In handling different AV installation projects at Technical Operations, the Extron DVS 605 switcher has proven to be a time and space saver for our clients. Extron DVS 605 is a high-performance video scaler equipped with two universal and three HDMI analog video inputs with auto-format detection and simultaneous HDMI and analog high resolution outputs. It is an ideal tool used for integrating digital and analog AV sources.

Its main features are:

• Integrates HDMI, RGB, HDTV, and video sources into presentation systems
• Advanced scaling engine
• Auto Input Format Detection and auto-switching between inputs
• SpeedSwitch Technology provides exceptional switching speed for HDCP-encrypted content
• Key-Minder continuously verifies HDCP compliance for quick, reliable switching
• EDID Minder automatically manages EDID communication between connected devices
• Simultaneous outputs for HDMI and analog RGB or HD component video
• Flexible system control options including RS-232, Ethernet, USB, contact closure, and front panel controls

Audio Visual setups with several devices filtering into one display would most benefit from the Extron DVS 605. The DVS 605 makes the exchange between video sources, switchers, or other processors seamless. Especially in cases where there are a variety of equipments requiring analog and digital connections. Technical Operations is experienced in upgrading such audio visual setups. Many of our engineers and technicians have been trained in the installation of Extron DVS 605 and have a successful track record of doing so.

We recently launched our iPad 2 promo when you send in an audio or video equipment for repair. For more info, click here or read about our announcement below.

Want An iPad2? A Midtown Audio Video Repair Center Gives It Away For Free!

NEW YORK, NY (April 18, 2011) – Technical Operations, Inc., a full-service engineering company with decades of experience in audio-video repair and maintenance, is enticing its existing and prospective clients with today’s most coveted gadget, the iPad 2. When the campaign began last April 11 to bolster its repair center, Tech-Ops has announced to both current and former clients the limited-time promo, infusing a B2C twist to a creative B2B campaign.

 

Targeting the highly technical and gadget-savvy group of engineers, filmmakers, producers and camera operators, the iPad 2 raffle runs until June and is being announced on the company’s website and all of its social media channels. “We think it’s  a good idea to spice up the marketing campaign by offering a gadget we know our clients would love,” says May Cruz, Marketing Manager of Technical Operations.

 

Clients will obtain a raffle ticket when they send in a repair — every $500 increment in the repair invoice entitles them to one (1) raffle ticket. Tech-Ops will award  five (5) iPads, with a limit of two (2) iPads for one customer  in case he or she gets lucky enough to win more than one.

 

For a company passionate about service, it’s obvious why a well-loved consumer gadget is the center of Tech-Ops’ promo. According to Tech-Ops President Achille Raspantini, “Our iPad2 raffle is beyond a gimmick, it’s  a campaign that perfectly embodies our culture and desire to deliver over and above the expectations of our client base.”

The raffle runs from April 11 to June 10 with the winners to be announced on June 15, 2011. For more info about the promo visit http://tech-ops.com/promo.html

NYC Broadcast Engineering Firm Responds to Electronic Parts Shortage Caused by Japanese Manufacturing Halts

Technical Operations, Inc. (Tech-Ops) reaches out to key clients for audiovisual repair as a response to production halts by electronics manufacturers in Japan.

 

NEW YORK, NY (March 29, 2011) – Toyota announced Wednesday that some of its plants will remain idle as demand for parts by US manufacturers are left unmet due to extended production halts made at the company’s factories in Japan. Honda and other major electronic firms like Sony and Lenovo are having similar production problems due to a shortage of raw materials, components and power caused by the massive earthquake in Japan last March 11.

 

Japan, being the world’s largest supplier of silicon used to make semiconductor chips, is creating a global impact on major manufacturers of professional equipment for the TV broadcast and audio video industry. The production halts are causing many end-users of audio visual (AV) equipment scramble for parts, many of which are available and workable at repair centers like Technical Operations, Inc. Tech-Ops’ Manhattan-based center offers free pick-up and delivery and guarantees 24-hour turn-around on service. “We are proactive about giving solutions to this electronics shortage by campaigning for immediate equipment repair. Instead of waiting in-line for out-of-stock equipment and parts, Tech-Ops can repair audio-video systems and bring it back to manufacturer’s spec. Thus, relieving companies of headache brought about by electronics scarcity, price hike and new equipment purchase costs,” says Tech-Ops President, Achille Raspantini.

