DVD player connected to a TV by HDMI, with legacy A/V cables beside it
Use HDMI when possible; component, S-Video, and composite remain options for compatible older equipment.

Quick answer: Connect a DVD player to a TV with HDMI when both devices have HDMI ports. Connect the player’s HDMI OUT to an unused TV HDMI IN, select that input on the TV, and play a disc. If your DVD player or TV is older, use the best shared connection type: component video with separate audio, S-Video with separate audio, or composite yellow/red/white A/V.

Before connecting: Turn off the TV and DVD player. Read the labels next to the ports—do not rely only on cable colors, and never force a connector. HDMI carries picture and sound on one cable; analog options need separate audio connections.

Pick the best available connection

Connection Quality What you need
HDMI Best practical choice One HDMI cable for picture and sound.
Component Good analog video Green/blue/red video plus red/white audio cables.
S-Video Older analog option S-Video cable plus red/white audio cables.
Composite Lowest quality Yellow video plus red/white audio cables.

1. Connect a DVD player with HDMI

  1. Connect an HDMI cable to the player’s HDMI OUT port.
  2. Connect the other end to an unused TV HDMI IN port.
  3. Turn on the TV and DVD player.
  4. Use the TV remote’s Input or Source control to select the matching HDMI label.
  5. Insert a disc and press Play.

What to observe: You should see the DVD player menu or disc image and hear sound from the TV. If the TV says No Signal, check the selected input and reseat the HDMI cable.

2. Connect with component video

Use component only when HDMI is unavailable and both devices have matching Y/Pb/Pr ports. Connect green to Y, blue to Pb/Cb, and red to Pr/Cr. Then connect the separate red-and-white audio cables from the DVD player’s audio output to the TV’s matching audio input.

Choose the TV input labeled Component, YPbPr, or similar. Do not confuse the red component-video connector with the red analog-audio connector. If there is no picture, verify every labeled connection and check that the DVD player is set for a video mode the TV can display.

3. Connect with S-Video

S-Video is an older round multi-pin connection found on some DVD players and TVs. Carefully align the plug without twisting or forcing it. Because S-Video carries video only, also connect red-and-white audio cables. Select the S-Video or AV input on the TV.

Not every modern TV accepts S-Video. If your TV has no matching S-Video input, do not use a cheap unverified adapter as a default fix; HDMI or a purpose-built, compatible converter may be necessary.

4. Connect with composite A/V

For very old equipment, connect the yellow plug to Video, then red and white to the matching right and left audio inputs. Select AV, Video, or Composite on the TV. This connection is standard definition, so it may look soft or stretched on a newer large-screen TV.

On TVs with shared component/composite panels, use the exact composite jack specified in the TV manual. A wrong connection can produce a black-and-white picture or no picture.

5. Troubleshoot a DVD player that has no picture

Symptom Check first Next safe step
No Signal TV input label and cable seating Select the input again and test another cable if available.
Black-and-white composite picture Composite plug placement Use the TV manual to identify the correct composite input.
Component picture will not display Player output mode and cable labels Set the player to a compatible video mode using its own manual.
Picture but no sound Audio cable pair or output selection Confirm red/white connections or test HDMI directly to the TV.
One DVD does not play Disc condition Test a second known-good disc before changing settings.

Do not route a DVD player through a VCR as a troubleshooting step; copy-protection can interfere with playback. For a broader device and sound-system map, see How to Hook Up Surround Sound. For an explanation of the older connector, see What Is S-Video?.

When to seek help

Stop if a port is loose, physically damaged, hot, sparking, or smells burnt. If the DVD player has no picture on a second working TV using a known-good cable, consult the player manufacturer. Do not open the player or TV.

Frequently asked questions

Can I connect an old DVD player to a new TV?

Yes, if the two devices share HDMI, component, composite, or another compatible connection. Many new TVs only have HDMI, so an older analog-only player may require a compatible active converter.

Is HDMI better than red, white, and yellow cables?

Yes when both devices support HDMI. It carries digital video and audio over one cable and is simpler to set up.

Why does my DVD player show a black-and-white image?

The composite video plug may be connected to the wrong shared input, or the TV input may be set incorrectly. Check port labels and the TV manual.

Technical guidance consulted