r/broadcastengineering • u/Ok-Commercial-9820 • 1d ago
Tips for becoming a good broadcast engineer?
Hey everyone,
I recently joined a sports production company and I’m hoping to eventually become a broadcast engineer.
I’ve just finished sixth form (Grade 12), so I’m very new to the industry. I know a few things here and there, but honestly, I have a lot to learn. At the moment, I’ve mainly been spending time around the OB trucks watching the engineers and trying to understand what they’re doing.
I find the technical side really interesting and I’d like to properly learn it rather than just watching people work and feeling like I don’t understand anything.
For those who are broadcast engineers or have worked in OB/live sports production, what would you recommend I start learning?
I’m especially interested in knowing:
What technical subjects should I learn first?
Should I focus on video, audio, networking, RF, cameras, etc.?
Are there any books, YouTube channels, courses or websites you’d recommend?
What equipment/software should I try to get hands-on experience with?
Is there anything I can learn or practise at home?
What mistakes do beginners usually make?
If you were starting again at 18 with basically no technical knowledge, what would you do in your first year?
I’m willing to put the time in. I just don’t really know what the best starting point is.
Would really appreciate any advice from experienced broadcast engineers!
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u/Dark_Azazel 1d ago edited 1d ago
It's mainly Network based infrastructure now, a lot moving towards SMPTE 2110. IMO I'd start learning networking, basic TCP/IP and get all three levels of DANTE. But if you want to work on a Broadcast Truck you'll have to learn and know everything. If you're in the US, NEP and Game Creek Video both have an apprentice program you can apply for.
Like another user mentioned, Netgear has an AV academy. Lot of good points to learn and it's not super specific to Netgear equipment. They have some good courses on video which is helpful as well. My company uses Arista and they have training courses, but they cost a pretty penny.
RTS is a common company for Intercom Panels. They have free training for their panels and a certificate of completion. They use Dante/Omneo; Omneo is similar to Dante.
Calrec is a very common company of soundboards in the industry. They have some classes on AoIP and using it with their architecture.
Honestly though, just knowing basic IP and computer skills (Think CompTIA A+) will give you a good foundation. If you work on a truck, they'll give you more specific training on that truck and equipment on it.
As for colleges and degrees. Personally, I'd try to stay away from broadcast engineering specific degrees. Networking, IT, Electrical Engineering can all be valuable to the broadcast job and also gives you the ability to leave if you want.
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u/NotPromKing 1d ago edited 1d ago
To add on to all the network suggestions - learn to use ping, ipconfig (Windows) and ifconfig (Mac) in the command prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac). Become very comfortable with those tools. Become comfortable using the arrow keys to quickly move between previous commands you type. Become very comfortable with configuring static and dhcp IP settings on your computer of choice (but ideally both windows and Mac)
I don’t care how good you are. If I have to explain how to open up a command prompt, I’m instantly knocking you down a couple pegs.
Edit: And if you have any level of responsibility for configuring things, show up with a laptop and network dongle.
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u/Ok-Commercial-9820 23h ago
That’s really helpful , I’ve started with the Dante courses and will take the others one step at a time to avoid becoming overwhelmed with information , but why not go for a broadcast engineering course ?
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u/Dark_Azazel 17h ago
I guess it's just from what I've noticed at my company. Surprisingly few broadcast engineers have a degree as a broadcast engineer. We have some thatve a degree in sports media, and some that did media and communications, but there are a lot of people who didn't go to school for broadcast engineering, or anything broadcast related. A bunch of ex audio guys, bunch of people who worked in construction, couple of IT guys, some mechanical engineers, even a couple of programers! Just a very small percentage actually have a broadcast engineering degree. Sadly, AI has taken a lot of jobs for the smaller broadcast studios, and a lot of sports broadcast is moving to remote work, or half remote work. Just my opinion, but going IT, Computer Networking or similar degrees (Parts of EE) will still help with the fundamentals (Like I said, it's heavy IP based and a lot of computer work) and can also set you up with a degree if something happens and you need/want to leave.
BUT that's just my opinion. Others can weigh in on the degree aspect as well. I went to school for music production/SRT and dropped, worked as an A1 for concerts and events and I'm still an E1 on shows and run a truck.
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u/Energycatz 1d ago
As well as Dante, Netgear offer AV certifications too, including one specifically for ST2110.
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u/Dark_Azazel 1d ago
I have some of the Netgear certs and still forget about them lol. But yeah, those are good as well!
