GMC & Chevy vehicles are awesome family vehicles… except when you want to play movies on the entertainment system using an iPad/iPod/iPhone. Why? What went wrong?
Well, when the iPhone 5 was released in 2012, Apple introduced a new “Lightning” connector instead of the old 30-pin connector (see photos below). Both the 30-pin connector and the Lightning connector support video output — but the output is different. The newer “lightning” output is digital and the old “30-pin” output is analog. This matters because the “technology” in the 2015 & 2016 GMC/Chevy entertainment system only includes USB and Composite Connections which only play analog input. Composite connections are the yellow, white, and red pins that plug into corresponding colored jacks to get video and audio from one device to another. You’ve probably seen them on an old TV or VCR, right? Right. In order to play digital movies GMC/Chevrolet should have included an HDMI port in the vehicle.
The good news is there are some options. I explored this in detail and spent way too much time figuring this all out so I had to share what I’ve learned and hope that I can save you time and sanity! Let’s get those kids watching movies again and stop the backseat fights! Below are the options I’ve found:
Option 1: **UPDATE 7-09-2018***
I found a new HDMI to Composite Converter and it works!!! I’m posting this on top of the other options because this has been the best solution I’ve found and it works great! I can use my iPhone 6s & iPads to watch movies via Netflix, Amazon, Apple store, etc.
This options mirrors your phone so movies are controlled directly from the iPhone/iPad so we don’t have to fool around with the entertainment system remote to make it work. I even plug in my phone and let the kids take turns playing Pokemon go while the other kids watch the action unfold on the screen! The cable is not bulky or cumbersome. I tuck it into the little nook that is below the composite connection for storage. This is an option that will work with current iPhones which have a Lightning connection.
First, get an Apple lightning to HDMI Adapter , an HDMI to HDMI Cable , and an HDMI to Composite Converter. The composite Converter doesn’t need to be plugged into any power source. Plug the Lightning to HDMI Adapter into your phone, attach the HDMI to HDMI Cable, then attach the HDMI to Composite Converter. Plug the Converter into the composite (red, white, yellow) connection on your vehicle. This route works great with current iPads and iPhones that have the lightning connection vs the old 30-pin connection.
Apple Lightning to HDMI Adapter + HDMI Cable + HDMI to Composite Converter + Plug into your phone
Updated Note 7-13-18: My “HDMI to HDMI” cable is short but I found an even shorter one if you want to minimize the cables lengths even more: Click Here
Option 2:
This is the first thing I tried. It works but not great. If you happen to have an old iPhone or iPod collecting dust this is a workable and cheap solution for $8. The old iPhone is outdated and it’s tricky to get it updated and download movies (mine didn’t have much memory). You can purchase an old 30-pin iPod or iPhone (iPhone 4 or earlier) cheaply on and get a 30-pin composite adaptor. If using and iPhone it may be necessary take the old iPhone to the Apple store or a phone carrier store where they can put in a SIM card and reset it so it can be used like an iPod. Then connect to iTunes, perform updates, download movies & music, set up adapter in vehicle and viola you are in business.
Use an older 30-pin iPod or iPhone + 30-pin to composite Adapter
Option 3:
This is an option that will work with iPhones that have a Lightning connection. Get an Apple HDMI Adapter, HDMI to HDMI cable, HDMI to Composite converter. The Composite converter comes with a USB cable that has to be plugged in for power, Composite to Composite cable. This route will will use a lot more wires but it works with Lightning connections. This route will cost you about the same as the recently added “option 1” and option 1 is better, in my opinion.
Apple Lightning to HDMI Adapter + HDMI Cable + HDMI-to-Composite Converter + Composite-to-Composite cables
There are other quirky problems with the entertainment system but I’ll have to explain that in another post. For now I hope this helps!
Update: 2017 & above GMC & Chevy vehicles have HDMI ports now. Click here to learn how to watch video using your iPhone & iPad
Best,
Wendi
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links.
Thank you Wendi for sharing your solution. We just got our Yukon Denali last night and can’t wait to try one of these options.
