Best Composite (AV, RCA)To HDMI Converter In 2023
There are a tonne of composite to HDMI converters in today's market - here are the best of the bunch!
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Choosing the best composite to HDMI converter is not easy – especially when you consider the number of cheap options that currently reside in today’s market.
Fear not though, we’re here to help you select only the best composite to HDMI converters in 2021 – ditching the tacky knock-offs for efficient options that perform to a high standard.
In this guide, we’ll be talking you through what to look for, our top picks, and why you should choose an RCA converter in the modern age of gaming and entertainment consumption.
So, with plenty to get through, let’s waste no time and dive straight into it!
Our Top Picks
What Is A composite (AV/RCA) Connection?
Many of you probably won’t be old enough to remember watching TV in stunning 480 x 640 resolution, but it happened, I can assure you. This was the highest resolution TVs could produce before HD (or even 720p) TVs were around – providing entertainment through a grainer, detailless, boxy television set.
Whilst things did get better, it was until the early 2000’s when the HDMI cable hit the scene. Before then, many devices came equipped with AV/ RCA connections – the white, yellow, and red cables that you may have seen on old Xbox/PlayStation models.
Whilst this was fine for the time, they soon got overpowered by more advanced – and simply better – technology. The HDMI became king and composite connections were a thing of the past.
This left users of RCA connections lacking compatibility with modern-day technologies – meaning, if they wanted to play their favourite old school game, they’d have to find an RCA to HDMI converter.
Check out our complete Wii to HDMI converter page here.
Should I Worry About Upscaling?
Upscaling is nothing new, it’s a way of extrapolating more performance from your GPU when playing in demanding screen resolutions like 1440p and 4K. How does this affect someone looking for a composite to HDMI converter though?
Well, many devices that utilize an RCA connection will likely be limited in terms of the resolution it can put out. For example, older game consoles wouldn’t have the ability to push out a full HD signal, meaning you’d have to either find a 480p TV or monitor to play on – or use a device that upscales your signal.
We’re working with the latter in this article, so understanding how upscaling works is of relevance. That being said, many of the RCA converters of today will only allow upscaling to 720p or 1080p. That makes using an RCA to HDMI converter problematic for users using a 4K TV. The image quality will start to degrade when upscaling above these resolutions, so just be aware if you are considering one for a UHD monitor or TV.
The Best RCA to HDMI Converter in 2021
In-depth Review
The Upgrow RCA converter gets our number one pick and for good reason. Not only does it offer a compact shell that isn’t going to be an eye-sore, but it also provides great performance for anyone wanting to upscale their 480p device to 720p or 1080p.
The Upgrow measures in at a slender 2.6″ x 2.1″ x 0.8″, making it one of the most subtle converters in this guide. It weighs a mere 3 ounces but still feels incredibly robust and sturdy. The main material used for this device is anodized aluminum, giving it a strong design that should stand the test of time.
Users will be able to choose between 1080p or 720p signals with a switch found on the side – next to the USB/Power input. A red LED light indicates when the device is fully powered and ready for use. You also get an orange arrow that shows you the direction of the conversion too.
As far as video output is concerned, the Upgrow converter outputs standard definition video in the 4:3 aspect ratio – as older console or VHS players intended. This device works with almost any video format, included North American NTSC, PAL, SECAM, PAL/M, and PAL/N. Overall, a great little device that ticks a lot of the right boxes.
Our runner-up spot goes to the Hdiwousp (try saying that after 7 pints) RCA to HDMI converter. It offers a similar compact design as our top pick, feeling every bit as robust too. It is compatible with all RCA devices, including older game consoles such as PS2, Xbox, Nintendo 64, Wii, STB, VHS, VCR, and DVD players – to name but a few.
The simple design of this converter allows users to quick Plug’n’Play their favourite game titles. The mini size AV to HDMI comes with an extra HDMI and USB cable for charging purposes. Furthermore, this device doesn’t require the installation of drivers to work seamlessly with your TV or console.
Simply convert analog RCA composite inputs into HDMI 720p or 1080p with 60Hz refresh rate support – without delay. This device has been used with older consoles but newer alternatives as well, with PS4 being the most common.
This reasonably sized, easy to use, RCA to HDMI converters really does offer you everything you could want.
The Gana RCA to HDMI converter is the largest in this guide, but not by much. Measuring in at 6.1″ x 3.5″ x 0.8″, it is only marginally larger than the other two picks in this guide. Unlike the other two in this guide, the Gana RCA converter is constructed primarily from plastic – giving it a lightweight construction that is incredibly easy to travel with – if you need to. It also enables it to hang freely behind a TV – without needing to be sat on the shelf.
The glossy finish of the Gana converter will match most modern electronics, meaning it won’t stand out in your setup. The simple design of the Gana converter means that users can simply plug their old device straight into the rear of the converter, connect your HDMI cable, and away you go. Job’s a good’un.
The device will offer seamless conversion of a 480p signal into either 720p or 1080p – via a simple switch on the right-hand side of the device.
A well-priced model that really does tick all the right boxes.
Final Word
And there you have it, our complete guide to the best RCA to HDMI Converters the market has to offer. Whilst there are many options out there, not all provide the same levels of robustness and versatility. The selections we’ve opted for have been hand-selected based on their price, performance, and overall build quality – ticking all the boxes and more.
If you feel the need to ask any questions about RCA to HDMI converters, feel free to slap a comment in the old ‘commy section below and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
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