Audiovisual equipment

The characteristics and usage of different tools that stimulate the sight and audio senses.

audio-visual gear
audio-visual instruments
audio-visual devices
audio-visual apparatus

knowledge

sector-specific

Audiovisual equipment is an essential knowledge of the following occupations:

Presenter: Presenters host broadcast productions. They are the face or voice of these programs and make announcements on different platforms such as radio, television, theatres or other establishments. They ensure that their audience is entertained and introduce the artists or persons being interviewed.
Audio describer: Audio describers depict orally what happens on the screen or on stage for the blind and visually impaired so that they can enjoy audio-visual shows, live performances or sports events. They produce audio description scripts for programmes and events and use their voice to record them.
Video and motion picture director: Video and motion picture directors are responsible for the overall production of a movie or television program. They edit and translate the script into audiovisual images. Video and motion picture directors supervise and manage the film crew. They convey their creative vision on the actors, audio and video equipment operators, lighting technicians, etc and direct them. Video and motion picture directors also supervise the editing of the footage.
Boom operator: Boom operators set up and operate the boom microphone, either by hand, on an arm or on a moving platform. They make sure that every microphone is correctly stationed on set and in the best position to capture the dialogues. Boom operators are also responsible for the microphones on the actors clothing.
Director of photography: Directors of photography are responsible for the visual interpretation of the script and all photography components of the film, including framing, colouring, lightning, style and locations. They create the visual look of the film or television programme and select the filming equipment, including the lens and filters. Directors of photography manage the visual equipment operators and lighting technicians. They work together with the video and motion picture director to achieve the desired effect.
Camera operator: Camera operators setup and operate digital film cameras to shoot domestic motion pictures or television programs. They work together with the video and motion picture director, the director of photography, or the private client. Camera operators give advice on how to shoot scenes to actors, the video and motion picture director and other camera operators.
Audio-visual technician: Audio-visual technicians set up, operate and maintain equipment to record and edit images and sound for radio and television broadcasts, at live events and for telecommunication signals.
News anchor: News anchors present news stories on radio and television. They introduce pre-recorded news items and items covered by live reporters. News anchors are often trained journalists.
Recording studio technician: Recording studio technicians operate and maintain microphones and headsets in recording booths in recording studios. They operate mixing panels. Recording studio technicians manage all sound production requirements. They advise singers on the use of their voice. Recording studio technicians edit recordings into a finished product.

Audiovisual equipment is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this knowledge may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.

Weather forecaster: Weather forecasters gather meteorological data. They predict the weather according to these data. Weather forecasters present these forecasts to the audience via radio, television or online.
Mastering engineer: Mastering engineers convert finished recordings to the desired format such as CD, vinyl and digital. They ensure the quality of the sound on all formats.
Producer: Producers are responsible for managing the production of music, motion pictures or series. They plan and coordinate all aspects of the production such as the direction, publication and financing. Producers oversee the production and manage all technical and logistic aspects of recording and editing.
Music producer: Music producers are responsible for acquiring music to be published. They listen to demos of songs and determine whether they are good enough to be published. Music producers oversee the production of records. They manage the technical aspects of recording and editing.
Assistant video and motion picture director: Assistant video and motion picture directors are responsible for the organisation, scheduling and planning of the cast, crew and activities on a set. They assist the video and motion picture directors, maintain budgets and ensure that all production activities go according to schedule.
Broadcasting programme director: Broadcasting programme directors make the programme schedule. They decide how much broadcast time a programme gets and when it is aired, based on a few factors like, ratings, viewer demographics, etc.
Broadcast news editor: Broadcast news editors decide which news stories will be covered during the news. They assign journalists to each item. Broadcast news editors also determine the length of coverage for each news item and where it will be featured during the broadcast.
Art director: Art directors shape the visual layout of a concept. They create innovative designs, develop artistic projects  and manage the cooperation between all aspects involved. Art directors may perform creative work in theatre, marketing, advertising, video and motion picture, fashion or online companies. They ensure that the work performed is visually appealing to audiences.
Broadcast technician: Broadcast technicians install, start up, maintain, monitor and repair equipment used for the transmission and reception of television and radio broadcast signals. They ensure that all materials are available in a suitable format of transmittable quality according to the transmission deadline. Broadcast technicians also maintain and repair this equipment.

References

1. Audiovisual equipment – ESCO