We have some older iPhones but I think it makes more sense to do option 2 as the kids can plug in their iPods and we can use our newer iPhones.
Cheers!
Thank you so much for your solution ideas! Just got my Yukon and the composite jack was almost a dealbreaker out of the principle that it’s 2015. I knew the first thing I was going to do was get rid of that jack. Was hoping that someone would have built a small, square, black converter with three male jacks on the back to basically “plug up” those female connectors – essentially making it look like a factory HDMI jack, but no such luck.
I found this cable online and was wondering if there’s a reason why you know this wouldn’t work:
http://www.amazon.com/Estone-3-RCA-Component-Converter-Adapter/dp/B00H4T7670/ref=pd_sim_e_6?ie=UTF8&refRID=0CAVVWP01JZVYPMF2124
Obviously the reviews look scary but all the negative ones relate to the same issue. I did some homework and the screens in the Yukon are LCD so I believe that means they “speak digital” and therefore the cable should work. Any idea if that’s true?
One tip I would like to offer, as I intend to do this as well… grab this right angle composite cable so people don’t kick those cables sticking out of the console. There are also right angle USB adaptors too. 🙂
http://www.amazon.com/Wv-lq406-2-Triple-Stereo-Audio-Video/dp/B00VSLJBUK/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1430278271&sr=8-3&keywords=composite+cable+right+angle
Hi. Unfortunately, it won’t work. The problem is the content on the iPhone is digital and there isn’t a digital input on the GMC panel. You have to convert the digital signal using an HDMI to composite converter. Under the description of the cable you posted it says you need a “signal converter box to use this cable”.
Here is a new cable with converter that that might work: http://www.radioshack.com/radioshack-hdmi-to-composite-converter/1500548.html#.VUDuZGRVhBc You’d still need the lightning to HDMI adapter to connect to the iPhone. I haven’t tried it but it seems it would work.
Let me know what you end up doing and how it works!
Also, great idea about the right angle cable! Thanks.
Thank you so much! That Radio Shack cable looks great. If only it existed! Apparently they’re sold out online and across the country. Talk about a much needed product!
Found one on eBay. Radio Shack seemed to think they’re not getting any more which sounds suspect…and surprising, given how much their store clerks seem to say it is in demand. Hope it’s not because it didn’t work well! I’ll report back.
I found a U-Tube review of the Radio Shack HDMI converter and it wasn’t positive. Bummer! Although, given what the reviewer said it might work well enough for the kids to watch a movie on the small screen? Hopefully they pulled the product and will replace it with something that works well.
Here’s a link to the review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ir4ZRvdvCg
Bummer! Well, I’ll keep it for the kids. If someone doesn’t build a good one, I might have to!
I got the Radio Shack cable. I’m surprised it got such a bad rap. All I wanted it to do is make my iPhone 6 work with the system and it does. No, it’s not 1080p but my kids aren’t complaining soooo.
More importantly for me, I was able to jailbreak my old iPhone 4 so I can use the Hulu, Netflix and YouTube apps and have it display on the screens. It required a program called “Display Out” and one other that allowed my aftermarket composite cable to work but it works great now. The process is explained here: http://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/forum/showthread.php?p=898216#post898216
Thanks for all your help!
I got my Yukon yesterday! I can’t believe how antiquated the entertainment is. Here is my question- can I use an iPad that uses an old 40 pin charger and go the simple way? Does the video/audio automatically mirror onto the screen when I plug it in? Do you need an app?
Hi Cayce,
Once you get the iPad set up with the UBB to composite cable you’ll need to use the cars remote to choose movies. Use the remote to change the media setting to USB and then sort through the options to find Movies on your iPad. You can’t select the movies directly from your iPad as it doesn’t mirror the iPad.
Clear as mud right? Again, I can’t believe how bad the technology is on this new vehicle.
You don’t need an app. It doesn’t mirror the iphone when you use the old 30-pin phone — unfortunately. You have to use the car remote to get to the videos. When you use the newer adapter and iPhone, it does mirror the phone.
First of all, thanks for doing this.
