Active video converters are required for what type of CATV distribution system?

Video over balanced twisted-pair systems use structured cabling (such as Category cable) instead of coaxial cable, so active balun converters are required at each end to convert the unbalanced 75-ohm coaxial signal to a balanced signal suitable for transmission over twisted-pair. Without these active converters, impedance mismatch and signal degradation would make the system unusable. Active converters also compensate for the higher attenuation characteristics of twisted-pair at video frequencies.

Trunk and tap systems use standard 75-ohm coaxial cable throughout and do not require signal conversion - only passive taps and active amplifiers for level maintenance.

Home run systems use individual coaxial cable runs and connect directly to CATV equipment without requiring signal format conversion.

Video over optical fiber requires optical transceivers to convert electrical signals to light, but those are classified as optical conversion devices, not active video converters in the CATV context.