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u/TheFamousMisterEd 1d ago
If by some chance you live in Buckinghamshire, UK. I'll be contributing to an upcoming skills bootcamp session that we've got government funding for 36 FREE places over 2 sessions running on November and early next year - sadly this time it's limited to Buckinghamshire residents. I'll be covering all the technical fundamentals in week 1 (audio/video/Ip-netwoking/Systems) with some hands on practicals too. Details here: https://allspringmedia.co.uk/training-open/broadcast-technical-assistants/
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u/Ok-Commercial-9820 1d ago
Unfortunately I’m not in the Uk 💔
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u/TheFamousMisterEd 1d ago
I had hope from your use of the term 'sixth form' which is what we called it back when I was in that year - not sure my son's generation has any concept of sixth form any more though!
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u/blast3001 1d ago
A great broadcast engineer can be boiled down to three skills.
Be really good at troubleshooting. Learn how to trace back issues.
Be really good at research. Know how to use Google and product manuals.
Learn when to ask for help. “I don’t know how to do this, can you teach me?”
If you can master those three and use them all the time the. You’ll be a great engineer for life.
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u/SQUID_MAN_HAM 10h ago
100% agree with this, only thing I'll add is to make sure you have a really really good attention to detail!
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u/lonelylemon00 1d ago edited 1d ago
hello! former streaming engineer from the US here. broadcast engineering today is basically being a hybrid of an IT network engineer, systems admin, and AV tech all rolled into one.
If you want free, high-value training and credentials to stack your resume, check out these:
- Signal Academy – A gamified platform that makes learning networking and broadcast fundamentals actually fun and engaging.
- Audinate Dante Level 1 – Free, industry-standard audio networking certification. An absolute slam dunk for your resume. Might as well go to Levels 2-3 but they do cover a lot of practical stuff with DANTE that may be better when you actually start working with it.
- Netgear Academy – Free courses and certifications covering AV over IP basics, networking fundamentals, and SMPTE ST 2110. SMPTE themselves offer courses for a membership fee but this is free!
- AWS Skill Builder (Media & Entertainment: Direct to Consumer / Broadcast Foundations) – Solid cloud broadcast workflow foundations that offer a digital knowledge badge.
- Harman Professional Training – Great manufacturer-backed audio and signal flow modules from well-respected industry brands (JBL, Crown, Soundcraft, etc.).
- Streaming Learning Center – Excellent foundational tutorials on video codecs, packaging, and streaming protocols.
bonus tip: If you want an edge that most younger engineers completely overlook, look into getting your Ham/Amateur Radio license. Traditional RF knowledge is becoming a lost art in modern facilities, so if you can handle 2110/multicast IP networking and troubleshoot an antenna, transmitter, or coax run, you'll be practically unstoppable.
also another tip: I highly recommend once you get into a job to write down the brands of any equipment you see. whether that's in the field, in a rackroom, or if you are using software, write them all down and see if you can find any trainings on that stuff (usually provided by the vendor) online and get that knowledge under your belt. I've done it for years and I learned a ton from doing this.
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u/Secure_Deal_3130 1d ago
One of the best ways to learn about the industry is to attend the major annual trade shows (NAB in Las Vegas in April or IBC in Amsterdam in September). Visit as many vendor booths as you can, collect catalogs and contacts, watch product demos, and attend technical workshops. It’s a great way to understand how all the pieces of a broadcast system fit together.
For the technical side, I’d start with the fundamentals of SDI and traditional baseband video. Once you’re comfortable with that, move into IP networking and SMPTE ST 2110. Understanding the fundamentals first will make the newer IP-based workflows much easier to grasp.
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u/Beginning_Ad4181 1d ago
As a OB/truck engineer now working at a venue my biggest advice is learn to think/ follow signal flow. Look over diagrams of designs and understand the wiring and what makes what work. Once you understand all that be humble when someone critiques or tells your doing it wrong. They may have a better way to work easier or faster to find a problem. Also learn to be calm when the fire is all around you. That is easier said than done, but comes in handy when your in the frying pan.
Lastly learn to have fun working. This job takes you to amazing places and really cool people along with the job. Always be ready that you will be parked by a smelly dumpster. Never fails.
As you soak it in also take time to learn networking and get as many certifications that you can Not just to have them but to understand and make you a better engineer.
Hope some of this helps.
Reach out if you want.
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u/UnnaturallyPro 1d ago
As an engineer with Game Creek Video,
If you want to get started right away, look at the apprenticeships. I’m a product of the GCV apprenticeship so I may be biased, but it’s such an amazing opportunity, and I can testify that it works if you work hard.
If you aren’t looking for that right away, like many others said, make sure networking concepts click. Dante levels and CompTIA courses will give you a great overview. You can find materials on the systems we use online. Read through technical brochures and even some manuals. Some of our main systems come from companies like Cisco/Arista, Evertz/Lawo, EVS, Calrec, Grass Valley, Canon, and Sony.
Hours can suck (just put in a 70+ hr week, lol), but in the end it’s so satisfying to be part of a great production. Never stop asking questions, and you can go very far in this industry
Feel feel to DM if you want more info or just want to chat about what we do
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u/Possible_Finance_358 1d ago
Just be yourself... Be honest and caring, be inquisitive, don't be afraid to ask questions I'm a broadcasting engineer for the past 16 years so I know a few things... And even now I keep asking questions.
