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Difference between Active and Passive HDMI Cables
HDMI stands for High-Definition Multimedia Interface. HDMI cables are the modern cable types used for transmitting high quality audio and video signals in digital computers and other digital electronic devices. These days, HDMI cables are widely used for connecting display devices like TVs, monitors, projectors, gamming consoles, etc. to host devices like DVD/CD players, CPU, etc.
HDMI cables were first released in the year of 2002. A digital interface is used in HDMI technology, i.e. HDMI cables transmits audio and video signals in the form of digital packets instead of in the form of analog signals. Also, HDMI cables support high-resolution up to 4k and multi-channel audio formats like DTS (Digital Theater System), Dolby Digital, etc.
There are two different types of HDMI cables available namely, Active HDMI Cable and Passive HDMI Cable. In this tutorial, we will learn about the major differences between active and passive HDMI cables. But before discussing the differences, let us first get a brief overview of both active HDMI cable and passive HDMI cable individually.
What is an Active HDMI Cable?
An Active HDMI Cable is a type of HDMI cable which is capable of boosting and equalizing the signals that it transmits. For this purpose, a built-in electronic system is provided in the active HDMI cable.
Active HDMI cables are primarily designed for long distance transmission without degradation in the signal quality. In addition to long distance data transmission capability, active HDMI cables are also capable for providing Ethernet connectivity, Audio Return Channel (ARC) function, device synchronization, bidirectional data communication between connected devices, and many more such advanced features.
In the case of active HDMI cables, one end of the cable is to be connected to a power source to activate its built-in electronic component and the other end is connected to a display device. Also, active HDMI cables are unidirectional that means they can be plugged into a display device only from one end. This internal component of the active HDMI cable increases the strength of the signal so that it can travel to a longer distance.
Therefore, active HDMI cables are widely used for connecting devices which are separated by a long distance, for example, connecting a display screen in a large conference hall to a laptop.
What is a Passive HDMI Cable?
Passive HDMI Cable is a basic type of HDMI cable which does not contain any internal processor or electronic component to amplify the signal. This type of HDMI cable simply transmit signal between the connected devices.
When signals travel through the cable, the quality of signal degrades over distance, and the passive HDMI cables are not capable to boost and equalize the signals. Therefore, passive HDMI cables are better suited for short distance data transmission. The important thing to note about passive HDMI cables is that they are bidirectional, and thus can be plugged into the display device from both ends.
Therefore, passive HDMI cables are widely used for connecting a laptop to a monitor on a desk, a CPU to a monitor, etc.
Difference between Active HDMI Cable and Passive HDMI Cable
The major differences between active HDMI cable and passive HDMI cable are listed in the following table −
Parameter |
Active HDMI Cable |
Passive HDMI Cable |
|---|---|---|
Basic |
A type of HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) cable which is capable of boosting signal strength that it transmits is called an active HDMI cable. |
A type of HDMI cable which can boost and equalize signals during transmission is called a passive HDMI cable. |
Internal electronic element |
Active HDMI cables contain an internal electronic component that can amplify the signal strength. |
Passive HDMI cables do not contain any internal processor or electronic component to boost the signal strength. |
Need of power source |
Active HDMI cables require a power source to trigger the internal processor. For this it draws power either from the HDMI port itself or a separate power source. |
Due to absence of internal processor, passive HDMI cables do not need any power source. |
Directionality |
Active HDMI cables are unidirectional, which means they can be plugged into a display device from only one end. |
Passive HDMI cables are bidirectional, which means they can be connected to display devices from both ends. |
Suitability |
Active HDMI cables are better suited for connecting distant devices for data transmission over longer distances. |
Passive HDMI cables are better suited for short distance data transmission. |
Signal quality |
Active HDMI cables transmit signals with higher signal quality due to internal signal processing. |
Passive HDMI cables transmit signals with lower signal quality. |
Cost |
Active HDMI cables are relatively more expensive due to additional features. |
Passive HDMI cables are cheaper than active HDMI cables. |
Compatibility |
Active HDMI cables are not compatible with certain devices that do not supply enough power for its proper functioning. |
Passive HDMI cables are compatible with a wider range of devices. |
Design |
Active HDMI cables have relatively complex design due to presence of additional electronic components. |
Passive HDMI cables have simple design than active HDMI cables. |
Bandwidth |
Active HDMI cables support higher signal bandwidths. |
Passive HDMI cables support lower bandwidths. |
Resolution |
Active HDMI cables allow for higher resolutions. |
Passive HDMI cables support relatively lower resolutions than active HDMI cables. |
Addition features |
Active HDMI cables support many additional features like Ethernet connectivity, Audio Return Channel (ARC), etc. |
Passive HDMI cables do not offer any additional feature like active HDMI cables. |
Audio format support |
Active HDMI cables support advanced audio formats like DTS, Dolby Atom, etc. |
Passive HDMI cables do not support advanced audio formats that are supported by active HDMI cables. |
Applications |
Active HDMI cables are widely used for connecting distant devices for long distance transmission of data. For example, a laptop and a distant display screen in a conference hall. |
Passive HDMI cables are used for connected nearer devices like a laptop to a monitor on a desk. |
Conclusion
Both types of cables have their own advantages and disadvantages, such as active HDMI cables have several advanced features like ethernet connectivity and passive HDMI cables are less expensive. The most significant difference between that you should note here is that active HDMI cables are capable of amplifying signals for long distance data transmission, whereas the passive HDMI cables cannot amplify signals, making them suitable for short distance data transmission.
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