When to call an AV technician (and what to check first)

Most AV faults in a venue show up at the worst moment: the screen over the bar goes blank before kick-off, or the music drops out halfway through a Saturday lunch. Some of these are five-minute fixes your team can handle. Others need someone who knows the system. This guide helps you tell the difference.

Five checks to run before you call anyone

1. 1Power. Is the device on, and is its power board switched on? Look for a standby light. Cleaners often unplug things to plug in a vacuum.
2. 2Input or source. Screens and amplifiers can be switched to the wrong input. Use the remote to cycle through inputs, and check the music player or streaming box is actually playing.
3. 3Volume and mute. Check every volume control in the chain: the app or player, the amplifier and any wall controller. A muted zone looks exactly like a broken speaker.
4. 4Cables. Reseat the HDMI and audio cables at both ends. A cable knocked half out of a socket is one of the most common causes of a blank screen.
5. 5Restart in order. Turn off the source, then the screen or amplifier. Turn the screen or amplifier on first, wait a minute, then turn the source on.

Signs it is time to call a technician

• The fault comes back after a restart, or happens at the same time every day.
• You hear crackling, popping, humming or buzzing from speakers. This can mean a damaged cable, a failing amplifier or a grounding problem, and it can damage speakers if left.
• A screen shows lines, flickers or has dark patches. That is usually hardware, not settings.
• Equipment is hot to the touch, smells of burning or has tripped the power. Turn it off and leave it off.
• Something has changed in the venue: a new network, new internet provider or a renovation. Faults that start straight after a change usually need the change looked at.
• Nobody on site knows how the system is wired or where the controls are.

What to tell the technician

A clear description saves time on site and often money. When you message a technician, include:

• What is not working, and what still works.
• When it started and anything that changed around that time.
• Photos of the equipment, the rack or cupboard, and any error messages.
• Your opening hours and when they can get access without disturbing guests.

Fix it once, then prevent it

When the technician visits, ask them to label cables, write down the input each screen should be on and leave simple instructions for staff. Then put a light maintenance routine in place so small problems are caught early.