Audiovisual (AV)

#Audiovisual (AV) means possessing both a sound and a visual component, such as slide-tape presentations, films, television programs, church services and live theater productions. Business presentations are also often audiovisual.

#What does a Audiovisual Technician do?

Audiovisual (AV) technicians, also known as AV support technicians, set up, program, operate and maintain all types of audiovisual equipment in conference, exhibition or learning environments. Typical equipment includes slide, overhead and multimedia projectors, DVD, CD, video recorders and players, PA systems, video conferencing tools, stills and video cameras, darkroom facilities, sound engineering and video editing suites, lighting, control rigs, and reprographic equipment. The role is often combined with that of IT technician, with responsibility for PCs and peripherals, such as scanners and printers.

Technicians may be employed directly by a school, college or university, an exhibitions company or specialist AV services supplier. Other employers include larger organisations with their own AV departments, such as local authorities and larger public bodies.

On a day-to-day basis AV technicians' duties include:

selecting, installing and configuring appropriate equipment in line with teaching staff requirements or as specified by the event organisers or exhibition designers
setting up displays and operating equipment and controls during rehearsals, live shows, conferences and exhibitions
providing first-line support, including on-the-spot diagnosis and rectification of minor faults as and when they occur – where faults are more serious, technicians make arrangements for substitute equipment to be provided
carrying out scheduled maintenance checks, which may include portable appliance testing (PAT)
managing the tracking system, updating records detailing the exact location of equipment and times booked out and returned, and writing up technical reports based on equipment maintenance test results
assisting or training users in particular types of equipment, writing training notes and organising follow-up workshops when equipment is upgraded
working with in-house departments to produce publicity and teaching materials
carrying out equipment audits as part of facilities development or upgrade plans, sourcing and recommending purchases, and negotiating prices with equipment suppliers.
Senior technicians may be responsible for coordinating a team of support staff in carrying out the above duties.

For IT technical support

#What does it take to become a Audiovisual Technician?
As an audiovisual technician, you should:

have excellent technical skills and be familiar with the main AV equipment types
have good troubleshooting skills
possess creative skills
have good IT skills
be well organised
be able to work well as part of a team and on your own initiative
be able to work under pressure and to deadlines
be flexible and adaptable to deal with varied tasks
be willing to continually update your knowledge and skills
be aware of electrical safety issues
be client focused and able to work with staff and students at all levels.

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