Getting started in the field (1 Viewer)

[Greg_GG]

Hello everyone. I love this forum. I have a quick question. I love playing around with Home theater stuff and would like to do it for a living. Can anyone tell me how or what do I need to do to get started in pursuing it? thanks Greg

 

[John Garcia]

Part time job at an audio/video store would be a good place to start, IMO. What you didn't specify is exactly what PART of HT you are interested in, there are plenty of associated fields - sales, installation/calibration, audio, video, various levels of gear, home theater design etc... Each is easily capable of being a field all of it's own.

READ as much as you possibly can about the things you are interested in, and most of all LISTEN to as many different pieces of gear, regardless of cost.

 

[Doug_NHT]

I'll throw one out there too.


I have a BS in Electrical Engineering. I went that route because I love amplifiers and all associated sound equipment. Well, upon graduation I sent resumes everywhere with no response and I ended up being a software engineer for the past 10 years. I suppose being an acoustical engineer would be ideal but....

 

[EmaxJS]

I'd agree that you'll probably need to start out with a job at an audio/video store. While there you'll want to read and learn as much as you can all the time. Try to get a job with a high end store (not Circuit City or Best Buy).

Depending on what you want to do you might even try contacting a home theater specialist/installer and ask about apprenticeship (sp?) keep in mind if you want to be involved with the actual construction and installation of home theaters you'll need a strong background in construction, acoustic engineering, electric engineering, and a very deep knowledge of all aspects of home theater equipment.

It's a fast moving field and the people I've met that know it well are practically in a 24/7 relationship. Having to learn about every change, a wide range of equipment, and of course, Customer Service!

I sold Pro Audio (for live use, not HT) and burned out after a few months. The learning curve was to steep, the jobs are usually commission, and it took way to much time and energy.

 

[Ted Lee]

what john said....(btw - tag!)
i'd say most of my knowledge (and that's not saying much...) is self-taught. i just kept reading all i could via a/v journals. plus i sold consumer gear at cc/gg - although i agree with emax that that should be your last alternative. i also did some work at the video production facilitites for local cable broadcast while i was in LA - all the usual pre/post production type stuff.
get your hands on as much gear as you can and start pushing buttons.

 

[Greg_GG]

Thank everyone for there response I will keep reading the forum. Greg