Cables & Connections Support

Cables & Connections Support

Use this guide to check AV, HDMI and component-video connections for retro consoles, adapters and converters.

Choose the correct cable

  • Composite AV: Yellow carries video; red and white carry right and left audio.
  • Component (YPbPr): Green, blue and red carry video; the separate red and white plugs carry audio.
  • HDMI: Carries digital video and audio in one cable.

Basic connection check

  1. Turn off the console, converter and display before connecting cables.
  2. Match every plug to the correct labeled port. On component cables, do not confuse the red video plug with the red audio plug.
  3. Connect any USB power cable required by the converter or adapter.
  4. Select the matching AV, component or HDMI input on the TV or monitor.
  5. Turn on the display first, then the converter and console.

No picture or “No Signal”

  • Reconnect both ends of every cable firmly.
  • Confirm the TV is set to the exact input you used.
  • Try another HDMI or AV input and, if available, a known-working cable.
  • Connect directly to the display while testing; remove splitters, switches and capture devices.
  • Verify that the console’s video format and resolution are supported by the converter and display.

Picture but no sound

  • For composite or component connections, confirm both red and white audio plugs are connected to the same input group as the video cable.
  • Check the TV input’s audio settings and raise the console and TV volume.
  • If using a converter with a separate audio output, test that output directly.

Wrong colors, flickering or an unstable picture

  • Check that component plugs are matched by label: Y, Pb and Pr.
  • Clean dusty connectors with the equipment powered off.
  • Test with shorter cables and remove extension cables or passive splitters.
  • If the console offers multiple video-output modes, select the mode required by your cable or converter.

Still need help?

Contact us with your order number, console model, display model and photos of every connection. A short video of the problem is also helpful.