 

Lucy Gonzalez, Tech-Ops Operations Director explains, “Our certified technicians can find a way to resolve functionality and lifespan issues of your broadcast and industrial equipment. Some repairs require no parts replacement, thus, it’s important that end-users (who rely heavily on this type of equipment) bring it to our shop ASAP (or have it picked-up) for assessment.” She further says that AV equipment managers need to be decisive and resourceful when it pertains to the condition of their equipment as their inability to use it can damage their productivity and operations.

 

Tech-Ops has set up a toll-free hotline at 1-877-420-1600 for both new and current  in or out-of-state clients that have AV repair needs.  Inquiries can also be sent via e-mail to info@tech-ops.com or on Twitter (http://twitter.com/TechOpsNY). The company’s main site http://www.tech-ops.com gives prospective clients an overview of its service offerings.

In the next few weeks Tech Ops will focus on Sony Repair for specific broadcast equipment. This week we feature repair issues for Sony Betacam SP Videocassette Recorder VCR BVW-75.

SONY REPAIR BASICS -About the Sony Betacam SP BVW-75

Sony designed the Betacam SP format, which is the default standard for broadcast video format worldwide. SP stands for “Superior Performance” and is achieved, according to Encyclopedia PRO,  by using a metal-formulated tape instead of oxide. Resolution for this has been increased to around 360 lines with the tape sizes similar to a Betacam.

Sony Betacam SP Technical Specifications

Below is a basic system data for a Sony Betacam SP:

Tape width: 1/2 inch
Drum diameter: 74.487 mm
Speed of head disc: 1500 rev/min
Video head to Tape Speed: 5.832 m/s
Tape Speed (PAL): 1.873
Video Head Gap: 0.4 microns
Audio Track Width: 1.05mm
Audio Frequency Response: 50Hz – 10 KHz
Sync Track Width: 0.6 mm
Maximum Recording Time (PAL L-830): 215 mins.
S/N Ratio Colour: Greater than 40dB
S/N Ratio B/W: Greater than 43db
Horizontal Resolution: 260 lines
Angle of video tracks: 5 00′ stationary; 5 58′ moving
End sensors: Inductive

SONY REPAIR STRAIGHT FROM THE MANUAL
Replacement of the Reel Table Transfer Belt

Below are the replacement procedure

1. Open the Function Control Panel. Remove the SY-61 and SY-64P boards from the unit.
2. Remove the Reel Table Transfer Motor Block from the back side of the unit.
3. Remove the Reel Table Transfer Belt from the top of the unit, replace the belt with a new one.
4. Hook the belt to the Motor Pulley of the Reel Table Transfer Motor Block, install it in the unit.

Source: SONY Videocassette Recorder BVW-75P Maintenance Manual

Can’t do this yourself? Click here and see how Tech Ops can help you.

Technical Operations Founder and President, Achille Raspantini celebrated his birthday today with the Tech Ops staff at our headquarters in Manhattan! All of us from the marketing team sends our regards to the big boss!

This post on AV design and integration is sourced from the Audiovisual Best Practices handbook of Certified Technology Specialists.

The recently released Audiovisual Best Practices handbook of Certified Technology Specialists delves on important elements that sum up the practice of AV design and integration. This includes the hardware aspect, where physical electronics are connected together, as well as the software (or programs) part, which is loaded into the electronics to perform various AV tasks. The additional two elements are  the environment and the content.   The former refers to space and infrastructure where the hardware and software operate, while the latter pertains video, audio, and data material.

The  AV Best Practices Guide provides specific points that will:

• Enable you to maintain AV design and integration elements of your construction project on track, and
• Provide you information on the kind of performance your facility owners and managers expect.

Five Examples of AV design and integration Best Practices

Below are some points on the most effective ways to approach your AV design and integration project:

1. Look for a qualified AV design and integration team

Individual certification always make a difference when qualifying an AV design and integration team. Organizations with InfoComm certified technicians indicate that they are dedicated to keeping themselves abreast on new technological developments in the field.

2.Educate yourself about AV design and integration

Join an AV industry trade organization and learn about the industry in order to grasp the concepts and processes crucial in making an AV project a success.

