How to Be Television Broadcast Engineer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Oct 28, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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A Television Broadcast Engineer is a key player in ensuring a successful broadcast of television programming. They are responsible for setting up and maintaining the technical elements of television broadcasting, from the sound and video equipment to the transmission systems. The engineer's job is to make sure that the signals that reach viewers are clear, and that the audio and video are properly synced.

Without a skilled Television Broadcast Engineer, viewers would experience poor quality programming with low resolution images and poor sound quality. A successful Television Broadcast Engineer must possess a thorough understanding of audio-visual equipment, transmission systems, and satellite technology. They must also be able to troubleshoot technical issues quickly and efficiently.

With their knowledge and expertise, Television Broadcast Engineers are essential to the success of any television broadcast.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. You'll need at least a four-year bachelor's degree in broadcast engineering or electrical engineering to become a television broadcast engineer.
Complete an Internship. Internships provide hands-on experience and the opportunity to work with experienced broadcast engineers. This will help you gain the skills you need to be successful in the field.
Obtain a Certification. Certifications are not required but they can help you stand out in a competitive job market. Organizations like the Society of Broadcast Engineers offer certifications that can help you demonstrate your knowledge and expertise.
Get Hired. Once you have completed your education and/or certifications, you can apply for jobs as a broadcast engineer. You should network with industry professionals and build relationships that will help you land a job.
Stay Up-to-Date. Technology is constantly evolving and it's important for broadcast engineers to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field. This will help you stay competitive and ensure that you are able to meet the demands of the job.

Broadcast engineering is a highly skilled profession that requires competence in both technical and operational areas. To become a successful broadcast engineer, one must possess a comprehensive understanding of multiple disciplines, such as electronics, computer systems, and radio/television transmission. a broadcast engineer needs to have exceptional problem-solving and communication skills to be able to troubleshoot and resolve any issues that may arise.

A strong background in mathematics and physics is also essential to be able to accurately calculate signal strength, optimize transmission, and analyze the performance of a broadcast system. The most important attribute of a broadcast engineer, however, is their ability to stay up-to-date with the constantly evolving technology and industry trends in order to ensure their systems are running optimally. With the right combination of knowledge, skills, and experience, a broadcast engineer can become an invaluable asset to any broadcast organization.

You may want to check Broadcast Video Editor, Assistant Broadcast Content Producer, and Assistant Broadcast Journalist for alternative.

Job Description

Manage and monitor television broadcast systems including satellite receivers, distribution amplifiers, routers, intercom systems, and multiplexers.
Troubleshoot technical issues related to broadcast systems including video and audio equipment.
Perform preventive maintenance on broadcast equipment and make repairs as needed.
Set up, operate, and maintain video and audio production equipment including cameras, switchers, audio consoles, and other related devices.
Install, maintain, and operate broadcast antennas, satellite dishes, and other transmitting equipment.
Configure transmission systems and ensure that they are working properly.
Monitor television broadcasts to ensure quality standards are met.
Create test plans and develop procedures for broadcast systems.
Train staff on the proper use of broadcast equipment and systems.
Document maintenance activities, broadcast system configurations, and other related information.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of broadcast and communication systems
Working knowledge of television production and post-production
Advanced understanding of video, audio, and lighting equipment
Ability to troubleshoot and repair technical issues
Familiarity with transmission standards, such as MPEG-2 and HDTV
Knowledge of broadcast automation systems
Ability to monitor signals for quality control and compliance
Ability to work with production staff to ensure the best video and audio quality
Proficiency in understanding and following technical manuals
Ability to work independently and as part of a team

A successful Television Broadcast Engineer must possess a variety of technical and interpersonal skills. Technical proficiency is a must, as the Broadcast Engineer is responsible for ensuring that television transmissions are properly configured and functioning correctly. This includes the installation and maintenance of broadcast equipment, such as transmitters and receivers, as well as the programming of software and hardware.

