New production control system enhances learning and quality at WOUB Public Media

A new production control system recently installed at WOUB Public Media is enhancing both the student learning experience and the quality of content for WOUB TV viewers. The Ross Production Control system has several complex components which streamline the process for production and is more advanced than the previously used systems.

“Think of it as the control center in your home. It manages everything from the temperature of your refrigerator to the timing of your washing machine,” said Telecommunications Senior Specialist Jonathan Palmer, noting the Ross system is the central hub for all things production. “In our case, it manages video and audio signals, switches between cameras, controls graphics and handles media playback and recording, ensuring that everything runs smoothly.”

Ross’ components include Overdrive, an Ultrix Carbonite switcher and Ross’s Ultrix router. These complex parts make up the machine that helps automate production, manage video signals, create more dynamic visuals for viewers and produce smoother transitions.

The Ross system is used every weeknight for WOUB’s half-hour live news program, NewsWatch.

“For viewers, these new systems really make our local shows look sleek and clean,” said Senior Jack Greene, who serves as WOUB NewsWatch supervising producer. “For students, it prepares us to use systems we will likely see after we leave WOUB and get a job at a different station. The new system allows us to do things we have never really been able to do before.”

“This new system gives our students direct access to the same tools used by professionals in the broadcast industry,” Palmer added. “It’s an incredible opportunity for them to gain real-world experience with equipment they’ll encounter in their future careers. WOUB is one of the few institutions across the country where students can get hands-on experience with this level of technology, and that gives them a competitive edge when entering the workforce.”

Student directors spent weeks training over the summer to learn the new system and help get this project off the ground. 

“This project was a team effort, and we couldn’t have done it without the dedication of our students and staff,” Palmer said. “The students have worked incredibly hard to get the system up and running and their commitment to learning these new systems is commendable.” 

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