I bought the composite cable and tried it with my iPad 2….With the RCA cable (only) plugged in, I’ve got video and audio, but the audio only comes through the stereo speakers (not the wireless headphones) and i can’t charge the iPad.
When I plug in the USB (along with the RCA), I keep the video and it charges the iPad, but lose audio. If I only use the USB, I only get audio.
I’m grateful that I’ve gotten this far, but do you have any idea how I can get the audio to run through the headphones and maintain the video? Charging the iPad at the same time would be a bonus.
Thx again!
Hi Alex,
I have found my Yukon always works with the wireless speakers no matter what settings I change so I don’t know why your headphones are acting up? Ideas to try:
1) Check the batteries in the headphones – makes sure the little red light is on and the volume is turned up.
2) Click the button on the headphones from 1 to 2, or 2 to 1 – depending on what they are on when you start
3) Use the remote to select screen 1 or screen 2 and match with the settings on your wireless headphones
Sometimes when I loose the Audio over the stereo speakers I have to press “audio” on the touch screen and then and then press “video”.
Last thing to try is confusing but I’ll do my best to explain. Use the touch screen up front to and choose Video, then choose USB. Next use the remote in the back to choose Aux. The driver screen will show USB and the back screen will show AUX and then the audio will play…. sometimes. It’s really weird. Sometimes I just turn the car off and turn it back on and then it works.
Do the headphones work if you put in a DVD? If not you might take it to the dealer and see what they say.
Hope this helps,
Wendi
Hi crafty organic. I tried the Lightning to hdmi adapter, hdmi to hdmi, hdmi to composite converter into the console and I could get the video to play on the front screen and the two fold down screens in the back (2015 Yukon Xl). However, the connection was super finicky, I couldn’t get the video off the front screen by driver and keep it on the rear two. Also, I couldn’t get the sound to the Bluetooth headphines. Any guidance? This is so lame. But I really appreciate your help!!!
A follow up. I forgot to turn the headphines on. Haha. And I did get it off the very front screen so I had radio going for me and wife and movie on Bluetooth geadphines for kids. On both screens in middle and third row of Yukon Xl 2015. The only thing: the hdmi to composite converter is really touchy. I think if there’s a higher end version that holds connections better, it’s prob worth it.
I’m eager to hear how that works….from the technologically challenged iPhone havin GMC Denalli drivin guy. I wouldn’t even know how to get back to this site. So….hopefully I’m not asking too much but hoping you can email you findings
I’ll email you Bill!
guys buy a iPod classic and all your problems are solved. They a getting harder to find but then you can just use a apple 30 pin to composite adapter and you have 160gb of video goodness.
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Hi. I am not tech savvy. I bought all the pieces for option 1. Can you take a picture of these all plugged in together so I can get a better idea what I’m doing? I am really confused by the last step (use your lightning to USB connection to plug in from the Apple to Lightning HDMI Adapter into the Car USB adapter) is that for the rear usb? Making it a “closed circuit”? Again sorry I’m horrible with these things ?
I can’t post a photo here but will in the original post. Hope it helps!
Thanks for all your info!! I have an iPad and connected it with the 30 pin to composite. I got the video to work but no audio… Any suggestions??
Hi Tara,
You might be using it but I’ll say just in case… You have to use the adapter that has the 30 pin to composite that also has a USB connection (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006TST2DS?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B006TST2DS&linkCode=xm2&tag=craforga0d-20). If you’re using that connection and the audio isn’t coming out of the car speakers, what usually works is to use the front seat touch display and “audio” on the touch screen and then and then press “video”. I don’t know what the problem is but whenever I can’t hear video this is what I do and it fixes it.
Other ideas to try:
Last thing to try is confusing but I’ll do my best to explain. Use the touch screen up front to and choose Video, then choose USB. Next use the remote in the back to choose Aux. The driver screen will show USB and the back screen will show AUX and then the audio will play…. sometimes. It’s really weird. Sometimes I just turn the car off and turn it back on and then it works.
