Audio And Video Equipment Technicians

Audio and Video Equipment Technicians

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.

Tasks

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 audiovisual 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, utilizing 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 audiovisual 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 audiovisual activities.
Maintain inventories of audio and video tapes 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.
Plan and develop pre-production ideas into outlines, scripts, story boards, and graphics, using own ideas or specifications of assignments.
Develop manuals, texts, workbooks, or related materials for use in conjunction with production materials or for training.
Obtain and preview musical performance programs prior to events to become familiar with the order and approximate times of pieces.

Knowledge

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.
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.
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.
English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Skills

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Abilities

Oral Comprehension: The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression: The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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.
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).
Far Vision: The ability to see details at a distance.

Work Activities

Interacting With Computers: Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Controlling Machines and Processes: Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Work Context

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled: How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
Electronic Mail: How often do you use electronic mail in this job?
Telephone: How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
Face-to-Face Discussions: How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
Spend Time Sitting: How much does this job require sitting?
Contact With Others: How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
Time Pressure: How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate: How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls: How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?
Freedom to Make Decisions: How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

Interests

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.
Artistic: Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
Enterprising: Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Social: Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Work Style

Attention to Detail: Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Stress Tolerance: Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
Dependability: Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Self Control: Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Adaptability/Flexibility: Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Independence: Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Integrity: Job requires being honest and ethical.
Cooperation: Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Achievement/Effort: Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Analytical Thinking: Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.

Work Values

Relationships: Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Support: Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Independence: Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Working Conditions: Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Achievement: Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Recognition: Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.

Related Occupations

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Lay Titles

Audio Technician

Audio Visual Technician

Audio-Visual Production Specialist

Audio/Visual Manager

Audio/Visual Operator

Audiovisual Communications Systems Technician

Broadcast Engineer

Broadcast Technician

Communications Equipment Operating Technician

Communications Technician

Equipment Technician

Instructional Systems Specialist

Laserist

Light Technician

Lighting Equipment Operator

Master Control Engineer

Master Control Operator (MCO)

Media Technician

Multimedia Educational Specialist

Multimedia Production Assistant

Music Sound Light Technician

Operations Technician

Photographer

Photojournalist

Planetarium Technician

Production Assistant

Production Sound Mixer

Projectionist

Projector Operator

Sight Effects Specialist

Sound Controller

Special Effects Designer

Special Effects Specialist

Stage Technician

Stagehand

Technical Director

Television Technician

Theater Technician

Video Control Operator

Video Editor

Video Operator

Video Production Assistant

Video Technician

Videographer

National Wages and Employment Info

Median Wages (2008):: $20.12 hourly, $41,850 annual.

Employment (2008):: 54,310 employees