Active / Optical Construction
Active or optical construction uses powered electronics, and sometimes optical fibre, to carry the HDMI signal.
Active electrical cables condition the signal electrically; active optical cables convert relevant signals between electrical and optical forms. The construction type does not by itself specify supported HDMI features.
Active / Optical Construction — HDMI Cable
For an HDMI cable, active construction can support a specified longer run while imposing direction or power requirements. An optical design can still contain electrical paths for power or other functions.
Compare the supported format at the actual cable length, and identify any source/display labels or auxiliary power requirement. Do not assume an active cable works equally in either direction or that an optical section guarantees complete electrical isolation. Confirm required return-channel features separately.