September 4, 2008

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- No big screens in the big house could lead
to big trouble.

The upcoming switch to digital TV is presenting a challenge to
prison officials who want to make sure prison televisions are up
and running.

When broadcasters make the switch in February, televisions that
aren't hooked up to cable, satellite or a converter box will be
reduced to static.

Prison officials are growing concerned about TVs possibly not
working. That's because prisoners don't qualify for $40 coupons
that can be redeemed for the converter boxes needed to display the
digital signal.

While TV might seem like an undeserved luxury for inmates, both
prison officials and prisoners say the tube provides a sense of
normalcy. It's also used as a bargaining chip that encourages good
behavior.