7219 Alternatives

What are peoples thoughts on alternatives to the Maxim chips? Whilst I have a few for proto purposes theyre pretty pricey in commercial applications due to the $10 price tag.

Basically I need to drive 4 7 segement led displays which I could multiplex and drive through transistors straight from Arduino but it can be a bit flickery and waste a load of pins, so I was wonder what cost, pin and code effective alternative there are around?

Ta,

G.

Unless this is for a final product, how 'bout just a couple of
pins and use a pre-made 4-digit (7-segment) display like the
Arduino Playground - HC4LED-library?
There's no decimal points -- dunno if that's important to you.

Just a thought...

-Rusty-