Career:
Audio and Video Equipment Technician
Job 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.
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What Audio and Video Equipment Technicians do:
- Notify supervisors when major equipment repairs are needed.
- Install, adjust, and operate electronic equipment to record, edit, and transmit radio and television programs, motion pictures, video conferencing, or multimedia presentations.
- Compress, digitize, duplicate, and store audio and video data.
- Diagnose and resolve media system problems.
- Mix and regulate sound inputs and feeds, or coordinate audio feeds with television pictures.
- Perform minor repairs and routine cleaning of audio and video equipment.
- Design layouts of audio and video equipment, and perform upgrades and maintenance.
- Switch sources of video input from one camera or studio to another, from film to live programming, or from network to local programming.
- Conduct training sessions on selection, use, and design of audiovisual materials and on operation of presentation equipment.
- Maintain inventories of audio and video tapes and related supplies.
- Construct and position properties, sets, lighting equipment, and other equipment.
- Analyze and maintain data logs for audiovisual activities.
- Monitor incoming and outgoing pictures and sound feeds to ensure quality, and notify directors of any possible problems.
- Locate and secure settings, properties, effects, and other production necessities.
- Inform users of audio and videotaping service policies and procedures.
- Control the lights and sound of events, such as live concerts, before and after performances, and during intermissions.
- Record and edit audio material such as movie soundtracks, using audio recording and editing equipment.
- Obtain, set up, and load videotapes for scheduled productions or broadcasts.
- Direct and coordinate activities of assistants and other personnel during production.
- Determine formats, approaches, content, levels, and mediums to effectively meet objectives within budgetary constraints, utilizing research, knowledge, and training.
- Develop manuals, texts, workbooks, or related materials for use in conjunction with production materials or for training.
- Reserve audiovisual equipment and facilities such as meeting rooms.
- Organize and maintain compliance, license, and warranty information related to audio and video facilities.
- Perform narration of productions, or present announcements.
- Edit videotapes by erasing and removing portions of programs and adding video or sound as required.
- Meet with directors and senior members of camera crews to discuss assignments and determine filming sequences, camera movements, and picture composition.
- Plan and develop pre-production ideas into outlines, scripts, story boards, and graphics, using own ideas or specifications of assignments.
- Produce rough and finished graphics and graphic designs.
- Obtain and preview musical performance programs prior to events to become familiar with the order and approximate times of pieces.
What work activities does an Audio and Video Equipment Technician do?
| Importance | 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. |
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Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. |
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Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. |
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. |
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Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles). |
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Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. |
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Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others. |
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Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. |
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. |
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Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects. |
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Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data. |
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Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form. |
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Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. |
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Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles. |
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Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions. |
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Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards. |
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Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used. |
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Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people. |
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Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts. |
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Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others. |
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Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. |
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Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things. |
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Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity. |
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Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money. |
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Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks. |
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Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests. |
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Provide Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics. |
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Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork. |
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Communicating with Persons Outside Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail. |
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Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials. |
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Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance. |
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Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them. |
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Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills. |
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