BLidgets: Blue Lucy Widgets

Register Placeholder

Registers an Asset as a placeholder – i.e. an Asset that does not, as the time of registration, have an associated file object.

Typically used downstream of a GET operation BLidget which is reading data from a rights management or scheduling system.

Merge Asset

The BLidget merges two assets and marks the merged asset as fulfilled. Assets already marked as fulfilled are skipped. Uses the same matching mechanism as register assets blidget to match assets.

This BLidget should be used on assets already in BLAM which require matching to placeholders or an already existing asset in BLAM using the assets original filename and (optional) match pattern.

Assign as Child

The BLidget assigns an Asset output from an upstream process as a Child of the Asset used as the source of the process. 

Delete On Date

The BLidget sets the Deletion Date of Assets based on a valid DateTime string or an interpolated string.

Typically used for the automated deletion of an asset at a future time, such as when usage rights expire. 

Assign to Project

This BLidget will assign an Asset to a project.

Typically used to place incoming rushed media to an associated project for editing.

Assign to Group

This BLidget interacts with the BLAM User Access Control model and allows an Asset to be assigned to selected Groups within an Organisation. 

Users not belonging to the selected Groups will not be able to see or operate on a given Asset.

Remove from Workspace

The BLidget will remove an Asset from a named Workspace as part of a workflow.

Add to Workspace

The BLidget will add an Asset to a named Workspace as part of a workflow.

Typically used to aggregate files that require intervention in a visible place which may be shared between users or groups.

Rename Asset

Used to rename Assets to a specified string value. The string can contain templates which will be replaced with their data.

Supports insertion of metadata field names in the format {{metadata_field}} or function such as {{GETDATE()}} = 19/02/2019

Delete Asset

Deletes an asset, or specific asset version record from the BLAM platform.

Note: BLAM supports both soft and hard deletion.

AWS S3 Upload

Copies an asset from a BLAM managed disk to a BLAM managed AWS S3 bucket.

This BLidget should be used either for S3 frequent access storage, or as an archiving step.

AWS S3 Download

Copies an asset from a BLAM managed S3 bucket to a BLAM managed disk or an un-manged disk.

Register File

Registers a file as a new BLAM Asset.

This BLidget is typically used as the first part of an ingest workflow. The BLidget optionally accepts AWS SNS notifications as a trigger for objected stored in S3.

Register Un-managed S3 Files

Searches an AWS S3 file-store (bucket) for unregistered filenames and registers them as BLAM assets.

The BLidget is typically used as a method to quickly bring an AWS S3 Bucket under BLAM management.

File Format Brancher

This Brancher BLidget provides a logic gate function based on the input file format.

The BLidget can support multiple quires in a single step. Typically used to filter file formats for onward processing. e.g. separating out video and image files.

Generate Checksum

This BLidget calculates the checksum a file and stores it with the Asset File technical metadata.

The checksum may be used in subsequent operations to validate file and data integrity. 

File Location Brancher

This Logic BLidget checks that Asset files are on a specified file store.

The BLidget is typically used to ensure the appropriate file-orientated BLidgets are used in subsequent steps.

Technical Data Brancher

The BLidget looks up a file’s technical data property value(s) matches a condition and branches accordingly.

Typically used to branch files based on media format to pass into an appropriate workflow for processing such as normalisation.

Zip Archive

Creates a Zip file of an Asset and (optionally) its child assets.

The BLidget is typically used to package a number of related Assets or Files prior to delivery. Used to distribute an Electronic Press Kit for example.

Unzip Archive

The BLidget will unzip all or a defined subset pattern (e.g media files only) of files from a .zip and .tar archive for disk or object based storage.

The files output from the BLidget are typically passed into an Asset registration workflow.

Set Media Type Role

Typically used following the creation of a new Asset Type via a transcode this BLidget set to set Type to a Role.

Standard Roles include Master – the Type on which all subsequent operations refer and Browse which is the proxy format used in the web-browser based video players.

S3 Copy

Copies asset files between specified AWS S3 buckets.

