How to Connect a PS1 to a Modern TV
This is compiled, sourced technical guidance, not a bench test performed by this site on one specific TV and PS1 unit; results can vary by your exact hardware.
AV output and TV inputs
Every PS1 outputs composite video by default over the same single yellow-cable format, and every PS1 also supports RGB output, cleanest via a SCART cable in PAL regions. The PS1 doesn't support component video, so that specific connection type isn't an option regardless of cable.
Get an upscaler for composite and S-Video sources
The RetroTINK-2X Pro, discussed above as an option for cleaning up a PS1's composite or S-Video output before it reaches your TV.
Check price on Amazon →Conversion options
A PS1-specific S-Video cable (the console's AV Multi Out uses a different pinout from generic S-Video, so confirm any cable is actually PS1-specific) paired with an S-Video-to-HDMI converter is meaningfully sharper than composite with less color bleed.
Aspect ratio
Most PS1 games were designed around a standard 4:3 picture; a converter or TV that stretches the image to fill a modern widescreen display without preserving that ratio will noticeably distort the picture.
Audio and image problems
Cheap composite-to-HDMI converters can add noticeable input lag, crush colors, or introduce visible noise; that may be acceptable for slower games but can make fast platformers, fighting games, or rhythm titles feel noticeably off.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get component video out of a PS1?
No. The PS1 doesn't support component video output at all; your realistic options are composite, S-Video with the correct PS1-specific cable, or RGB via SCART.
Is a cheap composite-to-HDMI converter good enough for a PS1?
It depends on the game. Cheap converters can add input lag, crush colors, or introduce noise, which may be fine for slower games but can make fast platformers, fighting games, or rhythm titles feel noticeably off.
Will a generic S-Video cable work with a PS1?
Not necessarily. The PS1's AV Multi Out uses a different pinout than generic S-Video cables, so confirm any cable you buy is specifically made for PS1 before assuming compatibility.
Sourcing and corrections
This is compiled technical guidance checked via web search against sources including RetroRGB's PlayStation 1 page and multiple retro-AV technical guides in September 2026, not a first-hand bench test performed by this site. Specific results depend on your exact console revision, cable, and TV.