Connecting 2 TVs to HDMI port on FIOS HD cable box

Question

I want to connect two HD TVs to a single FIOS HD Set Top Box (STB) that has one HDMI output.  The two TVs will be back to back across a wall between our family room and kitchen so cable distances for the **bleep**hest TV will be ~15'.  I realize both TVs wouldl have to "watch" the same channel selected on the STB.  Can I just use a passive HDMI "splitter" like this one: http://www.cablesunlimited.com/products/Prod_Individual3.aspx?groupcode=I3587 ? Would an active splitter like this: http://www.cablesunlimited.com/products/Prod_Individual3.aspx?groupcode=I3605 offer any advantage for my situation?  Any help will be appreciated.

Answer 1

I would be wary of the passive splitter as it doesn't list HDCP compliance.  This may cause the handshake between the STB and TV to fail if 2 sets try to respond to the handshake request.  The active splitter lists compliance but is quite expensive at $159.
As for the use of component cables (red / blue / green RCA jacks), that will still give full HD resolution but require a separate audio connection.  All the outputs on the HD STBs are active simultaneously so no additional hardware besides the cables would be required.  Many people feel there is little or no difference between HDMI and component. It would be cheaper to at least try component cables first as they can be had fairly inexpensively from monoprice.com (have used their HDMI and component cables with excellent results).
The ultimate choice depends on what you, the viewer, feel is best.
If a forum member gives an answer you like, give them the Kudos they deserve. If a member gives you the answer to your question, mark the answer as Accepted Solution so others can see the solution to the problem.