I have a Samsung 720p plasma with a PJ screen (for the 1080p PJ) that drops down in front of the plasma...If I had a choice I guess I'd prefer they display at the same time so there's never anything I need to worry about such as programming a remote or manually pressing a button. But a switching type would be ok.

The PICKY plamsa refuses to display images from monoprices 4X2 (I've tried three of them) or their 4X1. I'm scared to try their 1X2. I'm almost wondering if less is better, meaning the cheapest/simpliest design without all the equalizers or repeaters would be the best option. I did just get the Onkyo 506 and the plamsa works through it which is a god-sent but it still has only one output.

Other than some cheapo ebay units, monoprice and firefold, what other options is there? What do you guys think would be the best for me?

Zektor.com

Zektor.com

I just need a 1x2. Also the firefold is $65ish...The only dual output product I see by them is $729...

Options in the HDMI arena that "tend" to work as advertised:
Gefen
Key Digital
For a 1x2 either company's product has worked perfectly for me, every time. THey are both distribution amplifiers so they don't have to be switched. Both outputs are hot all the time.

I ordered the firefold, I'll post up the results when I get it.

My solution for the Monoprice 4*2 dual HDMI output was to insert a $900 Lumagen video processor with DVI connectors ONLY between the receiver and the second display. I set the processors firmware to ONLY sent the processor's EDID data back to the Monoprice and not from the second display. Finally after years of constant headache a DVI connection was the solution.
Monoprice does sell a DVI Doctor for those with willing to do whatever it takes to get HDMI to deliver on its promise. Cutting off the flow of conflicting handshake info is the best solution I know of for multiple HDMI outputs.
Note: the audio needs to be stripped off first by the receiver so that only the video is left on the HDMI cable feeding the display.

I can't believe it, but I both got the spilter fold in the mail today, it was ordered wednesday night! Furthermore, it works great, intially. The monoprice also worked initially. Anyways so far I'm really happy for the first time that I don't have to manually switch anything