How to become a home theater installer?????

[StLouisVegan]

I am looking for a change....was wondering if anyone new the BEST way in getting into this field of work. It's just time to do something I have a passion for.....

Thanks Michael

[nicholtl]

Talk to Griff (who is already one), or Orange Peel, who just started to get into it himself.

[toddvj]

Go to a store that does Home Installation, apply for a job. You'll probably be installing a lot of satellite dishes to start off, until you get some more experience. Might not be the most exciting job at first, but as you get more experience, you can get into a lot more custom installs, and high end stuff. Hard to get into custom stuff without REAL experience. That means hooking up your own system, or your dad's system, don't count (it will probably help you get an entry level position, though.) Bear in mind, you probably won't be getting paid by the hour, probably strictly commission, so it might be a little lean at first. If you stick with it, though, it can be very good money.

[Griffinator]

I did a lot of freelance work back in the 80's and 90's. Did HT retail for a couple years, still freelancing install and troubleshooting on the side, then went to work for an install company. Finally, last year, struck out on my own, and never looked back.

[tommyboy]

Hey Griff, would you recommend any type of carpentry "training" for this type of work. I guess what I'm trying to say, is it necessary to have a background in building rooms and maybe even homes, or more of a technical (hooking everything up) background.

[Griffinator]

You're definitely going to need to know basic electrical to be able to handle most jobs. It's not as simple as just setting up speakers, dialing in the receiver, and firing up the system. Most jobs will find you coming in before the walls are up to rough-wire not just the theater room, but in all likelihood the entire house for audio, plus (if you want to make any kind of consistent money) running Cat-5 for networking throughout the house.

You'll need blueprint reading skills, because you're going to have to work with the general contractor on a plan for the wiring you install, to make certain it doesn't interfere with the rest of the wiring being laid (phone, cable, electrical)

I guess I was lucky in that respect - I learned all that stuff when I was a kid, long before I ever got involved with HT. It's really paid off for me since then, though.