3. Involve an AV designer to initiate and coordinate building structural design

Enough high ceilings is elemental to an AV sightline concern. Take into account an AV designer’s early involvement to initiate the processes involved in building the physical facility that will house the AV system.

4. Include the AV system in the capital budget

AV design and integration services must be included in the project budget and identified as a capital budget. The AV system budget must not be part of the  furniture, fixtures and equipment (FFE) budget.

Tech-Ops’ AV design and integration experts are adept in handling AV design and integration projects.  Our satisfied clients have greatly contributed to our reputation as one of the leading AV systems design and integration companies in New York and the Tri-State areas.

The Tech Ops blog will feature more of these issues and will focus on providing the AV manager with helpful advice in dealing with AV design and integration projects.

For AV design and integration services, please visit: www.tech-ops.com/design_sytems.html

Audio-Video repair services are a dime a dozen and they can range from local service shops to national giants. But before you search for someone to do the repair work, it’s really important to qualify the service shop and make sure that you hand over your equipment to expert and experienced people in audio-video repair.

Below is a checklist you can refer to when choosing an audio-video repair shop:

1. Is it an authorized service center?

Due to the highly technical nature of repairing an audio-video equipment, which these days could either be digital or analog, manufacturers like Sony, Panasonic, Crestron, Extron, JVC, Polycom and Tandberg work with selected service shops to guarantee that they have the capability to return each unit to original manufacturers’ performance specification.

An audio-video repair shop that is factory-authorized assures you of their expertise in doing the job.

2. How experienced is the service shop in doing audio-video repair?

Now that you know the shop has expertise, you need to check on their experience. How long have they been doing audio-video repair work? What information do they provide on their site about audio-video equipment? Are they credible? Do they perform digital and analog repair? Appropriate answers to these questions prove  that the service center knows what they’re doing and applies their knowledge and years of experience on numerous audio-video repair jobs.

3. How long is the turnaround time?

Service shops must provide a maximum of 72 hours to get your job done. Here at Tech Ops, we stick to a 24-hour turnaround schedule, making sure that you’re audio-video repair work is attended to and is fixed immediately.

4. What type of warranty and customer support do they provide?

A warranty on parts and labor gives you the confidence that the service shop stands by their promise to make sure your audio-video equipment is functioning properly after repair. A 90-day warranty for all parts and labor is a standard here at Tech Ops and for some audio-video repair shops. Another important selection factor you have to use is the technical support provided by the shop. It is a huge plus if the company actualizing your audio-video repair can provide you 24/7 support  for some of your issues and queries.

5. Free pick-up? Free Loaners?

A characteristic of a service center that cares for their customers is when they provide  free loaners. Especially for professionals or entities that highly depend on their audio-video equipment for daily operations, loaners are a boon from the repair shop. An offering for a free pick-up and delivery is very much a reflection of a customer-centric quality. This service addition not only minimizes your customer’s expenses but also provides serviceability and convenience.

A detailed statement of work gives you an idea of what the service shop has done. Although this is not always available, shops like ours do provide this document.

Purchase of new audio-video equipment is really expensive, may it be for broadcast, film production or personal use. Therefore, having it repaired the right way will not only save you money but also free you of headache and hassle of buying a new one.

Please click here to see the list of Audio-Video Equipment we service at Tech-Ops.

I hope this guide helps you gauge if the service shop you’re eyeing is worthy, competent and able to fulfill your audio-video repair needs.

Broadcast Engineer

When hiring a broadcast engineer, it’s important to address key competencies to ensure the professional you just hired is adept for the job.

What is a Broadcast Engineer?

• By definition, a broadcast engineer is a professional who works in a technical environment that involves radio and television broadcasting, electrical engineering with some extent of computer engineering and information technology.  Technically, he/she is involved in the engineering aspects of the studio, remote broadcast and transmission.  A broadcast engineer may also be referred to as broadcast technician, or broadcast operator, who operates and maintains the electronic equipment used to record and transmit the audio for radio signals and the audio-visual images for television signals to the public.

• By job description, a broadcast engineer provides technical support such as repair and maintenance, installation, design and modification of broadcast, electronic and digital equipment. He/She participates in all aspects of video post-production such as videotape operation, audio-mixing, technical direction, computer editing, character generator operation, and video editing.

