TCT 3031 - Audio-Video
Clock Hours: 58
Delivery Mode
on-ground
Prerequisites: STS Basic
Industry Certifications ETA: STS Audio-Video https://www.etai.org/comps/STS_AV_comps.html
Course Description:
The BASIC Smart Technology System (STS) installation technician is proficient in the design of pre-wiring and wireless architectures in residential/light commercial for entertainment, internet of things, and telecommunications equipment interconnections. This will include installation of network wiring for TV, satellite and antenna outlets, voice equipment outlets, audio and video, media streaming, and computer equipment in such a manner that all control and communication signals can be integrated at the home or business system controller and converged into one cogent local network bit stream, to either be used within the system or to be passed back and forth through the system gateway. He/she will be proficient in the many protocols used over diverse media to communicate with and control an array of electronics systems, in addition to the skills required for low voltage wiring installation. Prior CAT, DCI, DVE, FOI, FOT, FOT-OSP, TTT certification is highly recommended to be proficient in STS skills. The Basic STS installation technician will work from telecommunications wireless and wiring plans, installing cable fittings and selecting the specified cabling for each technology and identifying wireless equipment requirements. He/she will test, mark and document all cabling and will have the ability to troubleshoot and restore pre-existing cabling and wireless systems. A Basic STS installation technician typically will also be qualified in one or more of three (3) endorsement specialty areas listed below.
Audio-Video, Computer Networking and Security-Surveillance
Student Learning Outcomes:
ETA STS Audio-Video Endorsement (STS-A-V)
Skills and Knowledge Competencies
Refer to the BASIC STS Competencies as the foundation for these A-V endorsement competencies. Some of the content may be familiar in the other STS endorsements also.
1.0Signals
Describe telephone system signal types
Identify wireless signal types
Identify landline (wired) signal types
POTS Plain Old Telephone services
VoIP (voice over internet protocol)
Identify how VOIP connections are made over networks
List audio signal sources and types
Differentiate between audio, video, and data signals
Identify signals associated with A-BUS audio
Explain signal sample rates
Identify the difference between NTSC and PAL
Compare video signals with radio frequencies and voice
Differentiate between HDBaseTä and IP-based video
Identify the difference between the digital HDTV transmission standards and ATSC 3.0 or NextGen TV broadcasting standards
Explain how different devices within a building can be paired and controlled by smart technology system hubs connected to the wireless network
Describe how smart technology system hubs can be extended throughout a building using hub repeaters or extender devices
Explain how entertainment systems can be connected to smart technology systems and how all room speaker systems can be set up wirelessly
2.0Amplifiers
Compare power amplifiers used in residential systems with other types of audio amplifier circuits used for larger commercial applications
Interpret an amplifier’s specifications sheet
Explain the Dolbyâ sound system, Dolby Digital Exä, DTC 9.8 and DTSâ
List the advantageous features of each
Explain the features and operation of Dolby Pro Logicâ (and DPL IIâ) and compare with basic audio amplifier sound processing
3.0Speakers
Compare various freestanding speakers commonly utilized in home and commercial theater systems
Differentiate between ordinary 2-channel audio, 5.1-channel, 7.1-channel, and 7.2-channel audio systems
Explain the purpose of subwoofers, their frequency range and styles
Explain the advantages of bookshelf speaker units
Describe the pre-wiring of In-Wall speakers, mounting and connections
Identify the different radio frequencies used for wireless speaker technology
Explain the various ways wireless speakers can be connected to sound systems
Define impedance and explain its importance in matching amplifiers to speakers
Identify the formula used to calculate total ohms for a series speaker connection
Identify the formula used to calculate total ohms for a parallel speaker connection
Explain speaker stiffness and its effect on audio balance
Explain speaker mass and its effect on audio frequencies
Explain damping factor in speakers
4.0Audio/Video Cabling
Explain ways that wrong wire gauge can adversely affect the sound system
Describe connector requirements for multi-room In-Wall speakers
4.3. Compare speaker terminal connections including spring clips, optic fiber, binding posts, etc
Define the following speaker terms:
Transient Distortion
Wow
Flutter
Describe advantages of quality wired speakers including cost comparison
Explain the purpose and components used in cross-over networks
Explain the value and differences between audio/video cable systems including:
Oxygen-free copper wire
Optical digital audio cables
HDMI™ and HDMI™ 2.1 audio/video cables
Identify the IEEE 1394 high speed serial bus versions
IEEE 1394 FireWire™ 400, (i.LINKtm, Lynxtm) - 6 pin
IEEE 1394a - 4 pin
IEEE 1394b, FireWire™ 800 - 8 pin
Component audio/video cables (RCA jacks, RGB along with Red/White, YPbPr)
S-Video cables (Separate-Video)
Composite RCA cables (RCA jacks, yellow/red/white)
Describe wiring used on wall surfaces, hardware and esthetics
5.0Audio Systems Basics
Explain why audio systems require greater bandwidth than telephone or AM radio
Explain the frequency response of each type of speaker
Explain total harmonic distortion (THD) including causes and cures
Define audio equalization
Compare an equalizer to common tone controls in amplifiers
Explain digital audio sampling rates including various optimum sampling rates
Explain the advantages of compression technology
Explain how and where it is used in audio products
Compare quality of CDs (compact discs) and user functionality with streaming audio or other sources
Compare FM radio reception quality with CDs/internet/media streaming
Explain radio function of the stereo receiver
Describe satellite radio services
6.0Surround Sound
Explain surround sound basics
Describe how to plan the placement of surround sound speaker units
