How to Become Audio And Video Technician?

What do Audio and Video Technicians do?

An Audio and Video Technician typically needs to:

• Install, operate, and adjust audio and video equipment for live or recorded events, such as microphones, sound speakers, sound & mixing boards, video cameras, monitors & servers, accompanying spotlights, additional bespoke lighting systems, and other electronic equipment.
• Collaborate with event coordinators to determine audiovisual needs; source equipment and handle equipment reservations.
• Install and configure electronic equipment for recording, editing, and transmitting material.
• Interpret electronic circuit schematics, service manuals, and layout diagrams; set up equipment in accordance with these specifications; safely run cables and wires; conduct health and safety evaluations on mounted structures and electrical equipment
• During rehearsals and performances, work with assistants and other professionals.
• After installing or repairing components, ensure optimal performance by testing, troubleshooting, and fine-tuning them; report any damages or repairs required to the audio and video manager.
• Mix soundboards; record audio tracks using recording equipment and, on occasion, complicated software; compress, digitise, and save media to digital forms for editing
• Upload and play video recordings for productions or broadcasts; when needed, improve lighting and arrange graphics for an event.
• Synchronise sound and conversation with on-screen activities; monitor visual and sound feeds for quality and troubleshooting.
• Understand and apply Ohm’s law and metres to measure signal output
• Keep inventory of the equipment used and recordings made at each event
• After events, de-rig equipment and supervise replacement or repair of equipment; diagnose and correct media system problems.
• With varied levels of technology abilities, provide customer service to students, teachers, vendors, and the general public; maintain customer satisfaction and relations
• Remain updated on how to use emerging technologies

Standard Work Environment

Audio and video technicians usually operate indoors, in an office, during meetings, conventions, presentations, conferences, or even in electronic stores. For concerts and sporting events, they may work either indoors or outside.

Typically, you will operate as a team and may be expected to engage directly with clients in order to understand their individual needs. Audio and video technicians frequently work with electronic equipment that involves heavy lifting of 25 to 50 pounds.

You may need to commute between customer locations and business locations in the same city, which may necessitate the use of a personal automobile. Travel may be required from time to time to record or broadcast news from other areas, or to offer technical support to live or recorded events in other cities or towns.

Work Schedule

Audio and Visual Technicians normally work Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., for a 40-hour work week. Conferences and exhibitions may necessitate working late into the evenings and on weekends, whereas school or college positions may only be part-time. Audio & Visual Technicians must be available to work at all hours of the day and night to accommodate various events.

Employers

Finding a new job may appear challenging. Asking their network for referrals, contacting firms directly, using job search platforms, attending job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies can all help Audio and Video Technicians improve their job hunt.

An Audio and Video Technician is generally employed by: 

• Motion Picture & Video Industries
• Radio & Television Broadcasting
• Educational Institutions
• Audio & Video System Designers
• Equipment Rental & Leasing Agencies
• Libraries
• Government Agencies
• Aerospace Companies
• Information Technology Firms
• Promoters of Performing Arts & Sports

Unions / Professional Organizations

Professional associations and organizations, such as AVIXA (the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association), which produces InfoComm trade shows around the world, are essential for Audio and Video Technicians who want to further their professional development or connect with other professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more of these organizations adds value to your CV while strengthening your credentials and qualifications.

Workplace Challenges

• Monitoring the availability of AV equipment as it can comprise voluminous, diverse, and complex kits of items such as mics, projectors, video walls, lighting booms, or fine parts even harder to locate, such as cables and connectors
• The need to incorporate diverse software applications for the deployment of equipment
• The high legal and operating costs that audiovisual projects incur
• Miscommunication with clients or colleagues can make it tricky to achieve targets
• Dealing with manual and outdated records of availability, which can result in missed deadlines and lost revenue
• A reactive approach to equipment maintenance, which results in unplanned downtime due to unexpected equipment breakdowns, which harms the condition of equipment, causes delays and results in a higher total cost of ownership of assets
• Tracking items as they are transported across multiple locations, for instance, to record and broadcast news from different places; inadequacy of spreadsheets to ensure greater visibility of the use and location of assets
• Poor equipment management practices, particularly not investing in AV equipment tracking software to increase accuracy by eliminating potential human error
• Monitoring the availability of AV equipment as it can comprise voluminous, diverse, and complex kits of items such as mics, projectors, video walls, lighting booms, or fine parts even harder to locate, such as cables and connectors
• Lack of visibility and control over assets in transit; the risk of equipment theft and damage, which increases with more mobility or smaller inventory
• Monitoring the availability of AV equipment as it can comprise voluminous, diverse, and complex kits of items such as mics, projectors, video walls, lighting booms, or fine parts such as cables and connectors, which are even harder to locate
• Delays and expenditures resulting from the need to replace lost items on short notice

Suggested Work Experience

Experience is required for employment and progress in the field of audio and video technologies.

