Why dosent the gov give pensioners digital tvs in stead of set top boxes it would be cheaper?

I think this question is meant to be directed to the Australian federal governments proposal to give pensioners set top boxes in leiue of looking after them long term, the average pensioner can easily see through this as a cheap and nasty way to buy their vote at the next election , this is typical of the appalling incompetence of the Gillard govt..what next ?? pink TV aerials ? solar TV aerials ? antennas ?? god help us..bring on the next election soon.