Describe how to rewire to allow room areas use of surround equipment
Explain digital theatre systems (DTS) and their advantages/disadvantages
Describe Dolby Digitalâ, Dolby 5.1-channelâ surround sound systems
Describe 7.1-channelâ surround sound systems
Describe 7.2-channelâ surround sound systems
6.4.3 Describe Dolby Atmosâ surround sound systems
7.0Acoustics
Define and present examples of good and bad acoustics
Explain acoustic resistance and resonance
Explain causes of detrimental sound reflection
Explain sound refraction and discuss causes
Explain sound diffraction aspects
Describe low frequency effects an area may exhibit
Explain the reasons for audio “holes and nodes” and how to mitigate them
8.0Video
Describe TV “Off-Air” broadcast signals including HDTV (High Definition TV) multicasting
Differentiate between video streaming using cable, satellite or Video Over Cellular (VOC) 4G/5G video programming
Compare DVD, cable, satellite, VOC and off-air High Definition sources and sampling rates
Describe Blu-rayä and 4K Blu-rayä technology and audio-video quality
Describe HDVD - DVR (High Definition video disc-digital video recorder) audio and video quality
Explain the purpose of MPEG-4 (Moving Picture Experts Group-4, .M4V, MP4)
Describe how PVRs (personal video recorders) operate and interconnect in the sound system
Describe S-Video (separate video or Y/C) and explain its advantages
Define HDMI™ (High Definition Multimedia Interface) and explain its advantages
Explain Aspect Ratios and how they affect the screen viewing size
Match viewing distance - aspect ratios with various size displays
Differentiate between HD 1080P, 4K Ultra HD and 10K including 8K-60Hz and 4K-120Hz
Explain various digital sampling rates with optimized video quality
Describe display maximization including color temperature/balance
Describe various types of wireless control of audio and video equipment using remote hand units, LED (light-emitting diode) and RF (radio frequency) sending/receiving devices
9.0Display Devices
Describe the operation and handling precautions for liquid-crystal displays (LCD)
Describe LED, LCD plasma, OLED (organic LED) and other projection TV technologies
Compare monitors with TV receivers and list advantages
Compare the following display technologies and list advantages of each:
Digital light processing (DLP)
Liquid crystal on silicon (LcoS)
Cells of electrically charged ionized gases (Plasma)
Quantum dot display (QLED)
Describe projectors/screens used in home theater applications
Describe actuators and remote control for motorized screens
Discuss Scanning and the features of both:
Progressive scanning
Interlaced scanning
Explain the purpose and technology of De-Interlacing and Line Doubling
10.0Home Theater Systems
Describe audio channel selection on a receiver/amplifier
List advantages of remote wireless control of whole-house electronics from the home theater primary viewing area
Summarize modern displays and speaker esthetics for residential function
Discuss home theater seating concepts
Explain importance of seeking customer choices for products and in-home positioning
Explain requirements of cabling, speakers and display units when retrofitting a residence
List the components for a motorized projection screen
Describe the inclusion of CDs (compact discs), DVD (digital video disc), internet streaming, Blu- rayä, 4K Blu-rayä, 8K and 10K in the audio-video system
11.0Off-Air Antennas
Explain off-air antenna installation basics
Identify types of large antenna-dish components and mounts
Discuss logical methods of troubleshooting dish and antenna problems
Compare 4K UltraHD, digital, and HDTV broadcast signals
Describe the required small dish system installation/programming procedures that must be followed and the configuration required prior to customer subscription access
12.0Cable TV
Describe cable TV (CATV) connections, ground blocks and wiring from street drop to home/entry interconnection
List minimum signal levels common for CATV systems and the use of line amplifiers where weak signals exist
Define and list major advantages of each:
DSL (digital subscriber line)
PPV (pay-per-view)
13.0Distribution Systems
Describe home run and daisy chain wired signal distribution systems
Explain how A-BUS systems work
Describe and compare wireless distribution systems with wired distribution systems
List common usages for cabling and the advantages of each:
13.3.1 RG-59
13.3.2 RG-62
RG6
CAT 5e/6/6A/8 etc (Twisted Pair)
Optical fiber
Identify causes of cabling crosstalk interference
Describe residential signal distribution equipment interconnection
Describe how a home computer network can be used to remotely control home electronics
Explain how individual areas can be controlled from multiple remote locations
Describe pre-wiring and retro wiring methods including:wall fish
Describe the need for drywall and other penetrations of walls and ceilings in retrofit applications
Describe restoration techniques and list materials used
attics
crawl spaces
other spaces
Describe 70-volt sound distribution technology and indicate applications where it is desirable
Identify wireless sound systems and how they are configured
List online and cloud resources that may be included in home networks
Explain the use of distribution components including splitters, diplexers, taps, fittings and outlets
Explain how plastic optical fiber can be utilized in the home systems
14.0Troubleshooting
Describe common technical problems in home theater systems
Describe methods and equipment used to troubleshoot signal systems or to substitute or detect system signals
Explain the usage of signal generators including:
TDR (time domain reflectometer)
DMM (digital multimeter)
RF (Communication Service Monitor - CSM)
Microwave
List signal problems from external sources or those caused by the A-V system components
List tools and test equipment used for installation work in homes
Describe methods and equipment used to maximize A-V equipment capabilities
Describe procedures for accessing and resolving In-Wall equipment/cabling problems
Present an example of customer equipment faults leading to dissatisfaction of the electronics work and potential loss of income for the installing dealer
Explain the grounding process and its importance in reducing ground loops as well as customer lighting/surge concerns
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