A/V Testing

This page is meant to serve as a sort of landing page for A/V Testing, with documentation and testing procedures provided below.

Overview

The goal of A/V Testing is to identify A/V devices that can be reused, ensure that they function properly, and prepare them for sale by the Thrift Store, Bulk Sales, or Online Sales. The path of an A/V device through Free Geek in general depends on the type and present state of the device in question, but a basic rundown is as follows:

1. A/V gizmo is donated to Free Geek at the Receiving area
2. Receiving staff or volunteers determine whether the device can be reused based on the A/V Triaging procedures:
   • A/V devices deemed unfit for reuse have any attached cords cut off and are taken to Recycling
   • A/V devices deemed potentially reusable are taken to the A/V storage area in the hallway near Receiving
3. A/V staff do a second triage pass, and then select specific devices for testing:
   • Certain types of devices (e.g. niche, vintage, or specialized equipment of limited interest to general public) are taken directly to the bulk buyer shelves in the Warehouse
   • Some devices which are more difficult to test may be taken directly to the Warehouse for longer-term storage
   • Testable devices are loaded onto one of the A/V Testing carts, which is taken to an available work area and set up for testing
4. Devices are tested:
   • Any device with a major functional failure is unplugged, the power cord is clipped, and is taken to Recycling
   • Devices with partial or minor failures are assessed by A/V staff on a case by case basis - most will be recycled, but some may still be usable and may be sent to Bulk Sales or the Thrift Store
   • Devices which pass all their tests are labeled as tested and sent to the Thrift Store

Testing Procedures

DVD Player Testing Procedures
A/V Receiver Testing Procedures
A/V Speaker Testing Procedures

Documentation

• AV - DVD Player Testing Checklist
• AV - Receiver Testing Checklist
• AV - LCD TV Testing Checklist

Wants and Don't Wants:

• AV Gizmo Triage Chart - DO NOT WANT
• AV Gizmo Triage Chart - DO WANT
• AV Gizmo Triage Chart - Other areas