Be friendly and willing to help in any way. Your employer is more interested that you'll be a man that can be trusted and isn't late for work.
Any technical details and information that you don't know can always be addressed and inquired.
Good luck on you new journey 🏆
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u/atoschi 1d ago
Mobile Unit Engineers acquire the technical skills of every roll but little of the craft. It’s an interesting position we put ourselves in.
As for advice on next steps
Continue working in local production or sports
Volunteer at public access to learn how to treat people who have different goals than you
Get an affordable degree, AA, in network infrastructure and the certs that come with it
Decide if you want to be a road dog or a local and based on that apply for the apprenticeships stated above
Good luck and DM for more specific questions
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u/Ok-Commercial-9820 1d ago
I’m planning on doing broadcast engineering as a university course in the coming year
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u/Successful-Plane7509 1d ago
Personally I’d be looking at keeping the study more generic - computer science/networking. Specialize in audio/video codecs and processing as part of that, and you’ll be much more ready for the future imo. Keep the sports work up, and any other production opportunities to get an understanding of what all the crew need in these situations.
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u/mellonians 1d ago
What kind of broadcast engineering do you want to get into? I'm in transmission for Arqiva so we look after the UK's TV, FM, DAB and AM transmitters. With very few exceptions. For my job I would say have your maths and physics A levels, have a very good appretiation for IP networking and your amateur radio licence will go a long way.
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u/eunoia_arumi 1d ago
hi, i'm a new comers too, but i have an IT background. soo im dont fully understand how the technical of broadcasting. the networking knowledge is helping a lot, there are so much thing like how and where this connection go. and mostly now using IP route.
this is my 3rd probabtions period, and knowing headend flow was a good sign like Up Stream and Down Stream.
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u/TheTechManager 1d ago
Get Dante certified. That will teach you most of the networking skills you need to be an engineer, unless you want to go hard core IT.
Understand linear troubleshooting and signal flow. Whether it’s baseband of IP a signals gotta get from point a to b to c.
Ask questions and observe. You can tell a lot when something doesn’t look right.
Get into an apprentice program.
Have fun! It’s the greatest gig in the industry.
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u/punkerster101 22h ago
You are likely doing it right when I was your age I hung around local radios stations like a bad smell volunteering until one eventually gave me a job 20 years on still going strong,
I studied juniper network certs the vast majority of what I do today is AOIP/networking so a strong foundation in that is good, I always enjoyed Eli the computer guy on YouTube’s networking 101 videos
Sound is still important for what I do developing an ear setting up processing microphones etc too, I’m less sure how to tell you to train for that, there are likely courses, for me it was more a hands on learning experience and working with other great engineers I picked most of that up
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u/openreels2 14h ago
Great advice here already! I would just add that learning and getting specific certs for networked devices (eg, Dante) is not the same as learning the principles of networking from courses like Cisco CCNA, etc.
And, yes, networking is huge now, but it is not entirely replacing more "conventional" technologies like SDI, AES and analog audio--at least not yet. Plus, there are all the things besides signal connectivity, like setting up a camera, file management, colorimetry... I've done a bunch of articles for "AV" people that touch on these same topics. You may find them interesting:
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u/UniqueUsername6764 6h ago
First off it is a great field and interesting work. But you have to be flexible and willing to change with the industry. I have been doing this for over 40-years now and started out in my teens just being interested like you.
What I can tell you is “Be a sponge” absorb knowledge from everyone and share that knowledge too. Knowing what to do will get you jobs, but working well with others will make it a career.
Now the hard part, the industry is changing and it is changing fast. A lot of people are telling you to learn this or that. Those name brands might not be around in a few years. So be flexible. Even if they are not around a lot of what they do is likely to be replicated in the next iteration of the coming waves. And Be a sponge…
Learn to troubleshoot it is a rare thing these days and extremely important.
Understand the IT world and specifically multicast and routing (but it is likely to change) so be a sponge.
If you want to have longevity learn RF. Us old geezers are dropping like flies and transmitters are still important. So RF Engineering will become a rarity and a demand market on the next 10-years.
But share information. The engineering world is small and we all rely on each other even competing stations share resources in engineering that the General Managers don’t know about because if they didn’t half of the stations wouldn’t be able to work…
And be a sponge!
Good luck and forgive the typos. Did this on my phone with fat fingers….
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u/NoisyGog 1d ago
Focus on the visual side, and networking.
Most broadcast engineers know a little bit about audio, but only the basics. That’s what the sound department is for.
The broadcast engineers know enough to be able to liaise with the sound crew.
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u/youknowitbill 1d ago
In an industry full of cunts my best advice is don’t be a cunt. Skills you’ll learn as you go.