Audio and Video Technicians

27-4011.00

Set up, maintain, and dismantle audio and video equipment, such as microphones, sound speakers, connecting wires and cables, sound and mixing boards, video cameras, video monitors and servers, and related electronic equipment for live or recorded events, such as concerts, meetings, conventions, presentations, podcasts, news conferences, and sporting events.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

• Notify supervisors when major equipment repairs are needed.
• Diagnose and resolve media system problems.
• Direct and coordinate activities of assistants and other personnel during production.
• Compress, digitize, duplicate, and store audio and video data.
• Install, adjust, and operate electronic equipment to record, edit, and transmit radio and television programs, motion pictures, video conferencing, or multimedia presentations.
• Control the lights and sound of events, such as live concerts, before and after performances, and during intermissions.
• Switch sources of video input from one camera or studio to another, from film to live programming, or from network to local programming.
• Record and edit audio material, such as movie soundtracks, using audio recording and editing equipment.
• Perform minor repairs and routine cleaning of audio and video equipment.
• 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.
• Mix and regulate sound inputs and feeds or coordinate audio feeds with television pictures.
• Construct and position properties, sets, lighting equipment, and other equipment.
• Reserve audio-visual equipment and facilities, such as meeting rooms.
• Determine formats, approaches, content, levels, and mediums to effectively meet objectives within budgetary constraints, using research, knowledge, and training.
• Edit videotapes by erasing and removing portions of programs and adding video or sound as required.
• Obtain, set up, and load videotapes for scheduled productions or broadcasts.
• Produce rough and finished graphics and graphic designs.
• Locate and secure settings, properties, effects, and other production necessities.
• Meet with directors and senior members of camera crews to discuss assignments and determine filming sequences, camera movements, and picture composition.
• Maintain inventories of audio and videotapes and related supplies.
• Obtain and preview musical performance programs prior to events to become familiar with the order and approximate times of pieces.
• Perform narration of productions or present announcements.
• Plan and develop pre-production ideas into outlines, scripts, story boards, and graphics, using own ideas or specifications of assignments.
• Organize and maintain compliance, license, and warranty information related to audio and video facilities.
• Inform users of audio and videotaping service policies and procedures.
• Analyze and maintain data logs for audio-visual activities.
• Develop manuals, texts, workbooks, or related materials for use in conjunction with production materials or for training.

Technology Skills

• Computer aided design CAD software - Computer aided design CAD software
• Data base user interface and query software - Blackboard software; Microsoft Access 🔥
• Desktop publishing software - Adobe InDesign 🔥
• Electronic mail software - Microsoft Outlook 🔥
• Graphics or photo imaging software - Adobe Illustrator 🔥; Adobe Photoshop 🔥
• Internet browser software - Web browser software
• Internet protocol IP multimedia subsystem software - Voice over internet protocol VoIP system software
• Office suite software - Microsoft Office software
• Operating system software - Cisco IOS; Linux 🔥; Microsoft Windows 🔥
• Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint 🔥
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel 🔥
• Video conferencing software - Cisco Webex 🔥; Zoom
• Video creation and editing software - Adobe After Effects 🔥; Apple Final Cut Pro; Apple iMovie; Corel Ulead DVD Workshop; YouTube
• Web page creation and editing software - Adobe Dreamweaver
• Word processing software - Microsoft Word 🔥

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• 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.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• 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.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• 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.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• 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 materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• 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.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the 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.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• 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.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Notify others of equipment problems.
• Maintain recording or broadcasting equipment.
• Coordinate activities of production personnel.
• Convert data among multiple digital or analog formats.
• Maintain records, documents, or other files.
• Operate communications, transmissions, or broadcasting equipment.
• Operate control consoles for sound, lighting or video.
• Edit audio or video recordings.
• Operate audio recording equipment.
• Train others on work processes.
• Monitor broadcasting operations to ensure proper functioning.
• Mix sound inputs.
• Construct distinctive physical objects for artistic, functional, or commercial purposes.
• Set up still or video cameras or related equipment.
• Coordinate logistics for productions or events.
• Determine technical requirements of productions or projects.
• Draw detailed or technical illustrations.
• Collaborate with others to determine technical details of productions.
• Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.
• Study details of musical compositions.
• Inform viewers, listeners, or audiences.
• Write material for artistic or entertainment purposes.
• Compile technical information or documentation.
• Maintain logs of production activities.
• Write informational material.