This BLidget can be used to move objects from a Snowball bucket, or to a bucket with appropriate life-cycle rules.

Get S3 Storage Class

This BLidget gets the current Storage Class of an Asset File stored in AWS S3.

The BLidget writes the storage class and (optionally) the restoration date if the S3 Object has been restored to the BLAM.

Delete File

Deletes the physical asset file from disk based storage.

Delete S3 Object

Deletes an asset from a BLAM managed S3 bucket. For use with cloud based or on-prem storage with an S3 compliant interface.

Copy

Copies an asset to a specified disk location.

The BLidget is used to copy an asset files between BLAM managed or un-managed locations

FTP Out

Delivers an asset file to a specified FTP location.

The FTP details may be entered directly in the BLidget or reference details that are securely stored in the BLAM credential manager.

Validate File Paths

This maintenance BLidget, typically run on a schedule, will validate the file paths for all Assets under management. 

The Blidget generates a report for files that are not accessible or are missing. Provides early warning if people are deleting objects outside the BLAM.

XML Writer

Generates an XML file from a template and populates variables with metadata stored in BLAM.

The BLidget is typically used to generate ‘side car’ XML metadata documents for subsequent packaging and delivery. The BLidget reduces effort and ensures precision.

XLS(X) to XML Converter

The BLidget converts tabular data in an Excel Sheet into XML

Typically used to convert Excel documents or CSV file to XML for onward processing in BLAM.

XML Data Importer

The BLidget reads data from an XML document and sets the values in the BLAM metadata schema.

Used to import data from 3rd party systems which are able to generate repeatably, structured XML. The BLidget field mappings are configured using XPaths in the JSON.

Excel Writer

This BLidget writes any metadata relating to an Asset or Assets to a customisable Excel (or CSV) document structure. .

The BLidget will write out any BLAM data field – core, technical or custom and is most often used to create custom reports.

DDEX Parser

This BLidget parses DDEX XML and imports it to BLAM for native storage.

This BLidget also provides mapping tools to match DDEX fields to custom and Core metadata fields.

JSON Writer

This BLidget writes any metadata relating to an Asset or Assets to a customisable JSON structure. .

The BLidget will write out any BLAM data field – core, technical or custom and is most often used to export data for 3rd party systems.

Metadata Brancher

This Logic BLidget checks the metadata value set for BLAM Core or custom metadata fields and branches accordingly.

May be used on one or more metadata fields and a full index is provided within the BLidget.

Set Metadata Values

The BLidget is used to set specific values against metadata fields within a workflow.

This BLidget is typically used to set metadata values against Assets running through complex workflows so that the status may be easily queried or reported.

Web-VTT File Writer

Converts popular subtitle formats (including MicroDVD, SubRip, SubStationAlpha, SubViewer, TTML, YouTube XML) to WebVTT.

BLAM’s web-browser video players display WebVTT files so this Blidget is often used to create a ‘browse version’ of professional subtitle formats.

SRT Writer

The BLidget writes an SRT (SubRip Subtitle) from BLAM metadata.

Get Technical Data

This BLidget inspects any media file to capture and store all the technical data such as video CODEC.

The BLidget is typically used in an ingest workflow shortly after a new file arrives so that the appropriate subsequent workflows can be triggered.

Generate AAF

This BLidget will generate an AAF (Advanced Authoring Format) file from a BLAM Edit Decision List (EDL).

Typically used to export the EDL from the BLAM cuts editor to Adobe Premiere Pro or Avid for craft editing.

Ateme Transcode Controller

The BLidget connects to the Ateme Titan platform to provide profile based transcode management.

The BLidget can set the Ateme domain, output filename and job priority.

AWS MediaConvert: Transcode

The BLidget accesses AWS Elemental MediaConvert for file transcoding using a defined Template or Preset.

The BLidget optionally tracks the usage cost associated with the action. 

AWS MediaConvert: Render

The BLidget accesses AWS Elemental MediaConvert for rendering (conforming) a BLAM Editor EDL.

The Blidget will call a defined Template or Preset for the output format. MediaConvert is the preferred renderer for Files stored in AWS S3.

