How to use Roku on Analogue TV

cassie13

I am retired and TV subscriptions are no longer affordable. I wanted to keep basic TV channels and Netflix, I have read that a Roku stick accesses Netlix, My problem is that I have an excellent working old LG Analogue TV . I have read that I can get an HDMI to Scart converter box but have been told that this is not available. Converters from Analogue to Digital are available but not the other way. I have used Tech' jargon but I do not have a clue and rely on your advice and expertise.

donniedarko

You can buy a Roku with RCA outputs. Roku 2400EU LT if you can find a second hand model.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Roku-LT-2400X-Digital-Media-Streamer-boxed-including-remote-UK-power-lead-/142380186079 should be ok.

You can see the connectors here; https://www.cnet.com/uk/products/roku-lt-digital-multimedia-receiver/review/

If an analogue TV, it should have those inputs.

Carrot007

donniedarko wrote: »

You can buy a Roku with RCA outputs. Roku 2400EU LT if you can find a second hand model.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Roku-LT-2400X-Digital-Media-Streamer-boxed-including-remote-UK-power-lead-/142380186079 should be ok.

You can see the connectors here; https://www.cnet.com/uk/products/roku-lt-digital-multimedia-receiver/review/

If an analogue TV, it should have those inputs.

I agree this is probably the best option. hdmi to composite/audio adaptors do exist but the user interface will have been designed for HD and might be unusable on a downscaled output.

Inner_Zone

donniedarko wrote: »

You can buy a Roku with RCA outputs. Roku 2400EU LT if you can find a second hand model.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Roku-LT-2400X-Digital-Media-Streamer-boxed-including-remote-UK-power-lead-/142380186079 should be ok.

You can see the connectors here; https://www.cnet.com/uk/products/roku-lt-digital-multimedia-receiver/review/

If an analogue TV, it should have those inputs.

I think you may find that Ebay description maybe incorrect, "Audio/Video Outputs: Component (YPbPr) RCA, Composite Video RCA" never known a Roku to have Component and the Cnet review is for American spec.
The Ebay listing also states "also composite out for old TVs which needs a special lead" so it may not have RCA phono's but instead a 4 way jack socket which requires a lead like this (example not a recommendation of seller):

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3-5mm-to-3-rca-phono-av-audio-video-cable-red-yellow-white-for-now-tv-/171785031382?hash=item27ff2f8ed6:g:Nx0AAOSwEeFVIquT

Mister_G

The OP did say that he wanted to keep "basic TV channels", so I assume that he will still need a licence.

cassie13

thank you for your reply, I will purchase items, Hopefully it will work and I can also take advantage of current BT internet/phone deal. Time you gave was very much appreciated

donniedarko

Inner_Zone wrote: »

I think you may find that Ebay description maybe incorrect, "Audio/Video Outputs: Component (YPbPr) RCA, Composite Video RCA" never known a Roku to have Component and the Cnet review is for American spec.
The Ebay listing also states "also composite out for old TVs which needs a special lead" so it may not have RCA phono's but instead a 4 way jack socket which requires a lead like this (example not a recommendation of seller):

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3-5mm-to-3-rca-phono-av-audio-video-cable-red-yellow-white-for-now-tv-/171785031382?hash=item27ff2f8ed6:g:Nx0AAOSwEeFVIquT

The 2400EU model has the 3.5mm socket, but the model is described in the eBay ad, as both a 2700X(same 3.5mm output, but American model) and the 2400D(quite likely the same, possibly also sold outside the UK).
None of it makes a difference, as you simply set the machine up for the region you are in. So it is the right thing for the OP's need.

You are likely correct about the necessary lead.. Cheaper here at £1.75 for two; http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HIGH-QUALITY-1m-3-5mm-4-Pole-Jack-Plug-to-3-x-RCA-Phono-Composite-Audio-Cable/162380989783

or a right angled one; http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1m-90-3-5-mm-4-Pole-Jack-Plug-to-3x-RCA-Phono-Composite-Audio-AV-Cable-for-TV-/162097560289

or longer version; http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3-Metre-Right-Angled-3-5mm-4-Pole-Jack-Plug-to-3-Phono-RCA-AV-Audio-Video-Cable/141176515443

donniedarko

cassie13 wrote: »

thank you for your reply, I will purchase items, Hopefully it will work and I can also take advantage of current BT internet/phone deal. Time you gave was very much appreciated

Unfortunately, since it is a Bid item, you'll either have to bid for it and wait for six days, only to possibly lose it or come to an agreement with the seller(of course staying on eBay/PayPal) on a price for the item. Perhaps starting at £10 including postage to buy it now. Of course only you know how much you are willing to pay, but since it is exactly what you need and there aren't too many for sale, it's up to you to obtain it. But don't start too high.

artyclarty

Just a heads up. I had one of these boxes for a while as my office tv/second monitor doesn't have an HDMI*. This device outputs in NTSC so make sure your old TV can handle this or you will be watching everything in fuzzy black and white!

*completely of no use to the OP, but an interesting aside - turned out however that it did have a DVI for some strange reason so HDMI/DVI converter worked great for me

cassie13

I attempted to connect up today but just as you predicted screen is fuzzy black and white. You mentioned a DVI. On back of my TV there is a DVI input. Don't know what this means but you said that a HDMI/DVI converter worked for you. Could I try this as I have a DVI input although don't know what a HDMI/DVI converter is .

almillar

In the absence of HDMI on your TV, DVI is certainly next best. Picture wise it's as good as HDMI, but HDMI has convenience, in that it also carries audio - DVI lacks this, and also copy protection technology.
You can certainly us an HDMI to DVI cable:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/AmazonBasics-Adapter-Cable-Latest-Standard/dp/B014I8UL8U/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1495717155&sr=8-2&keywords=dvi+to+hdmi

or adaptor block:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/TechRise-2-Pack-Gold-Plated-Adapter-Converter/dp/B01LRSCPMO/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1495717155&sr=8-3&keywords=dvi+to+hdmi

But you'll need to sort out sound some other way. Some devices also don't like playing content if there's not an HDMI-HDMI connection because of the copy protection mentioned above.