adapter instead.
Now, I did mention that HDMI is superior to RCA.
However, that shouldn’t stop you from using your RCA-compatible device. Whether it’s a DVD player. A DVR. Or even a VCR.
In fact, there’s even a Roku player, the Express+, that only connects via RCA.
So if you already have your device with you. Along with an RCA cable…
And you’ve verified that your TV has RCA ports…
You may now use your Samsung TV’s RCA input.
How to connect an RCA-compatible device to a Samsung TV
Step #1: Plug one end of the RCA cable into your device. Ensure that the colors of the plug and the port match. Otherwise, it won’t work.
Step #2: Plug the other end of the RCA cable into your Samsung TV.
Step #3: Connect your device to a power outlet. And turn it on.
Step #4: Grab your Samsung TV remote. And press the Source button. From there, select AV.
Step #5: Start playing any audio or video on your device.
That’s it.
Simple, right?
But what if your Samsung TV doesn’t have an RCA port?
Is there a workaround?
Well, yes, there is. And it involves using an HDMI to RCA adapter.
It’s actually a cheap device. You can buy one for less than $20. Here are a few examples:
In addition to the adapter and your RCA connector, you’d also need an HDMI cable.
Already have all of those?
Good. Then you’re ready to connect your device to your Samsung TV.
How to connect an RCA-compatible device to a Samsung TV with no RCA ports
Step #1: Plug one end of the RCA cable into your device.
Step #2: Plug the other end of the RCA cable into the HDMI to RCA adapter.
Step #3: Connect one end of the HDMI cable to the RCA adapter.
Step #4: Connect the other end of the HDMI cable to one of your TV’s HDMI ports. And take note of the port number. There should be a label above it.
Step #5: Plug your device into a power outlet. And turn it on.
Step #6: Using your Samsung remote, change the input. This time, you shouldn’t choose AV.
Instead, select the HDMI port where you connected the adapter.
You should now be able to use your device on your TV.
As you can see, using your Samsung TV’s RCA input is easy.
However, it’s possible that it doesn’t work the first time you try to use it.
But fret not. Because there are easy fixes. And I’ll discuss each below.
What to do if your Samsung TV’s RCA input isn’t working
Ensure that you didn’t mix up the RCA plugs
A plug mismatch is the most common reason why an RCA-connected device won’t work.
You have to connect each plug to its corresponding port.
The yellow plug goes into the yellow port. The white plug on the white port. And the red plug on the red port.
If you mix those up…
You won’t get any audio or video input.
So check. And see to it that the RCA plugs are in the right ports.
Check if you’re on the correct input source
Another reason you can’t see your RCA device on your screen is you’re on the wrong input.
In Samsung TVs, you need to go to AV if you’re using an RCA device. That’s because you won’t find an actual source called RCA input.
However, if you’re using an HDMI to RCA adapter…
You should select HDMI as an input source instead. Particularly the one where you plugged the adapter. It could be HDMI 1, HDMI 2, and so on.
Power cycle your TV and your other device
It’s also possible that your TV or other device is glitching. Especially if you haven’t used your TV’s RCA port in a while.
And what better way to fix a glitch than by power cycling. Or restarting.
With your Samsung TV, this is how you can power cycle:
- Unplug it from the outlet.
- Press and hold its power button for 10 to 15 seconds to discharge any remaining electricity.
- Wait for 1 or 2 minutes.
- Plug it back into the outlet.
You may actually do the same steps for your other device. Since most RCA-compatible devices also have a power button and power cord.
Switch to another port
Another thing to consider is your Samsung TV’s RCA or HDMI port might be defective.
And that’s why your Samsung TV isn’t recognizing the HDMI or RCA input.
To fix this, you may try to clean the port first by removing any dirt or debris build-up. You can do that by wiping it with a clean cloth.
And then plug the RCA or HDMI cable back.
Still not working?
Try switching to another port. A few Samsung TVs have 2 RCA ports. While most have multiple HDMI ports.
So try those instead and see if they work.
Replace your cables or adapter
If, after switching to another port, your RCA device still isn’t working…
Then it might be due to a faulty RCA cable.
And if you’re using an HDMI to RCA adapter…
The HDMI cable or the adapter itself might be defective.
You may try to use them on another TV if you have one. At least check first if they’re really no longer working.
And after verifying that they’re damaged, look for replacements.