AWS S3 Upload

Copies an asset from a BLAM managed disk to a BLAM managed AWS S3 bucket.

This BLidget should be used either for S3 frequent access storage, or as an archiving step.

AWS S3 Download

Copies an asset from a BLAM managed S3 bucket to a BLAM managed disk or an un-manged disk.

Avid MAM Data Importer

This BLidget will import all Assets and associated metadata from an Avid MAM (Blue Order and derivative vintage) DB dump.

This BLidget is used to import all the data from Avid as part of the migration from these widely deployed legacy MAMs

EasyTrack Interface

This BLidget forms a bi-directional link with the EasyTrack (ET) rights management platform.

Used to import Titles, Product data and material metadata into BLAM the Blidget also enables BLAM to update ET with location information and other data.

EVS Logging Parser

This BLidget will read in the output of the EVS IPD logging tools and populate the BLAM custom metadata schema.

The BLidget can ran in an automatic mode that will match the metadata to the media by file name.  Manual matching is also supported. 

GV Morpheus Playout Connector

Bi-directional connector for Grass Valley Morpheus playout systems.

The BLidget parses a missing media list received from Morpheus, transfers any identified Assets to the playout engines and returns details of the Material IDs transferred back to Morpheus.

Get Quantel sQ Inventory

Used to query a Quantel sQ Zone via the ISA manager to obtain a file directory listing.

Typically run on a schedule the BLiget enables BLAM to maintain a view of the content stored with a Quantel Zone. This information is used to manage archiving.

Quantel sQ File Operator

The BLidget allows BLAM to act on a file stored on a Quantel sQ media Zone via the Quantel ISA Manager.

The BLidget can update the file’s metadata, copy the file out from the Quantel environment via FileFlow, or delete the file. 

Quantel sQ Record Controller

The BLidget allows an Quantel sQ (sQ 400 – 1800) record port(s) to be controlled from within BLAM.

BLAM will start and start / stop a recording on a ‘crash’ basis but this function can sit behind BLAM’s sophisticated scheduling capability.

SGL Flashnet Controller

This connector BLidget allows an SGL Flasnet system to be controlled from within BLAM workflows.

The BLidget enables Restore and Delete operations and is typically deployed to migrate media from a legacy LTO archive to alternative or cloud storage.

Signiant Interface

This BLidget interacts with Signiant to generate a temporary single use accelerated download link.

The BLidget also monitors the status Signiant Links to confirm whether they’ve been fulfilled to trigger further automated steps. 

Sony Flexicart Controller

The BLidget enables full control of Sony Fleixcart cassette robots.

BLAM controls the Flexicart, providing tape movement commands and inventory management, greatly reducing the need for manual intervention in cassette digitisation workflows.

Telestream Cloud: QC

This BLidget manages the automated QC process using the Telestream Cloud platform.

The BLidget passes the file and required test profile to Telestream platform.  The QC data returned by Telestream is stored in BLAM for ‘eyes on’ review.

Publish to Vimeo

The BLidget enables material to be published directly on the Vimeo video hosting platform.

Provides a direct integration to publish video, imagery and associated metadata.

Publish to Wochit

The BLidget enables material to be published directly on the Vimeo video creation platform

Provides a direct integration to publish video, imagery and associated metadata.

Publish to 23Video

The BLidget enables material to be published directly on the 23Video video marketing platform.

Provides a direct integration to publish video, imagery and associated metadata.  

Ateme Transcode Controller

The BLidget connects to the Ateme Titan platform to provide profile based transcode management.

The BLidget can set the Ateme domain, output filename and job priority.

AWS MediaConvert: Transcode

The BLidget accesses AWS Elemental MediaConvert for file transcoding using a defined Template or Preset.

The BLidget optionally tracks the usage cost associated with the action. 

AWS MediaConvert: Render

The BLidget accesses AWS Elemental MediaConvert for rendering (conforming) a BLAM Editor EDL.

The Blidget will call a defined Template or Preset for the output format. MediaConvert is the preferred renderer for Files stored in AWS S3.

