Difference between passive and active cables

Question

What's the difference between an active and passive video cable?

Mike · Answer

active cable has a chip in it which processes the video via micro hdmi

Geoff · Answer

A quick explanation is that a passive cable does not draw power from the switches, while active ones do. This is due to signal strength. These type of cables need a signal boost when they get to a certain length. In short, 5m or less are passive cables, over this require the cable to be active.

Errol · Answer

A passive cable carries a signal with no additional components to boost the signal. While an active (copper) cable contains electrical components in the connectors that boost signal levels.

Keith · Answer

The main difference between an active and passive video cable is how they handle the signal being transmitted from the source device (such as a computer or DVD player) to the display device (such as a monitor or TV).

A passive video cable is a basic cable that simply transmits the signal from the source to the display device without any additional processing. Passive cables are typically less expensive and require no external power source, making them easy to use and widely available. However, they can have limitations in terms of distance and signal quality, particularly for longer cable runs or higher-resolution displays.

An active video cable, on the other hand, has built-in signal boosting and processing components that help to maintain the quality and strength of the signal over longer distances. Active cables often require external power sources, which can be in the form of a separate power supply or a USB connection to the source device. The added components and processing capabilities of active cables can help to improve signal quality and eliminate issues such as signal loss or distortion.

In general, passive cables are suitable for shorter cable runs and lower-resolution displays, while active cables are more suitable for longer cable runs and higher-resolution displays. The specific type of cable required will depend on the devices being used, the distance between them, and the desired resolution and signal quality. It's important to check the manufacturer's specifications and recommendations when selecting a video cable to ensure that it is compatible with your specific setup and requirements.

Difference between passive and active cables

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