For the headphones:
1) Check the batteries in the headphones – makes sure the little red light is on and the volume is turned up.
2) Click the button on the headphones from 1 to 2, or 2 to 1 – depending on what they are on when you start
3) Use the remote to select screen 1 or screen 2 and match with the settings on your wireless headphones
Excellent post Wendi, Thank you. I too was overly disappointing that GM took such wonderful strides to join the 21st century, but made such an obvious omission. Blu Ray player, no HDMI… HMM… Anyway, I had a converter but it required power, and while I would make it work, I do NOT want cables and plugs all over the place. I was not aware of the cable you just showed… Ordering it now.. right now… Using your link if you get credit for it. Thanks, simple article, but solves a lot until someone comes out with a harness adapter that injects the digital HDMI feed into the system.
M.
I just tried option 1 on my 2015 gmc yukon. It doesn’t work, and I set it up precisely as you describe. Not sure why???
That’s strange? What is it doing or not doing? What do you see on the screen? I’m happy to trouble shoot with you. I haven’t had any problems with mine at all.
If it’s all set up correctly and not working in your Yukon try to plug the cable into a TV with a composite connection and see if it works. If it doesn’t work with the TV the cable is probably defective. If it does work with the TV and not your Yukon and you’ve tried working with all the settings you might take it to the dealership and have them troubleshoot.
I actually had a bad composite connection in my 2015 Yukon. The only way I could get the adapter to work was to wiggle the pins around and stick a pen between two of the pins to hold them in place. I took it to the dealership when I had my service done and they replaced it under warranty. I didn’t think that was a common thing so I didn’t post anything about it here but it could be a problem on more Yukons than might I guess??
thank you for the suggestion. Indeed the cables work fine on our tv. I went back to the Yukon and tried again. the first error was the mode was not set to “AUX”. my bad. once I changed that, I had video but no sound. played around with that for a while. finally pushed the music note button on the screen in the center console, and we are good to go!
I would like to use my ipad and set it up as you described. Are there special settings you need for the movies such as max size per file? Also, is there a limit to how many movies you can have on your ipad?
Someone mentioned charging the device, If I am using the charging port to attach it to the tv is there a way to also charge it?
Hi. To watch movies on your iPad they have to be in the correct format to work with your iPad. If you can watch the movie on your iPad then you can mirror the screen on the Yukon using the converter. How many movies you can fit on your iPad depends on the size of storage you have on your iPad. I think ours has about 25 movies.
This is super helpful information. I have a question about the source of videos on my iPad. I have a bunch of movies downloaded through the FandangoNow app (formerly M-GO). Will the connection allow the videos to be played out of this app or do they have to be in the iPad’s native video section?
I think the FandangoNow app should work fine. I have never used it but I have used Netflix from my iPhone and the movie played fine on the screen. It basically just mirrors the iPad if you use the new connector I mention above. If you use the old 30-pin connection it doesn’t work this way and you have to access the movies using the car remote.
I just got everything and tested it out and it works great for showing movies. I did notice I can not use the wireless headphones nor can I listen to the radio while they listen to the movie. Did I hook something up wrong or is there a work around for this? I am not sure I can take 8 hrs in the car listening to movies (although listening to the movies is a lot better than cranky toddlers)
Sorry, I meant to add I did this through my iphone. Would an ipad work differently to be able to listen through the wireless headphones and listening to the radio at the same time?
I have found my Yukon always works with the wireless speakers no matter if I use an ipad or iphone and no matter what settings I change. I don’t know why your headphones are acting up? Ideas to try:
1) Check the batteries in the headphones – makes sure the little red light is on and the volume is turned up.
2) Click the button on the headphones from 1 to 2, or 2 to 1 – depending on what they are on when you start
3) Use the remote to select screen 1 or screen 2 and match with the settings on your wireless headphones
Sometimes when I loose the Audio over the stereo speakers I have to press “audio” on the touch screen and then and then press “video”.
Do the headphones work if you put in a DVD? If not you might take it to the dealer and see what they say.
