[NonValueAdded]

The coupons are a tax-payer rip off. As with almost any gubermint giveaway, the value of the coupons has been factored in by the suppliers. You get a $10 piece of equipment for your $40 PLUS the gubermint's $40 (rounded). And $10 is being generous.

Same was the student loan program works - schools rake in the cash and then adjust the "student contribution" requirement to get the gravy.

[DevNet]

The DTV chipset that all these contain cost at least 4.80 in 1000 unit quantities.

It would not be economical possible to sell the entire unit for 10.00.

[irishjuggler]

Well, maybe, but my Zenith DTT901 converter box is a pretty damn great piece of equipment for $10. I’m not quite buying your suggestion that the $40 subsidy is illusory.

[GOPJ]

Same was the student loan program works - schools rake in the cash and then adjust the "student contribution" requirement to get the gravy.

In the old days the press would have done an expose of college rips offs - but today? Same bed.

[TruthWillWin]

You get a $10 piece of equipment for your $40 PLUS the gubermint's $40 (rounded). And $10 is being generous.

Most dealers that sell them have a wholesale cost of over $40 for the converter boxes. A typical converter box with analog pass through costs $44 and retails for $59-$69. You are wrong calling the boxes a $10 piece of equipment.