I got the same result with a sub $10 HDMI repeater found on Ebay.
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/371309603879?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
Although it requires a 5V power supply, I tried with and without it and I got back my HDMI either way.
My near dead HDMI also works...