Hi I have a quick question I just bought my Yukon Denali and have everything I need other than the digital converter and I was wondering once I get everything can movie be played on the drop screen and at the same time on the front screen in the dash while driving. So basically if we are watching a movie in the back can the front screen get it while driving
Hi Tommy, There is a way to do this with a jail break. I haven’t done that as I was told it voids the warranty. I’ve seen the instructions in the Chevy forum so you might check there.
Thank you! Option 1 worked perfect for us!!!
Have you tried a lighting to hdmi, hdmi cable and USB to hdmi adaptor and eliminate the need for component. Then just hook up in the drop space behind radio where there is a usb port
Hi Mike, If you’re using the newer iPhone with digital movies you’ll need to use a converter because the composite and USB connection don’t convert digital to analog system. If the Yukon had an HDMI port it wouldn’t be an issue. I wonder why they didn’t do that? It’s crazy.
I have all the adapters however movies from I phone only appear on radio screen and not back flip down screen?
Here is what another reader did “thank you for the suggestion. Indeed the cables work fine on our tv. I went back to the Yukon and tried again. the first error was the mode was not set to “AUX”. my bad. once I changed that, I had video but no sound. played around with that for a while. finally pushed the music note button on the screen in the center console, and we are good to go!”
Trying to follow up. I have a 2016 Acadia Denali. I bought the components that you suggested, and it works fine on the front screen. but I can not get the back screen to turn on. The screen works for DVDs but not a movie on IPAD or Netflix like the front screen. Do you know what the issue could be.
The only thing I can think of is to use the remote that came with your vehicle and make sure both screen 1 and screen 2 are set to AUX.
Wendi – for my iPhone 6s could I not just use the Apple lighting to 30-pin adapter and then use that to connect to the apple composite AV cables? This way it avoids using hdmi in total? I have a 2016 Chevy suburban with the blu ray dual dvd system. Let me know and thanks for all of the great knowledge!
No, you can’t use the 30-pin adapter because it won’t fit the connection on your 6s phone. Your easiest, and least expensive option will be the HDMI to Composite ConverterI posted about in option 1. It has been the best solution I’ve found and it works great! I can use my iPhone 6s & iPads to watch movies via Netflix, Amazon, Apple store, etc. This options mirrors your phone so movies are controlled directly from the iPhone/iPad so we don’t have to fool around with the entertainment system remote to make it work. I even plug in my phone and let the kids take turns playing Pokemon go while the other kids watch the action unfold on the screen! The cable is not bulky or cumbersome. I tuck it into the little nook that is below the composite connection for storage. This route will cost you around $85 but it works great with current iPads and iPhones that have the lighning connection — The 6s has the lightning connection.
SO I AM GOING WITH OPTION 1 IN MY 2016 GMC ACADIA DENALI. I GET AUDIO BUT ONLY VIDEO IN THE FRONT CONSOLE SCREEN. ANY SUGGEESTIONS ON HOW TO GET THE VIDEO UP ON THE BACK SCREEN?
I APPRECIATE YOUR HELP
ANDY
I see the comment above. thanks
If it’s all set up correctly and not working in your Yukon try to plug the cable into a TV with a composite connection and see if it works. If it doesn’t work with the TV the cable is probably defective. If it does work with the TV and not your Yukon and you’ve tried working with all the settings you might take it to the dealership and have them troubleshoot.
I actually had a bad composite connection in my 2015 Yukon. The only way I could get the adapter to work was to wiggle the pins around and stick a pen between two of the pins to hold them in place. I took it to the dealership when I had my service done and they replaced it under warranty. I didn’t think that was a common thing so I didn’t post anything about it here but it could be a problem on more Yukons than might I guess??
Reply
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jeff says
May 21, 2016 at 9:01 pm
thank you for the suggestion. Indeed the cables work fine on our tv. I went back to the Yukon and tried again. the first error was the mode was not set to “AUX”. my bad. once I changed that, I had video but no sound. played around with that for a while. finally pushed the music note button on the screen in the center console, and we are good to go!
Help. I have option 1 set up and I get sound but only video on the screen up front. The rear drop down screen is dark. Any suggestions would be helpful.
