May 7, 2025 - Ross Video Team, Insights & Resources
Building the Future of Public Broadcasting
How Austin PBS, Key Code Media, and Ross Video Turned a Vision into a Next-Generation Media Center
For more than 60 years, Austin PBS has been a central part of the cultural fabric of Central Texas, bringing powerful storytelling, trusted journalism, and shows like Austin City Limits into homes across the region. But as broadcast standards advanced and audience expectations changed, Austin PBS realized the station’s infrastructure needed more than a technical upgrade. They needed a transformation.
That vision took shape as the Austin Media Center: A bold multi-million-dollar facility purpose-built to serve as a production hub, community resource, and training ground for tomorrow’s media makers.
The new Austin Media Center was designed to do it all: support multi-studio broadcasts, enable remote productions, host concerts and community events, and give students hands-on experience in real-world broadcast workflows.
The new facility would include three studios, three control rooms, a centralized machine room, and a fully integrated post-production environment. But turning that dream into reality meant navigating more than just blueprints. There were real hurdles – pandemic delays, equipment shortages, and even a brutal Texas freeze that caused significant flood damage to newly installed gear.
Austin PBS tackled it all with the right partners by its side. Key Code Media was the lead systems integrator, guiding the technical vision, and Ross Video and other vendors brought the puzzle together—one cable, console, and control room at a time.
Ross Video didn’t just provide gear—we brought a whole philosophy to the table: reliable, powerful tools that connect easily to other devices.
Ross equipment played a central role in live production, graphics, and media playback, working alongside systems from Clear-Com, Evertz, Sony, Telestream, Adder, and Calrec to create a unified, high-performance environment.
But what really stood out was how easily it integrated with other key technologies – Everything clicked into place.
“Ross products gave us power and flexibility. Even more impressive was how well they integrated with everything else—making our system feel like one seamless environment.” – Chris Ostertag, Chief Technology Officer, Austin PBS
Key Code Media was more than a technical lead. From day one, they were a true collaborator. From the start, their team worked hand in hand with Austin PBS, troubleshooting setbacks, mapping out signal flow, and guiding every piece of the project with precision and care. When the flood hit, they rolled up their sleeves and reinstalled over 100 miles of cabling without missing a beat.
Beyond the physical build, Key Code Media ensured that the PBS team—and their education partners at Austin Community College—knew how to run the show. Training, support, and teamwork were part of the package.
“Key Code Media didn’t just deliver specs; they stood side by side with us every step of the way. Without them, this facility would not be what it is today.” – Chris Ostertag, CTO, Austin PBS
The new Austin Media Center does more than produce great content. It empowers Austin PBS to take on bigger, more ambitious projects, collaborate with partners in education and culture, and bring new voices and stories to life.
Austin PBS has built more than a studio – it’s created a community hub, a training ground, and a creative canvas for voices that matter. It’s a shining example of what public broadcasters can achieve when they have the right tech – and the right partners behind them.
When it came time to reinvent their future, Austin PBS didn’t settle. They built something bold—something lasting. Austin PBS had the vision. Key Code Media had the roadmap. Ross Video and a strong network of technology partners filled in the rest by delivering flexible, well-integrated tech.
Together, they built something bold, resilient, and ready for what’s next. And in doing so, they’ve raised the bar. This station is no longer just keeping up. It’s leading the way.
What does it take to build a cutting-edge broadcast facility? Get a behind-the-scenes look at the technology and partnerships that brought Austin PBS’ new build to life. Watch an exclusive TV Tech webinar on demand.
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