What does an AV technician do? A guide for venue owners
What audio-visual technicians install, fix and maintain in bars, cafes, restaurants, gyms and offices, and how they differ from electricians and IT support.
· 1 min read
An AV (audio-visual) technician designs, installs, fixes and looks after the equipment that produces sound and pictures in a space. In a venue that usually means speakers, amplifiers, screens, media players, microphones and the cabling that joins them together.
The jobs an AV technician takes on
Sound
Background music systems, music zones, outdoor speakers, microphones for quiz nights and speeches, and sound for live music or DJs. A good technician sets levels so music fills the room without drowning out conversation.
Screens and signage
Mounting TVs and commercial displays, setting up digital menu boards, sending one source to several screens, and scheduling content so it changes through the day.
Cabling and networking
Running and terminating speaker, HDMI and network cables, building equipment racks, and making sure screens and players have a reliable network connection.
Fault-finding and maintenance
Tracking down hums, dropouts, flickering screens and devices that will not talk to each other, and keeping systems updated and documented.
AV technician, electrician or IT support?
The roles overlap at the edges, so it helps to know who does what:
- Electricians install power outlets and circuits. Many countries require a licensed electrician for any fixed power work, including new outlets behind screens.
- IT support looks after computers, accounts, internet and office networks.
- AV technicians handle the sound and picture equipment and the low-voltage cabling between it. Many also do basic network set-up for AV devices.
On bigger jobs the three often work together. A good AV technician will tell you when a task needs an electrician.
Specialists versus all-rounders
Some technicians focus on one area, such as digital signage or bar and cafe audio. Others cover everything for small venues. For a single cafe, an all-rounder is often ideal. For a multi-site signage network or a live music venue, look for a specialist.
You can filter by skill when you search for technicians, then read each profile to see the venues they have worked in.
Need a technician for this?
Search AV technicians by location and skill, then message them about your job.