Example Career: Audio and Video Equipment Technicians

Career Description

Set up, or set up and operate audio and video equipment including microphones, sound speakers, video screens, projectors, video monitors, recording equipment, connecting wires and cables, sound and mixing boards, and related electronic equipment for concerts, sports events, meetings and conventions, presentations, and news conferences. May also set up and operate associated spotlights and other custom lighting systems.

What Job Titles Audio and Video Equipment Technicians Might Have

• Audio Visual Technician
• Broadcast Engineer
• Master Control Operator (MCO)
• Production Assistant

What Audio and Video Equipment Technicians Do

• Install, adjust, and operate electronic equipment to record, edit, and transmit radio and television programs, motion pictures, video conferencing, or multimedia presentations.
• Diagnose and resolve media system problems.
• Switch sources of video input from one camera or studio to another, from film to live programming, or from network to local programming.
• Mix and regulate sound inputs and feeds or coordinate audio feeds with television pictures.
• Compress, digitize, duplicate, and store audio and video data.
• Perform minor repairs and routine cleaning of audio and video equipment.
• Notify supervisors when major equipment repairs are needed.
• Design layouts of audio and video equipment and perform upgrades and maintenance.
• Conduct training sessions on selection, use, and design of audio-visual materials and on operation of presentation equipment.
• Monitor incoming and outgoing pictures and sound feeds to ensure quality and notify directors of any possible problems.
• Determine formats, approaches, content, levels, and mediums to effectively meet objectives within budgetary constraints, using research, knowledge, and training.
• Obtain, set up, and load videotapes for scheduled productions or broadcasts.
• Meet with directors and senior members of camera crews to discuss assignments and determine filming sequences, camera movements, and picture composition.
• Reserve audio-visual equipment and facilities, such as meeting rooms.
• Record and edit audio material, such as movie soundtracks, using audio recording and editing equipment.
• Direct and coordinate activities of assistants and other personnel during production.
• Control the lights and sound of events, such as live concerts, before and after performances, and during intermissions.
• Analyze and maintain data logs for audio-visual activities.
• Maintain inventories of audio and videotapes and related supplies.
• Inform users of audio and videotaping service policies and procedures.
• Organize and maintain compliance, license, and warranty information related to audio and video facilities.
• Construct and position properties, sets, lighting equipment, and other equipment.
• Perform narration of productions or present announcements.
• Edit videotapes by erasing and removing portions of programs and adding video or sound as required.
• Locate and secure settings, properties, effects, and other production necessities.
• Produce rough and finished graphics and graphic designs.

What Audio and Video Equipment Technicians Should Be Good At

• Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
• Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
• Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
• Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
• Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
• Written Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

What Audio and Video Equipment Technicians Should Be Interested In

• Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
• Investigative - Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
• Conventional - Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

What Audio and Video Equipment Technicians Need to Learn

• Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
• Communications and Media - Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
• Telecommunications - Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
• English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
• Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.