HDMI has become the standard digital AV connection for modern gaming consoles, TVs, and home theater equipment. Unfortunately, if your PlayStation 4‘s HDMI port is damaged or your TV is older and lacks HDMI, this can prevent you from using your PS4.
But there are alternatives to connect and display your PS4 on TVs without HDMI. Let‘s explore these options in detail.
HDMI Converters – Translating Signals
One of the most straightforward solutions is to convert the HDMI signal from your PS4 into a format your TV can understand. This requires an HDMI converter.
These devices take the HDMI input and convert it to analog outputs like component, composite, S-Video, etc. The PS4 natively outputs only HDMI, so conversion is essential for older TVs.
According to Sony, over 117.2 million PS4 consoles have been sold globally since launch in 2013. With HDMI only, that locks out owners with older TVs. This is where converters bridge the gap.
Some popular converter options include:
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Portta HDMI to RCA Composite Converter ($21) – Supports 1080p, stereo audio, connects to TVs with RCA inputs.
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Tendak HDMI to AV Composite Video + Analog Audio Converter ($29) – Also handles 1080p to RCA, includes both video and stereo audio output.
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RESTGO HDMI to RCA Converter ($18) – A budget model supporting 1080p video, useful if you just need video conversion.
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Atlona AT-HD530 HDMI to Component Video Converter ($230) – A high-end converter for 1080p component video plus RCA stereo audio out. Good for higher quality connections.
Converters range from $20 for basic models up to $200+ for advanced solutions. Be sure to match required inputs on your TV – RCA, component, S-Video, etc.
Understanding how conversion works enables selecting the right product:
HDMI is a digital signal carrying uncompressed video and audio together. Analog signals use separate connectors for video and audio. Converters take the digital HDMI input and separate the audio and video into analog outputs your TV can utilize.
Quality is reduced compared to pure digital HDMI, but it enables connectivity. Component and S-Video offer better quality than basic composite RCA. Higher priced converters often provide better video and audio quality.
But any converter will allow displaying your PS4 on an older TV.
Play PS4 Games on Mobile Devices with Remote Play
The PS4 Remote Play app from Sony enables wirelessly streaming PS4 games and media to mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. This gives you a screen to play on without any AV connection to a TV.
As long as your PS4 and mobile device are connected to the same WiFi network, Remote Play sends the video/audio output over your home network. This allows remote gaming anywhere with a WiFi signal.
Remote Play is available for iOS and Android devices. The main limitations are potential lag from WiFi latency and the smaller screen of mobiles. But it works surprisingly well for most games and is a free option.
If your PS4‘s HDMI port is damaged, Remote Play on a mobile device lets you keep enjoying games until you can repair or replace the console. You can also use Remote Play to stream to mobile when someone else needs the TV.
Alternate Cables for Video Connections
If your older TV has component or composite RCA inputs, you can connect your PS4 using the appropriate cables after converting the signal first.
For RCA, utilize an HDMI to RCA converter as outlined above. Then run a set of RCA AV cables from the converter outputs to the corresponding inputs on your TV.
A component connection is higher quality. From the HDMI converter, use a component video cable connected to your TV‘s component inputs. Match the color-coded connectors – red, green, and blue for video plus red and white for audio.
When buying cables, ensure the connectors match your equipment and that cables are properly shielded. Poor quality cables can degrade AV performance. HDMI over RCA or component video involves some video compression and loss of quality.
But for gaming and video, the difference may be negligible on smaller, lower resolution TVs compared to enjoying your PS4.
Connecting Through Another Device
If you own an AV receiver, sound bar, or other device with HDMI ports, you can potentially connect that between your PS4 and TV to act as an intermediary converter.
For example, if your receiver offers HDMI inputs but only RCA analog outputs, connect your PS4 to an HDMI port on the receiver. Then utilize RCA cables to send the receiver‘s analog audio/video output to the TV RCA inputs.
The receiver takes the HDMI video from the PS4 and converts it to an analog signal the TV can utilize while also handling the audio. Many AV receivers still include legacy analog inputs/outputs to interface with older equipment.
Just ensure your intermediate device has the required ports and conversion capability between its input from the PS4 and output to your TV. The device essentially takes the place of a dedicated converter.
