Pathleader,

I checked around and even went to Illinoisprisontalk.org. It appears he has to purchase the TV from the commissary there at the prison. None of the prisons I was ever in allowed one to be sent in.

BUT, I would call the prison first to be sure. If he can buy it on the commissary, just ask him how much and put the money on his books. Then he can go to the commissary and buy it there.

rewdiazepam

In CA, there are approved vendors that you can order packages from. They can receive quarterly packages, but also can receive as many special packages that are electronics whenever and as many as you would like. We sent hub a tv and earphones and a few other things.

Check online to see if there is a vendor list you can order from.

Pathleader--

I bought a TV for my loved one in an Illinois prison. It had to be purchased from the commissary (approximately $165) and the prison etched his name/ID number on it. He's also not allowed to share it with anyone and he can't give it to anyone there when he leaves. It's clear plastic--I guess so the inmates don't use the components for anything else. I hope this helps. Oh--and I know he really enjoys having the freedom to watch whatever he wants. It's a small freedom, but a nice little luxury. Best to you and your family member.

MM

The TVs are clear plastic and you can see through the plastic to see all the electronic components.

They did this so inmates could not hide drugs in the back of their TV. Inmates were taking the back off the TV, stashing drugs in there, then putting the back back on and you could not even tell it had been opened.

The COs would do a shakedown and never think to look on the inside of the TV set, so they stopped it by only selling TVs with a clear plastic case.

rewdiazepam

Never knew that rew. But it makes sense. Thanks--

It was about $165 in Iowa prisons too. But that was without tax and they also charge a prison tax called 'pay for stay'. All together it was 13% tax. So it was like $186 after tax. In some prisons they also detach or remove the TV speaker so you have to buy headphones or earbuds. Some TV's come with earbuds but they suck. Headphones were about $15. I was able to open my case and reattach the speaker. I still have the TV I bought in prison setting here next to my computer desk. It cost about $15 to ship it home since they wouldn't let me take it on the greyhound bus home.