HD Retrovision PS2/PS3 Component Cable: Setup and Tips
By 8BitMods - Retro and modern console games and accessories | Published: 2026-11-01
Category: How-to Guides
Get the most from your HD Retrovision PS2/PS3 component cable with a step-by-step setup, common mistakes to avoid, and practical tips for cleaner YPbPr video and audio.
Quick answer
Connect the HD Retrovision cable to your PS2 or PS3, match the green, blue, and red plugs to the TV or scaler's YPbPr inputs, then set the console to component output. Use the correct input and resolution settings before judging picture quality.
Why proper shielding and matching inputs matter
Component video splits the picture into three signals, so a loose or mismatched connection can show up as color shifts, ghosting, or hum. Fully shielded cables reduce interference, but they only help if the plugs are seated firmly and the display is set to the right input.
The PS2 and PS3 both output YPbPr through the same style of AV connector, but their menus differ. On PS2, component output is usually selected in the system configuration; on PS3, you choose it under Display Settings. If the screen stays black, the console may still be set to composite or RGB.
When component is the right choice, and when it is not
Component is a strong option for PS2 games and for PS3 systems used on a CRT or a scaler with YPbPr inputs. It carries resolutions up to 1080p on supported PS3 titles, but it is still an analog signal, so cable quality and input quality both matter.
If your display only has HDMI, you will need a separate HDMI solution or a scaler. Do not assume a passive plug adapter will convert component to HDMI; it will not.
Step-by-step setup
- Power down before connecting: Turn off the console and the display, then plug the multi-out end firmly into the PS2 or PS3 AV port. A loose multi-out plug is a common cause of missing colors or audio hum.
- Match the three video plugs by color: Connect green to Y, blue to Pb, and red to Pr on the TV or scaler. Do not confuse the red video plug with the red audio plug. If colors look wrong, recheck that each plug is in the matching jack, not just the matching color group.
- Connect audio separately: Plug the white and red audio connectors into the display or audio system's matching audio inputs. Component video does not carry sound, so audio must be connected separately.
- Select the correct input on your display: Choose the YPbPr or Component input, not the composite or AV input, even if they share a port group. Many TVs label shared inputs differently; check the input menu rather than guessing from the jack color.
- Set the console to component output: On PS2, open System Configuration and set Component Video Out to Y Cb/Pb Cr/Pr. On PS3, go to Settings > Display Settings > Video Output Settings and choose Component. If you see no picture after changing the setting, wait a few seconds and confirm the display is on the right input.
- Match resolution to the display: Start at 480i or 480p for PS2, then test higher modes only if your display supports them. On PS3, select resolutions your TV or scaler accepts. A blank screen after a resolution change usually means the display does not support that mode; revert to the previous setting.
Product facts
- HD Retrovision PlayStation 2/3 (PS2/PS3) Premium YPbPr Component Cable: Fully shielded construction with proper engineering, unlike cheap unshielded cables. Shielding helps prevent audio interference and video quality loss, so the cable is worth using with care rather than swapping in a generic cable.
HD Retrovision PlayStation 2/3 (PS2/PS3) Premium YPbPr Component Cable - HD Retrovision PlayStation 2/3 (PS2/PS3) Premium YPbPr Component Cable: Supports all available PS2 and PS3 YPbPr video resolutions up to and including 1080p. You can use the same cable across supported resolutions without changing cables, but the console and display must both be set to a compatible mode.