See if this help:
If it’s all set up correctly and not working in your Yukon try to plug the cable into a TV with a composite connection and see if it works. If it doesn’t work with the TV the cable is probably defective. If it does work with the TV and not your Yukon and you’ve tried working with all the settings you might take it to the dealership and have them troubleshoot.
I actually had a bad composite connection in my 2015 Yukon. The only way I could get the adapter to work was to wiggle the pins around and stick a pen between two of the pins to hold them in place. I took it to the dealership when I had my service done and they replaced it under warranty. I didn’t think that was a common thing so I didn’t post anything about it here but it could be a problem on more Yukons than might I guess??
Reply
29
jeff says
May 21, 2016 at 9:01 pm
thank you for the suggestion. Indeed the cables work fine on our tv. I went back to the Yukon and tried again. the first error was the mode was not set to “AUX”. my bad. once I changed that, I had video but no sound. played around with that for a while. finally pushed the music note button on the screen in the center console, and we are good to go!
watch video 2017 models…
Good Evening! We are trying option one on your page to try and mirror an iPad or iPhone to a GMC Yukon XL. I have purchased the cables but cannot seem to make it work. I went to Best Buy and they’re telling me there is no way this is even possible. Can you please help us figure this out?
Hi. See my post above — I even posted a photo of what it would look like. You need to have all the pieces (especially the converter) to make it work. I assure you it does! We use it everyday.
Hi I have a 2015 Chevy Silverado but no rca inputs I have 8 inch screen with the in motion video unlock any ideas
Hi Dom. This isn’t something I’ve tried. I have seen discussions on the Yukon Forum about jail breaking the front screen but I’m not sure how to do that.
Do they just not make a converter with a male HDMI plug and that’s why you need the HDMI to HDMI cable? I have a powered converter in my other vehicle and was under the impression that the converter needed to power to work. Do these new ones just not need power to do the digital to analog conversion? Thanks!
The new converter I mentioned as the best option doesn’t need a power supply! It’s just the cord and super easy and compact.
Do you know anything about the new 2017 Yukon’s? They don’t have a composite hook up, just an HDMI. Will the lightning to HDMI then plugging the HDMI straight into the HDMI port work to play movies from iPhone/ipad?
Yes! See my post about 2017 video solution! https://craftyorganic.com/2017-gmc-chevy-cadillac-watch-video-solution/
Hi thanks I used option 1 work great! How can I get the wireless headphones to work?
I have found my Yukon always works with the wireless speakers no matter what settings I change so I don’t know why your headphones are acting up? Ideas to try:
1) Check the batteries in the headphones – makes sure the little red light is on and the volume is turned up.
2) Click the button on the headphones from 1 to 2, or 2 to 1 – depending on what they are on when you start
3) Use the remote to select screen 1 or screen 2 and match with the settings on your wireless headphones
Sometimes when I loose the Audio over the stereo speakers I have to press “audio” on the touch screen and then and then press “video”.
Last thing to try is confusing but I’ll do my best to explain. Use the touch screen up front to and choose Video, then choose USB. Next use the remote in the back to choose Aux. The driver screen will show USB and the back screen will show AUX and then the audio will play…. sometimes. It’s really weird. Sometimes I just turn the car off and turn it back on and then it works.
Do the headphones work if you put in a DVD? If not you might take it to the dealer and see what they say.
Haven’t tested this yet because I have not taken delivery of my 2017 Yukon XL Denali yet, but you could buy an older Apple TV and leave it in the truck plugged into one of the 110v outlets then have the HDMI cable run from the Apple TV to the inputs for the monitor and then whenever you wanted to watch something on the screen you could simply mirror your phone on the Apple TV wirelessly using ApplePlay. I hope this works….will post an update after I try it.
