Should PCM receivers really cost more?
I haven't seen the circuitry, but PCM is just another integrated chip isn't it?
If it is, then forget about the unit costs, it's only the development costs, the software and tooling costs that are being recovered, and you don't see physical evidence of any of those in the product itself.
After all, the material the chips made of is silicon, and that's available by the ton, free, on any beach!
-David C.