Would you love to work behind the scenes of a major film production, sporting event, concert, or even a community speaking affair?

Do you also have a knack for all things technological and love the thought of breaking into the IT (Information Technology) world?

If so, then you might be the perfect person for employment as an audio-visual technician, also known as an AV Tech.

 

Today we will take a behind the scenes look at what a career as an AV Tech might look like so you can see if this is the career path you should be pursuing.

 

What is an AV Technician?

An AV Technician is someone who sets up, fixes, and maintains audio and video equipment.  There are several different types of AV Tech positions that you can specialize in.  Some of the most important ones that premier recording schools, such as The Sheffield Institute for the Recording Arts, train their students to excel in include:

• Cable Installer
• Audio Installation Technician
• Video Installation Technician
• AV Equipment Maintenance Technician

As an AV Tech you are expected to be an expert at working with many different types of audio and video equipment such as televisions, stereo components, home theater systems, video projectors, monitors, recording equipment, microphones, and speaker systems.  During events, AV Techs are responsible for monitoring, troubleshooting, and repairing any equipment during and after use, in addition to the basic setup and breakdown of such equipment.

As an AV Tech you have the option of working in many different audio and video sectors.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top industries for AV Techs are the motion picture/video industries, commercial and industrial machinery and equipment rental and leasing businesses, radio and TV broadcasting, college/university/professional school settings, and performing arts events.

 Still interested?  Here are some of the most popular places you may find yourself working:

• Concerts
• Meetings
• Conferences
• Presentations
• Sporting events
• Electronics stores
• News conferences
• People’s homes
• Places of business
• Motion picture film sets
• And more!

 

Common AV Tech Duties

Oftentimes people do not realize what goes on behind the scenes of a great performance and fail to credit the hard working experts responsible for such a great show. 

If you have ever wondered what you would be able to take credit for as an AV Tech, keeping reading.

Setup of electronic equipment and devices

Regardless of whether you are setting up for a major concert event or are just making a house to call to the average big screen TV owner, AV Techs calibrate, tune, and adjust equipment to ensure proper functioning.  With this comes testing to make sure there are no performance glitches, especially if the equipment is for a large event.

Repair of electronic equipment and devices

The inspection of equipment and devices used during an event or video falls on the shoulders of the AV Tech.  This way, if something is not functioning properly, the AV Tech can quickly step in and make the appropriate adjustments. 

Being able to interpret electronic circuit diagrams, equipment specifications, and service manuals plays a large role in whether you will be a successful AV Tech or not.

Ability to instruct others

As with any major production, there is a team of people that all work together to make the event come together as expected.  A qualified AV Tech be involved with others if a major malfunction occurs and enlist them to help with the setup of equipment. 

As a team player that can instruct others to help during difficult times, you will remain valuable to the company you work for.  This is also true for AV Techs that help people with equipment in their homes.  Being able to teach customers the safe and proper way to use their new equipment is essential for the success of the company you work for.

Creativity behind the set 

Since AV Techs work so closely with all things audio and visual, when it comes to events both big and small, they are often consulted by directors for ideas. 

An AV Tech may be able to offer insight in equipment upgrades and pricing options, can help create a unique setup involving complex lighting and sound systems, coordinate cues with other members of the team, and take on the task of preparing special effects such as smoke machines, bubble makers, pyrotechnics, and other crowd pleasers.

 

AV Tech Equipment

AV Techs are able to work with a wide range of equipment varying in degree of sophistication.  Depending on the industry, a typical day as an AV Tech may involve working with equipment such as:

• Projectors
• Sound Systems
• Video Conferencing Equipment
• LCD or plasma screens
• Video and still cameras
• Image editing software
• Control rigs
• Lighting systems

 

However, there are some more complex tools that AV Techs may use such as:

• Multimeters.   A tool to measure voltage, current, and resistance.  Typically a hand held machine (although for highly advanced systems there are larger ones), the multimeter is used to fault check for electrical problems in a wiring system.
• Voltmeters.  An instrument for measuring electric potential in volts in an electrical circuit. 
• Oscilloscopes.  This is an electronic test instrument meant to observe the changes in electrical signals over time and are graphed for easily analysis.  It can check things such as amplitude, frequency, rise time, time interval, and distortion.
• Digital Storage Scopes.  This is the advanced version of a traditional oscilloscope.  Measuring the same electrical signals, the digital storage scope has an advanced trigger, storage, display, and measurement feature making for an even easier analysis.

 

Skills to Have as an AV Tech

Working as an AV Tech takes a special kind of person. 

Having excellent technical skills with electrical equipment and IT are not enough.  You must also be a quick problem-solver, have good organizational skills, and have a flexible approach to many tasks that are commonly happening all at once. 

You must be able to work alone and get the job done without being given any direction, while also being able to work with a team.  Deadlines are important and pressure will rise, and you have to be okay with both.  And lastly, as with any electrical job, you must have a heightened sense of safety because this job comes with many risks.

 

Final Thoughts

Becoming an AV Technician is an exciting and adventurous career choice.  There are dozens of options when it comes to specific industries to work in, there are many opportunities to specialize and truly excel in what you enjoy, and it gives those with a technological mind a chance to show off their talent.

If you have decided to pursue the exciting career path of an AV Technician and live in the Baltimore area, consider contacting The Sheffield Institute for the Recording Arts to get started today.  Preparing you for the highly competitive audio-video industry, Sheffield will teach you visual installation techniques, how to manage and operate audio and video equipment, and ways to maintain equipment so problems don’t pop up on your watch. 

With the perfect blend of hands-on training and lectures given by industry experts, Sheffield is the best place to become a certified AV Tech in Maryland.