Prem Mishra - Session 01

AR-020-7-1

(00:00:01 to 00:00:45) Brief Introduction (00:00:46 to 00:01:40) Talks about how the present shop was established—started after studying at Saifabad College, gradually adapting to current trends in technology. Mentions that many people come to the shop. (00:01:41 to 00:02:58) Explains the differences between old and current cameras—early cameras used tape, now it’s digital. Tapes allow data recovery; digital data is lost if the device hangs or crashes. (00:03:07 to 00:03:55) On why people shifted to digital: it’s portable, easier to handle. Earlier tech required more effort, now digital is simpler. Everything happens on the spot in video, making it highly efficient. (00:03:57 to 00:05:20) Machines deteriorate, so maintenance is necessary. Customers bring devices to engineers like him. They stay updated through books, videos, and experience. Tech changes every year and will keep evolving. (00:05:21 to 00:05:43) Talks about whether they get to know about the problems people face. Says yes, people even sit outside the shop waiting. (00:05:45 to 00:06:09) (pause) (00:06:12 to 00:06:37) When a camera or device doesn’t work, people bring it directly to them. They identify the issue and repair it on the spot. Unlike service centers that keep devices for 10 days, they provide hands-on, immediate service. (00:06:38 to 00:08:58) When companies like Sony get to know about their repair work, they invite them for meetings to understand the ground-level repair process. Talks about price differences—companies charge more, but local engineers are cost-effective. They work at component level, which companies usually avoid. (00:08:59 to 00:10:12) They use experience, service manuals, and technical knowledge to identify problems. Tools used include multimeters, stethoscopes, etc. (00:10:13 to 00:11:40) Also worked in TV repair. Describes three main types of TVs he worked with before shifting fully to cameras around 1980. (00:11:41 to 00:15:10) Daily learning process. Even if he doesn’t initially understand a camera issue, testing and experience help resolve it. Combines practical experience with ongoing self-study. (00:15:11 to 00:16:40) Mentions updating himself through YouTube channels and magazines. YouTubers also come to shoot videos of his repair work. (00:16:41 to 00:17:36) Form factor and internal system changes became important from the 1990s. He learned through studies and continuous updates to keep up with these changes. (00:17:37 to 00:18:24) Talks about differences in repairing older (pre-PCB) and newer cameras. Earlier, heavy cameras required them to go to the client's place; later they worked with handycams which were portable. (00:18:25 to 00:19:00) Talks about his colleague who has been working with him for many years. They understand each other’s cues and coordinate repair efforts efficiently. (00:19:01 to 00:19:32) (pause) (00:19:33 to 00:20:57) Communication systems and client feedback have evolved. As technicians, they help customers who are often frustrated. If issues can’t be solved in a day, they keep the device. Talks about the shift from VHS cameras and related challenges. (00:20:58 to 00:23:46) Talks about challenges manufacturers face in building interfaces suitable for field use. Manufacturers visit to understand technician and user needs. Mentions broadcast exhibitions where engineers interact with company representatives.

12 March 2025

Oral histories of technical personnel in Broadcast and Community Video

Prem Mishra