Render

The BLidget renders (conforms) a BLAM Editor EDL using the Blue Lucy render engine which produces files which are mathematically lossless from their source.

The Blidget is typically used in ‘on-prem’ deployments.

Transcode

This Blidget is used to access the Blue Lucy Transcoder for media format conversion.

The desired output format is set in the BLidget from those available. The Transcoder will operate on the Master File of an Asset.

Get Image Metadata

The Blidget will extract metadata from EXIF, IPTC, XMPP, JFIF/JFXX, ICC Profiles and Photoshop metadata tags from image files.

The BLidget provides a mapping for source data fields to BLAM (custom and core) metadata fields.

Get Thumbnail from Video

The BLidget generates a single thumbnail image from a video asset asset at a definable position (frame) and image size.

Typically used to generate the image seen in the BLAM UI in search results but has wider applications for cover-art on OTT platforms for example.

Generate JPEG from Image

The BLidget converts image formats including CMYKA, PNG, SVG, TIFF, TGA, GIF to .jpeg.

The BLidget also provides the capability to support image scaling and cropping.

Send Email

Generates emails from templates and sends them to the specified recipients or BLAM Groups.

This BLidget may be used to generate and send dynamic emails based on the Asset metadata from the Asset which triggered it e.g. “Email regarding {{ ASSET_ID }}”

Send SMS

Generates an SMS message from a template and sends via SMS to named BLAM users or a keyed mobile number.

This BLidget may be used to generate and send dynamic SMS messages on the Asset metadata from the Asset which triggered it e.g. “SMS Alert regarding {{ ASSET_ID }}”

Notify in Tasks

This BLidget will send a notification as a Task to a specific User or Group.

The BLidget optionally allows notifications to be shown in the BLAM user interface.

Run Script C#

This BLidget enables custom C# code to be run in an asset based workflow.

May be used to make external API calls to thirdy party systems.

Free Space Brancher

Checks that the free space available on a file store is above a specified threshold.

Used in a workflow to determine whether a file store has sufficient free space this BLidget is typically deployed in an automatic ‘high watermark’ archive workflow.

Check File Size

Verifies that the file size of a file matches the file size stored in BLAM Technical Metadata.

The BLidget is typically used to verify that a file has downloaded completely.

Get EasyTrack Work Orders

This BLidget queries EasyTrack to get all pending Work Orders and records them in BLAM. Initial processing will validate the Work Order and send a confirmation email to the originator if it can be fulfilled.

These are then mapped to BLAM Work Order for processing to keep BLAM Work Orders in sync with EasyTrack.

Get Work Orders

Process Work Orders

Processes Work Orders and based on contented raises Tasks or Triggers additional Worklfows.

Work Order: Raise Task

This BLidget allows the creation of a task or multiple tasks from a Work Order.

Work Order: Trigger Workflow

This BLiget will trigger workflows based on a BLAM Work Order.

Action Task

This BLidget raises an Action Task which may be assigned to a User or Group.

Review Tasks allow a verity of specific actions to be defined and rules set for these. An operator must set the Task as complete before the workflow will continue.

Review Task

This BLidget raises a Review Task which may be assigned to a User or Group.

Review Tasks allow a verity of specific actions to be defined but the output of the BLidget is binary – PASS/FAIL YES/NO.

Trigger Another Workflow

This BLidget is used to trigger other workflows from within a workflow.

May trigger workflows at the Asset for File level.

Delay

The BLidget will delay (hold) the passage of objects running through it. The hold period is set in the BLidget as a fixed value or a metadata variable.

This BLidget is usually deployed to delay the delivery of content which is subject to a time-bound embargo.

Assign to Group

This BLidget will assign Assets that pass through it to given operational Group(s).

This BLidget can be used to control the access and visibility of an Asset to different user groups at various points in the workflow.

Add to Workspace

This BLidget will add the Asset passing through it to a given, named work-space.

This BLidget is typically used for Assets that have failed an automated process such as QC. Adding Assets to a work space makes them easy to share with operators.