Repairing a Damaged HDMI Port
If the PS4‘s HDMI port itself is physically damaged, not functioning properly, or loose, it is possible to replace the port. However, this requires good soldering skills and electronics repair experience.
If you wish to attempt this yourself, there are repair tutorials available online. Replacement parts can be found on sites like eBay and AliExpress for $10-20 typically. You‘ll need to disassemble the PS4 carefully, de-solder the old port, and solder in the new part.
For anyone not comfortable attempting this repair, there are mail-in repair services and local shops that can replace the port for around $100 or more depending on labor rates.
If you have an original 500GB PS4, upgrading to a 1TB PS4 Slim for $300 or a PS4 Pro for $400 could be worthwhile vs. sinking money into an aging console. But replacing the HDMI port can extend the life of a still functioning launch model.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting for HDMI Issues
Keep in mind HDMI problems could have various causes – cables, loose connections, HDMI version conflicts, damaged ports, driver problems, and more. Troubleshooting helps isolate the issue before pursuing repairs or replacements.
Try the following steps:
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Use different HDMI cables – cables are a common failure point. Test different cables between devices.
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Connect devices to different HDMI ports or directly into a TV if connecting through an AV receiver.
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Power cycle devices by unplugging them from power for ~30 seconds and restarting.
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Check for loose HDMI connections and make sure cables are securely inserted into ports.
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Enter PS4 Safe Mode and change resolution and HDCP settings to see if that resolves problems.
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Update firmware, software, and drivers for your PS4, TV, AV receiver, etc to the latest available.
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Try a different display device like another TV to determine if the issue stems from the TV or PS4 side.
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For HDMI splitter/switch boxes, test bypassing the splitter to connect PS4 directly to the TV.
Many "HDMI issues" end up being simple cable, connection, or setup problems vs hardware failures. But if you‘ve worked through the troubleshooting steps, then a repair may be necessary.
Dealing with Audio
When converting HDMI video signals to analog outputs, audio requires special consideration. HDMI carries both digital video and audio, while analog connections need separate ports for video and stereo audio.
Converters will extract the audio from HDMI and provide RCA ports for connecting to your TV‘s audio inputs. If your TV lacks RCA audio in, you have a few options:
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Use an AV receiver for audio processing over HDMI, then connect to the TV via video-only output from the converter.
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Employ external speakers connected directly to the converter‘s RCA audio outputs.
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Some wireless HDMI solutions transmit audio via built-in transmitter and receiver units.
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Alternatively, use the PS4 Controller‘s headphone jack for analog stereo audio output.
HDMI simplifies wiring by bundling video and audio in one cable. When transitioning to legacy analog video outputs, plan how you‘ll handle getting analog stereo audio to your home theater system or TV as well.
Wireless HDMI Solutions
Rather than running long HDMI cables across a room, various accessories can achieve wireless video connectivity between your PS4 and TV:
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Wireless HDMI kits like the IOGEAR Wireless HDMI Transmitter and Receiver ($179) which can transmit 1080p video up to 30 feet.
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Wireless display adapters such as the Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter ($50) which plug into an HDMI port and cast to compatible TVs.
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TVs or monitors with built-in wireless casting capabilities, allowing you to cast or screencast content from a mobile device.
These options introduce some lag, with IOGEAR citing under 1ms which is decent for gaming. The latest WiFi 6 and WiFi 7 standards continue to reduce latency.
The downside is cost, required compatibility between sender and receiver devices, and potential interference when streaming wirelessly. But for occasional big-screen gaming away from your console setup, wireless can provide convenience.
Weighing Options for Non-HDMI PS4 Connectivity
As you can see, with the right adapters and cables, you have quite a few options to display your PS4 on older TVs or sets lacking HDMI. Converters, alternate cables, audio workarounds, and even wireless can restore PS4 gameplay without replacing your TV or console.
Each approach has trade-offs. Analog conversion reduces some video quality but enables connectivity at a reasonable cost. Remote Play relies on WiFi networks and small mobile screens. HDMI repairs require electronics expertise.
Consider your budget, needs, and willingness to compromise on things like resolution, lag, and audio options as you choose a suitable workaround. Often a simple converter paired with appropriate cables does the trick for under $50.
Hopefully this guide provides solutions to keep your PS4 running strong regardless of your display equipment. Game on!