Hi Michael. If you’re getting the 2017 Denali with an HDMI port then all you need is a lightning to HDMI converter. Here’s a post about it. https://craftyorganic.com/category/reviews/2015-gmc-chevrolet-iphone-cant-watch-videos-solution/. The older Apple TV does let you download your movies — instead of stream them. However, I don’t believe the older Apple TVs work with Apple Play? I really haven’t had the opportunity to work with the new apple play but if you can mirror your iPhone using Apple Play then you might not need to plug in a converter at all? That would be awesome. Let me know what you figure out. Thanks for the comment and ideas!
HI guys- I’m hoping that this thread is still alive and that someone might be able to respond. I have a 2016 Suburban with rear seat entertainment. As you know, the console area has a number of connections, including RCA, USB and AUX.
For the kids, I picked up a Mini-Nintendo NES system, figuring that it would work out for long car rides. I tried to hook it up yesterday and ran into some problems. Out of the box, the NES has 2 connections on the back, power, via either USB or regular wall current, and HDMI. As we know, the ’16 doesn’t offer HDMI as an input. Knowing this was the case I picked up a USB to RCA wire and made the connection between the NES and the Suburban. On the rear seat menu which allows you to toggle inputs, there’s one for DVD, another for AUX, but nothing for RCA. So, essentially, the unit is powering up but not sending a signal through the system, even though there’s a connection.
I don’t see a menu selection for RCA or analog, so I’m wondering if there’s an issue somewhere? Also, does anyone know if a conversion kit is available which would permit HDMI in the rear, or are you talking about replacing the entire system at this point? Thanks in advance for any information you might have!
Greg
Hi Greg! I haven’t tried this but it sounds to me like you’ll need to purchase an HDMI converter for this to work. It’s the same issue as with an iPhone – You can’t convert digital with USB. The NES is digital content and a USB and RCA connection can only carry the sound for – not the images. I would go ahead and try the HDMI to composite converter. It’s not inexpensive and I believe it should work. First, get an HDMI to HDMI Cable ($7), and an HDMI to Composite Converter ($34) The composite Converter doesn’t need to be plugged into any power source. Plug HDMI to HDMI Cable into the NES, then attach the HDMI to Composite Converter. Plug the Converter into the composite (red, white, yellow) connection on your vehicle. You’ll need to change the source via the remote or front screen. The HDMI converter should give you sound and picture through your AUX connection. Let us know how it works! Sounds like a fun idea for a long trip… we may have to try this.
FYI_-Just bought the cables listed in OPTION 1. Works like a charm on my 2016 Yukon Denali. I can connect my iphone7 or my iPad and it mirrors the screen, plays movies, netflix … whatever.
I did purchased the EXACT cables listed…. specifically the HDMI digital converter. it was $82 all 3 bought on Amazon and even got same-day delivery.
I modified your set up a little by using a Samsung 5 phone. I bought it off of Amazon and it doesn’t have the sim card in it. It has a small amount of storage but you can add a micro sd to it and I think expand it to 32gb. I looked at getting an ipod and even getting rid of a lot of the apps you still don’t have a lot of storage left and you can’t expand it with a memory card.
I’d like to also recommend buying rights angle RCA adaptors so the cables don’t stick straight out. Same with the USB port if you use it. My kids cracked off a USB within days when it was sticking out. Not anymore! They all face down. 🙂
Is there anyway to set up a movie on an iPad using a HDMI cord with the wireless headphones and then my husband and I to listen to our own music?
If you plug the iPad into the hdmi port it will pass the video and audio into the built in screen and speakers in your car. You must turn the rear amp on and then turn the headphones on. Set your audio input to radio in the front and you should be able to hear the radio thru the speakers.
Hi, I have a 2016 Denali. The cable configuration listed here worked great. However, for some reason, when streaming Directv to my phone will not display, however, netflix, nfl sunday ticket and other things will. As soon as the video starts on the directv app, screen goes blank. Anyone else seen this?
Did you figure this out? We don’t have Direct TV so I can’t replicate the issue.
How do you get RCA plugs on the radio in a 2014 chevy silverado Stock radio?
I think you’ll need to check with your dealership or somewhere that sells aftermarket parts. I’m not really sure as I’ve never done this. Sorry. 🙂
Hi, m having trouble with my RCA outlets for the rear entertainment system. There is no option on the rear screen , neither on the remote to select.
