How to Connect a DVD Player to Your TV Using HDMI

What HDMI does and why it matters for your DVD player

HDMI is a single cable that carries both picture and sound from your DVD player to your TV. It replaced the older red, white, and yellow cables (called composite cables) because it sends a better-quality picture and you don't need three separate wires. If your TV and DVD player both have HDMI ports — the flat, rectangular openings on the back or side — HDMI is the simplest way to connect them.

The picture quality difference is real. Composite cables send a lower-resolution signal, so the image looks softer and colors aren't as sharp. HDMI sends a high-definition signal, so you get the clearest picture your DVD player can produce. For older DVDs this might not matter much, but for upscaling DVD players (machines that improve the picture quality of standard DVDs), HDMI makes a noticeable difference.

Key Takeaways

HDMI cables carry both picture and sound in one wire, so you only need one cable instead of three.
Both your TV and DVD player must have HDMI ports — small flat rectangular openings — for this to work.
Plug the HDMI cable into the HDMI port on the back of your DVD player and the HDMI port on your TV, then switch your TV to the correct input.
If you see no picture after connecting, check that the HDMI cable is pushed all the way in and that your TV is set to the right input channel.

Finding the HDMI ports on both devices

Look at the back of your DVD player first. You'll see several ports — some round, some rectangular. The HDMI port is a flat, rectangular opening about the size of a USB port, but wider and slightly taller. It's usually labeled "HDMI" in small white or black letters next to it. Most DVD players have one HDMI port; some have two. If you see only round ports (red, white, and yellow), your DVD player doesn't have HDMI and you'll need to use composite cables instead.

Now look at your TV. The HDMI ports are usually on the back, but some newer TVs have one or two on the side. Count how many HDMI ports your TV has — most modern TVs have at least two or three. Write down which one you're going to use (HDMI 1, HDMI 2, etc.) because you'll need to select that input on your remote later. If your TV has no HDMI ports, it's an older model and you'll need composite cables.

Connecting the cable step by step

Buy an HDMI cable if you don't have one. Any standard HDMI cable works — you don't need an expensive one. A basic cable costs $5 to $15 and works just as well as a $50 cable for most home setups. The length depends on how far apart your DVD player and TV are; common lengths are 6 feet, 10 feet, and 15 feet.

Unplug both your DVD player and TV from the wall outlet. This isn't strictly necessary, but it's safer and prevents any electrical issues. Take one end of the HDMI cable and push it firmly into the HDMI port on the back of your DVD player until you hear or feel a small click. The connector should sit flush against the port — if it's sticking out, it's not fully inserted. Do the same with the other end of the cable into the HDMI port on your TV. Push until it clicks.

Plug both devices back in. Turn on your TV first, then turn on your DVD player. You should see a picture appear on your TV within a few seconds. If you don't, move to the troubleshooting section below.

Switching your TV to the correct HDMI input

Your TV has multiple inputs — HDMI 1, HDMI 2, HDMI 3, and possibly others. It also has inputs for cable boxes, satellite receivers, and other devices. When you first turn on your TV, it might be set to the wrong input, so you see a blank screen or a "no signal" message even though the cable is connected correctly.

Look for a button on your TV remote labeled "Input," "Source," or "HDMI." Press it. A menu will appear on your screen showing all the available inputs. Use the arrow buttons on your remote to highlight the HDMI port you plugged the cable into (for example, "HDMI 1" or "HDMI 2"), then press Enter or Select. Your TV should now show the picture from your DVD player. If it doesn't, the cable might not be fully inserted or there might be another problem — see the troubleshooting section.

What to do if you see no picture

First, check that both ends of the HDMI cable are pushed all the way in. Unplug the cable from both the DVD player and the TV, wait 10 seconds, and plug it back in firmly. Sometimes a cable works loose or wasn't fully seated the first time.

Second, make sure your TV is set to the correct input. Press the Input or Source button on your remote again and verify you're on the right HDMI port. If you're not sure which port you used, try each HDMI input one at a time until you see a picture.

Third, try a different HDMI port on your TV if it has more than one. Sometimes one port stops working while others still do. Unplug the cable from the TV, plug it into a different HDMI port, and switch your TV's input to match.

If you still see no picture, the HDMI cable might be damaged. Borrow a different HDMI cable from a friend or buy a new one to test. If a different cable works, your original cable is faulty. If a different cable doesn't work either, the HDMI port on your DVD player or TV might be broken, and you'll need to use composite cables or have the device repaired.

When HDMI isn't an option

If your DVD player or TV doesn't have HDMI ports, you can use composite cables instead. These are the three cables — red, white, and yellow — that were standard before HDMI. The picture quality will be lower, but it works. The red and white cables carry sound (stereo audio), and the yellow cable carries the picture. Plug each one into the matching colored port on both your DVD player and TV, then switch your TV to the Video or Composite input.

Some older DVD players have both HDMI and composite ports. If your TV is very old and has no HDMI, you can still use the composite cables from your DVD player. This is a common setup in homes where the TV hasn't been replaced recently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special HDMI cable for a DVD player?

No. Any standard HDMI cable works with any HDMI port. There's no such thing as a "DVD HDMI cable" — they're all the same. Expensive cables don't produce a better picture than cheap ones for this purpose.

Why is my picture black and white or in poor color?

This usually means your TV is set to the wrong input or the cable isn't fully inserted. Try unplugging and replugging the cable, then check that your TV is on the correct HDMI input. If the picture is still poor after that, try a different HDMI port on your TV.

Can I use HDMI to connect my DVD player to a computer monitor?

Yes, if your monitor has HDMI ports. Plug the cable in the same way you would with a TV. If your monitor has no HDMI, it probably has DisplayPort or DVI instead, and you'll need an adapter cable or a different connection method.

What if my TV has HDMI but my DVD player doesn't?

You'll need to use composite cables (the red, white, and yellow ones) instead. Plug them into the matching colored ports on your DVD player, then into the Video or Composite input on your TV. The picture quality will be lower than HDMI, but it will work.

Does the length of the HDMI cable affect picture quality?

For cables under 50 feet, no. Standard HDMI cables work fine at any length you're likely to use in a home. Very long cables (over 50 feet) can sometimes have signal problems, but that's rare in residential setups.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.