In addition, the engineer must have a deep understanding of the physics and mathematics involved in broadcasting, as they must be able to calculate signal strengths and frequencies in order to properly configure broadcasts. the engineer must possess strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills to quickly identify and fix any issues that arise. Finally, interpersonal skills are critical in this role, as the engineer must be able to effectively collaborate with their colleagues, as well as interact with clients in order to understand their needs and deliver the best possible solution.

All of these skills combined make a successful Television Broadcast Engineer.

Broadcast Producer, Digital Broadcasting Support Technician, and Lead Audio Visual Technician - Broadcast are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have with maintaining and troubleshooting broadcast equipment?
How familiar are you with the current industry standards for broadcast engineering?
Describe the most challenging broadcast engineering project you have worked on.
What methods do you use to ensure that all broadcast equipment is running optimally?
How do you handle multiple tasks and prioritize tasks in a broadcast engineering role?
What strategies do you utilize to ensure that all broadcasts adhere to FCC regulations?
What strategies do you employ to stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices?
How do you communicate with other members of the broadcast engineering team?
What experience do you have working with different software and hardware platforms?
How do you handle difficult situations or problems that arise in a broadcast engineering role?

Common Tools in Industry

Antenna Alignment Tool. Used to align, adjust, and calibrate antennas for television broadcast. (eg: Waveguide Adjustment Tool)
Signal Analyzer. Device used to measure and analyze the strength and quality of a broadcast signal. (eg: Tektronix Signal Analyzer)
Audio Mixer. A device that combines multiple audio signals into a single signal. (eg: Yamaha Audio Mixer)
Switcher. A device used to route audio and video signals from one destination to another. (eg: Blackmagic Design Switcher)
Network Analyzer. A device used to measure the performance of a network and its components. (eg: Fluke Network Analyzer)
Digital Video Recorder. A device used to store digital video content for later playback. (eg: Panasonic Digital Video Recorder)
Broadcast Automation System. Software used to automate the broadcasting process. (eg: Avid Broadcast Automation System)
Router. A device used to connect multiple networks together. (eg: Cisco Router)
Satellite Dish. A device used to transmit and receive signals from a satellite. (eg: DirecTV Satellite Dish)

Professional Organizations to Know

Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE)
Audio Engineering Society (AES)
The Alliance for Community Media (ACM)
Association of Federal Communications Consulting Engineers (AFCCE)
International Association of Broadcast Managers (IABM)
National Association of Broadcasters (NAB)
Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE)
Radio Club of America (RCA)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Professional Broadcast Networking Group (PBNG)

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Common Important Terms

RF. Refers to Radio Frequency, which is the range of frequencies used for radio waves.
Satellite. A communication device that is used to transmit signals from one location to another via a satellite in space.
Antenna. A device used to receive and send signals over the airwaves.
Encryption. The process of encoding data so that it cannot be read or understood by anyone but the intended recipient.
Modulation. The process of changing the amplitude, frequency, or phase of a signal to transfer information.
Network Management. The process of monitoring, configuring, and controlling the components of a computer network.
IP Address. A unique numerical identifier assigned to each device connected to a computer network.
Video Format. Refers to the format of a video file, such as MPEG-2 or H. 264.
Audio Format. Refers to the format of an audio file, such as MP3 or WAV.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of degree is required to become a Television Broadcast Engineer?

A degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field is often required for a career as a Television Broadcast Engineer.

What kind of equipment does a Television Broadcast Engineer operate?

Television Broadcast Engineers operate a variety of broadcast equipment including cameras, switchers, routers, tape machines, and audio consoles.

What is the salary range for Television Broadcast Engineers?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Television Broadcast Engineers is $56,550.

What are some of the duties of a Television Broadcast Engineer?

Some of the duties of a Television Broadcast Engineer include maintaining and troubleshooting broadcast equipment, monitoring broadcasts, and assisting with the production of television programs.