Final answer:
A loop-through system has a splitter at each outlet that provides signal to those outlets and passes the remaining signal to the next outlet. A home-run system has a dedicated cable run to each outlet from a common splitter.
Step-by-step explanation:
A loop-through system in cable TV distribution has a splitter or directional coupler at each outlet. This setup allows the signal to be provided to those outlets and also passed to the next outlet. On the other hand, a home-run system has a dedicated cable run to each outlet from a common splitter. In this system, each outlet receives its own dedicated signal without passing it to other outlets.
For example, let's say we have a loop-through system with four outlets. The signal enters the first outlet and is passed to the second outlet, and then to the third outlet, and finally to the fourth outlet. Each outlet receives the signal but also allows it to continue to the next outlet. This setup is useful when multiple outlets need to receive the same signal, such as in a cable TV setup.
On the other hand, in a home-run system, each outlet has its own dedicated cable run from a common splitter. This means that each outlet receives its own separate signal without passing it to other outlets. This setup is useful when individual outlets need to receive different signals or when signal quality needs to be maintained.