How to Connect a Karaoke Machine to a TV
Check which video output your machine has. With HDMI, run an HDMI cable to an unused HDMI input and select that input on the TV. With RCA, plug the yellow video plug into the TV's composite input. If the machine has no video output, the lyrics stay on the phone or tablet that plays the song.
First, find your machine's outputs
Look at the back panel and the manual for one of these:
- HDMI out: a flat, wide port that carries picture and sound.
- RCA (composite) out: a yellow video plug, usually with red and white audio plugs.
- No video output: many party speakers only play sound.
Connecting with HDMI
- Turn off the machine and the TV.
- Connect an HDMI cable from the machine's HDMI port to an unused HDMI input on the TV.
- Turn both on and choose that HDMI input with the TV remote.
- Start a song; the lyrics should show on the TV.
Check the listing for whether an HDMI cable is in the box. Singing Machine lists HDMI on the ISM9025 and ISM9011, and Ikarao lists HDMI on the Shell S1.
Connecting with RCA (composite)
- Plug the yellow video plug into the TV's composite video input.
- Plug the red and white plugs into the matching audio inputs.
- Choose the AV or composite input on the TV.
Singing Machine lists RCA video and audio outputs on the SML385BTW and says nothing shows on the TV in Bluetooth or line-in mode, so lyrics come from CD+G discs.
When your TV has no RCA input
Many newer TVs have dropped the yellow composite input. A composite-to-HDMI adapter can bridge the gap; check both manuals for what the adapter needs.
Machines with no video output
Party speakers such as the TONOR K20 and TONOR K6 have no HDMI listed. Read the lyrics on the phone or tablet that plays the song, or play a karaoke video in a smart TV app and use the machine for the mics and sound.
Sending TV sound to the machine
TONOR lists coaxial and optical inputs on the TONOR K9, which carry audio only; check both manuals for the cable. Some TVs can also send sound wirelessly to a speaker, so check your TV's manual.
Machines on this site by TV connection
| Model | Microphones | Screen | TV connection | Power | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Singing Machine Ultimate Wi-Fi Karaoke Party (ISM9025) | 2 rechargeable wireless (+2 wired jacks) | 10.1-inch touchscreen | HDMI port | AC adapter | Check price on Amazon |
| Singing Machine Platinum Wi-Fi Karaoke Machine (ISM9011) | 2 wireless (2.4 GHz) | Built-in touchscreen | HDMI out | AC adapter | Check price on Amazon |
| Ikarao Shell S1 Karaoke Machine | 2 Bluetooth wireless, self-charging | 10.1-inch touchscreen | HDMI | Not stated | Check price on Amazon |
| Singing Machine SML385BTW Bluetooth Karaoke System with CD+G | 1 wired | none | RCA video and audio out (CD+G lyrics only; no HDMI) | AC adapter (DC 5.8 V) | Check price on Amazon |
| TONOR K9 Karaoke Machine | 2 wireless | none | Coaxial and optical audio inputs (audio only) | Rechargeable, about 3 hours at medium volume (maker) | Check price on Amazon |
From each maker's published specs (sources on the cards). "Not stated" means the maker source we used doesn't say.
More picks: karaoke machines that connect to a TV and karaoke apps and YouTube.
FAQ
How do I connect a karaoke machine to a TV with HDMI?
Connect an HDMI cable from the machine's HDMI port to an unused HDMI input on the TV, then choose that input with the TV remote. Check the listing for whether a cable is in the box.
How do I connect a karaoke machine to a TV without HDMI?
Older CD+G machines such as the Singing Machine SML385 use RCA cables: the yellow plug carries video to the TV's composite input. A TV without composite inputs needs an adapter; check both manuals.
Can I connect a karaoke machine to a TV with Bluetooth?
Bluetooth carries sound, not the lyrics on screen. Some TVs can send audio to a Bluetooth speaker, so check your TV's manual; the lyrics still come from whatever plays the song.
How do I connect a karaoke machine to a smart TV?
Play the karaoke video or app on the smart TV, then send the TV's sound to the machine if both have a matching connection, such as optical or AUX. The TONOR K9 lists coaxial and optical inputs; check both manuals.