Have you considered becoming a professional media server operator or user, but aren't sure which skills you need? After meeting with many keen students and fledgeling operators over the years at trade shows and in the classroom, I posed the question below to a Facebook group of Media Server Professionals and asked for their thoughts on the matter. This article is the first of two, presenting their valuable recommendations.

“Dear fellow Media Server Professionals, I am writing an article about things you should know or learn as a fresh media server operator. Like a small best-practice guide, both on soft skills and hardware to know.  

I would highly appreciate your input on this. What would an experienced professional like yourself say to a newbie?”

I was not surprised by the level of helpfulness in the media server community, but I was admittedly amazed by the sheer volume of responses. 

Here's an overview of what I will cover in this article. In a later post, I will tackle the technical stuff. And, because the feedback was so overwhelming and many topics deserve more than a few short sentences, don’t be surprised if there’s a more comprehensive eBook on the subject available at a later date!

In the midst of a new wave of Automation Anxiety, creatives are beginning to realize the potential of automation to increase efficiencies, with some using technology to create new forms of expression that reflect the Digital Age and all its possibilities, writes Andrew Gordon, automtd andrew. 

Technology is an ever-changing world of improvements and concepts. But how can you capture a client’s enthusiasm for implementing these innovations? Nevil Bounds looks at the role of client, integrator and manufacturer in embracing change.  

 As a freelance AV pro, you’re busy every day, getting the job done. You’re proud when your audience and clients are happy with the end result. And, hopefully, you get a few spare hours for activities other than work.

But have you ever set aside time to prepare for those days – or months – when there aren’t so many projects to throw yourself into, or when your age starts nudging higher figures? Or will you be pushing 60 and, whoops, you forgot to save for a pension, and now it’s too late…?

Don't panic. Here are 10 tips on preparing yourself for a better position in the future. 

In this Q&A, we're talking projection in domes with Malin Hallbeck at domeprojection.com. The Magdeburg-based company is chiefly known for their ProjectionTools product which is widely used in training, simulation and entertainment installations worldwide.

Ok, well, you failed the first test. There’s no such thing as a get-rich-quick scheme gone right, and the internet savagely preys on poor, unsuspecting dreamers to feed their click-bait web of lies. Don’t do it! Scroll away….scroll away!! While I cannot provide you with riches and stardom (please see my stack of student loan debt for details), I can provide some insight on building a recognizable name for yourself in this industry. Remember that everything takes time, and everything takes continued effort, but Future You will thank Past You if the Present You puts in the work. 

By Elisabeth Weidner, writing for SoundGirls.org

The history of projection is entwined with that of illumination – after all, every projector needs a light source! In this blog, we turn the spotlight on lamps, from the gas discharge models of the 1800s to today's laser technology.

Did you know that the history of projection reaches all the way back to camera obscura and magic lanterns, but that it was the development of optics in the late 16th and early 17th century that made a major impact on projection as we know it today?

We know we have to get better at living sustainably, but maintaining a greener lifestyle when you are on tour or travelling between contract jobs – as is common in live entertainment, theatre and AV industries – can be a challenge. Anna Robb at TheatreArtLife lists some of her tips for those on the move.

With the demand for higher bandwidth (4K, 8K …) in applications such as broadcast, live events and fixed installations, the SDI standard has continued to evolve. There are now a wide range of products supporting 12G SDI in the market. But what is SDI, 12G SDI and why should I care?