Use the touch screen up front to and choose Video, then choose USB. Next use the remote in the back to choose Aux. The driver screen will show USB and the back screen will show AUX and then the audio will play…. sometimes. It’s really weird. Sometimes I just turn the car off and turn it back on and then it works.
Anyone know how to use your phone youtube/video on the backseat screens?
When you use the converter I mentioned in option #1 it mirrors your phone and will play whatever you’ve got playing. So Youtube will work. I’ve even plugged in the phone and let one of the kids play PokemonGo and the other kids watch.
Jonathon (and others) re: response #73,
TV providers (Dish, DirecTV, Xfinity) block the usage of the audio/video out port on devices. If they didn’t do that, everyone could have devices with each TV in their house and not a cable box.
I’m trying to connect an iPhone 5 with directv now with option 1 in a 2015 Tahoe. After reading Jonathon’s post does anyone know if DIRECTV now will work? Hoping someone knows before I purchase option 1.
Great article. Ran into a problem I need help with. I used the option 1 setup about 9 months ago in my 2016 Yukon and it worked great. For some reason now it is not working. When I switch the source to USB or AUX it says no media. Is there a setting that needs to be made or something? Using an iPhone 7
Hi! The entertainment system is so fickle. Have you tried changing the settings using the rear remote? Use the touch screen up front to and choose Video, then choose USB. Next use the remote in the back to choose Aux. The driver screen will show USB and the back screen will show AUX and then the audio will play…. sometimes. It’s really weird. Sometimes I just plug everything in and get it set up and then turn the car off and turn it back on and then it works.
Hey, I bought all the cords in option 1 and connect everything but it’s not popping up in the radio and I can’t play anything. Please help
Hi Lavidson,
If you have a few minutes to read through the comments it might help you with your trouble shooting. My first thought is that you need to make sure the system is in the right “mode”. You can play around with the touch screen and remote to get the right combination. See comment below:
If it’s all set up correctly and not working in your Yukon try to plug the cable into a TV with a composite connection and see if it works. If it doesn’t work with the TV the cable is probably defective. If it does work with the TV and not your Yukon and you’ve tried working with all the settings you might take it to the dealership and have them troubleshoot.
I actually had a bad composite connection in my 2015 Yukon. The only way I could get the adapter to work was to wiggle the pins around and stick a pen between two of the pins to hold them in place. I took it to the dealership when I had my service done and they replaced it under warranty. I didn’t think that was a common thing so I didn’t post anything about it here but it could be a problem on more Yukons than might I guess??
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jeff says
May 21, 2016 at 9:01 pm
thank you for the suggestion. Indeed the cables work fine on our tv. I went back to the Yukon and tried again. the first error was the mode was not set to “AUX”. my bad. once I changed that, I had video but no sound. played around with that for a while. finally pushed the music note button on the screen in the center console, and we are good to go!
Worked first time in a 2016 Tahoe. Thanks for the information and shopping guide
Worked perfect in my 2016 Suburban!!!
So long Redbox!
Curious is anyone’s TV screen has failed. We have two 2015 Yukon Denalis (one XL and one regular) and last year, the screen in the regular size truck stopped working. They had to replace it and it was under warranty. But now, the front screen in our XL just stopped working as well. Same symptom – complete failure to turn on. I’m curious if this is more widespread because the one that just went bad isn’t under warranty anymore due to my mileage, so before I have them tell me how $$$ it’s going to be, I’d like to know if there is some known defect that could help get this covered. Thanks.
I haven’t had a problem with my TV screen in my 2105 Yukon. I did have to replace the composite connection (under warranty).
You may be able to sneak in the TV issue under warranty because you can show you had a problem with your screens before the warranty expired. Our dealership made an exception like this on a different vehicle that had AC issues. We had taken it in to get fixed multiple times before our warranty expired so they treated it like a warranty issue when we had the problem after the warranty expired.
hello,
would this also work for a 2013 Chevy Tahoe?
Yes, should work great!