Working with multimedia equipment and procedures for school or college clubs or events, amateur theatre shows, or an events firm provides practical experience. Apprenticeship programs for creative venue technicians or live event technicians can help you start building a strong technical foundation. Installing digital technologies, home theatres, sound, lighting, and security systems also provides plenty of practice. Some businesses, however, demand experience working at live events.

Some businesses may provide you with informal training, particularly if you work with experienced technicians. Alternatively, you could receive professional supervision for several weeks or months to master the fundamentals of electronics diagnostics and repair before working independently.

Some businesses, however, prefer individuals who have completed technical training courses or associate degree programmes in the installation, operation, and maintenance of electronics and audiovisual equipment. These programmes assist you in reducing the number of hours of on-the-job training required. Employers may also expect you to have good customer service abilities.

Recommended Qualifications

To qualify for entry-level work in the audiovisual business, audio, and video technicians normally need a high school diploma. However, an associate degree in audiovisual technology or a similar discipline, as well as a bachelor’s degree in sound engineering, cinema studies, or film production, are advantageous.

Employers may occasionally need a bachelor’s degree in communications, broadcasting, or journalism.

Your degree programs will prepare you to work in the music and entertainment industries, broadcast media, and other professions that utilize audio and video technology and equipment.

It can be advantageous to have finished high school courses in maths, physics, computer science, and electronics.

Certifications, Licenses, and Registration

An Audio and Video Technician’s proficiency in a skill area is demonstrated through job experience, training, and passing an examination. Certification from a reputable and objective body may help you stand out in a competitive job market, carry a large wage premium of up to 18%, boost your prospects of progression, and enable you to work as an independent consultant.

Although accreditation is not required, it is beneficial for aspiring broadcast or sound engineering technicians. The general Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) credential, as well as the design and installation CTS credentials given by AVIXA (Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association), may improve your job prospects. You would have to qualify for these through exams and renew them on a regular basis.

A driver’s license would be useful for you to commute between venues.

Projected Career Map

Career advancement is driven by performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional certifications. Employees who consistently deliver above-average results may be eligible for advancement every two to three years.

Working as a Junior Level Audio Visual Tech, you would often set up, operate, and maintain essential audio, video, and photography equipment to coordinate events such as teleconferencing programs. You would also be responsible for catalogues and file specifications, as well as assisting top-level colleagues with technical production concerns.

As an Audio Visual Room Engineer, you would implement, debug, and maintain room-based audio/visual technology while also training clients and staff to use them.

You might also work as a Web Content Analyst or Audio Visualisation Tech, performing technical activities relating to audio visualization while utilizing audio and video conferencing tools and technologies. You’d be in charge of AV/IT mechanisms such as codecs, cameras, microphones, mixers, control panels, and audio/video switches. You would also employ audio-visual system post-production technology.

You would be in charge of product and service management as an Audiovisual Product Manager. To improve the company’s financial success, you would deal with product goals and prices, measure service performance, and determine product enhancements through product analysis. These managers’ systems include audio, video, video conferencing, voting and control systems, and director stations.

With continued education, you may be able to move to the positions of Supervisory Technician or Chief Engineer. The experience could lead to a career as an Audiovisual Manager, Events Manager, or in lighting or sound design. You might also sell equipment and services as a side business.

Audio and video technicians typically find entry-level positions in small markets or at tiny stations in larger markets. They transfer to larger and higher-paying radio or television stations after gaining the necessary expertise and skills.

With adequate work experience and a network of contacts, you may get into self-employment or freelancing, such as installing home AV equipment.

Job Prospects

In-depth knowledge and specialist practical abilities in audio-visual technology, as well as proficiency in computer and media software, will improve your work prospects for entry-level positions. A bachelor’s degree in engineering or computer science may allow you to advance your career at huge television stations.

Beneficial Professional Development

Employers may provide formal apprenticeship programs for newly hired Audio and Video Technicians or allow them to learn necessary skills while working under the supervision of older technicians.

Even if you are currently a trained technician, you can advance your profession by earning a bachelor’s, master’s, or graduate certificate in audio technology. Advanced certifications will help you hone your talents as a recording studio engineer, movie sound designer, or music business specialist. You can move to the positions of supervising technicians or chief engineers through continued study and a strong technical foundation.

Conclusion of Audio And Video Technician

Hands-on technical support is frequently required in a variety of fields to set up and operate multimedia and distant education equipment, troubleshoot audiovisual equipment, and work with small and large group events. Audio and video technicians rarely have a boring day at work, not only because their work is varied, but also because technology in their industry is continually improving, resulting in new equipment and techniques to work with.

Advice from the Wise

Inspect the entire production stage thoroughly and methodically for set faults, missing equipment, bad wiring, lighting, and other technical factors that contribute to the event’s excellence. When you give the green light that everything is in order, the manufacturing process will most likely be more efficient.

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