Active or Passive Mini DisplayPort to Hdmi for Surface pro 2017?

[Dalsim]

I just got a Surface pro 2017 and I plan to hook it to a computer monitor and my 4k tv.
A bit confused with those active/passive adapter? Do I need one to output to my 4K tv?

 

[alexoiu]

Most probably a passive one would work.

 

[dalsim007]

But what is the actual purpose of ACTIVE vs PASSIVE?
I am looking more for a certain answer than a probable one But thank you

 

[alexoiu]

It depends on the DP implemented by the manufacturer.
Here: https/en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DisplayPort
"DisplayPort is backwards compatible with VGA, DVI and HDMI through the use of passive and active adapters."
"The DisplayPort LVDS signal protocol is not compatible with DVI or HDMI. However, dual-mode DisplayPorts are designed to transmit a single-link DVI or HDMI 1.2/1.4 TMDS protocol across the interface through the use of an external passive adapter that selects the desired signal and converts it from 3.3 volts to 5 volts"
And so on.

 

[dalsim007]

So anyone has an idea of how this implementation is on the Surface Pro 2017? no information is available on that on MS site...