• By qualification, a broadcast engineer must possess a degree in the fields of electronics engineering, electrical engineering, telecommunications engineering, computer engineering, broadcast technology, and electronics communication.  Years of related experience is a plus, or a combination of education and experience is desirable.

Run-Down of Requirement for a Broadcast Engineer:

• Training: Formal training in the field of broadcast engineering is a must for any aspiring broadcast engineer. Make sure that the potential applicant has completed a technical-training program and has some experience to show for. Positions that are more advanced, such as chief engineer, require a bachelor’s degree in broadcast communication, electronics/electrical engineering, or related field.  However, a broadcast engineer who doesn’t have a bachelor’s degree but has more than seven years of experience may advance to an assistant chief engineer position.

• Certification: Although a Federal Communications Commission licenses and permits are no longer required, certification from the Society of Broadcast Engineers will be very helpful and will lead to more opportunities in the field. Certified broadcast engineers earn higher salaries than uncertified ones.

• Technical Aptitude:  A broadcast engineer must have a great amount of interest in highly technical electronic and computer equipment and attention to details.  He/She should be both technical and artistic to enjoy the esoteric and creative nature of radio and television industry.

• Positive Attitude: Aside from technical competencies, someone with a positive attitude towards work is crucial and highly recommended.  A broadcast engineer should be able to communicate and get along well with a wide range of people with various levels of technical expertise.

• Ever-Exploring: A good broadcast engineer must always be mindful and vigilant about self-improvement.  He/She must not be afraid to keep-up and upgrade himself to gain additional knowledge and understanding of the ever-changing nature of  technology.  Continuing education and reading association publications must be explored habitually.

Here at Technical Operations, any broadcast engineer we employ must possess all these qualifications before he/she gets deployed to a client-firm. We ensure client sastisfaction by providing nothing less but an excellent, committed and experienced broadcast engineer for any broadcast or audio-video operations and undertaking.

Where to Find a Competent and Certified Broadcast Engineer

You can find a lot of specialized job boards if you intend to hire a broadcast engineer. The JOBzone section of Broadcast Engineering is a good place to post an ad. You can also post your job openings at Mediaweek and ProductionHub.

However, if you don’t want to spend a lot of  time and money searching for the right candidate, technical staffing firms will help you save both. Their talent pool is comprised of competent broadcast engineers who have both the expertise and experience to deliver. Having worked with some of the biggest and most prestigious media and financial institutions, Technical Operations offers a technical staffing service that you can utilize on a project or long-term basis.

If your goal is to hire a competent technical pro without the hassle of doing it yourself, companies like Tech-Ops can be of great help. Through an efficient technical staffing process, we can help you find the right candidate for a broadcast engineer position in your company.

Tech-Ops seeks to associate with a broader segment of clientele. “We have a Facebook page, a Twitter account and a LinkedIn account. It’s remarkable that even a highly technical firm like ours has no excuse not to connect and engage with our audience.” according to Lucy Gonzalez, Tech-Ops Director of Operations. The Emmy-award winning firm has always been praised for its ability to maintain and strengthen client relations, which is emphasized throughout their new site. “The market has changed; it’s not just about selling a service but about building relationships as well,” adds Lucy.

In the last quarter of 2010, Tech-Ops mounted a well-received marketing campaign featuring special discount offers highlighting their customer-centric focus. “We do our best to help our clients save money by making sure the equipment they have is maximized, and whatever new service we render is used efficiently and effectively,” says Michele Chan, Tech-Ops Finance Director.

Tech-Ops is joining more than 60% of the nations businesses by embracing the trend to connect with its customers through mainstream social networks. Opening the year with a new user-friendly, informative and social media-based website is a reflection of a deeper consideration for their clients’ needs.

Though they are a technical firm, Tech-Ops is committed to using mainstream social networks and other social media platforms to reach out to their customers. Part of the new site is a Tech-Ops blog, where the company will not only share its latest offerings but will also give tips and advice on equipment repair, software updates, troubleshooting, maintenance instructions, and other pointers on the latest commercial and industrial products. A dedicated marketing manager is ready to answer questions on Twitter and a social media specialist is on hand working to build the company’s presence on Facebook and LinkedIn.