BLidgets: Blue Lucy Widgets

Assign as Parent

Assigns the asset as the parent of another asset based on a defined search query.

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

Assigns the asset as the child of another asset based on a defined search query.

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

Assigns an asset to specific permission group(s).

Remove from Workspace

Removes an asset from a named workspace.

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 File Entry

Deletes the BLAM DB entry for file essence.

This BLidget will output the owning asset versions so that further operations can be performed if necessary.

Set Metadata

Sets metadata value(s) on an asset.

This BLidget can be used to add useful information about the asset’s progress through a workflow.

Copy File S3 (Cross-Region)

Copies an object from an AWS S3 bucket to another specified AWS S3 bucket across regions

Set S3 Tags

Allows ‘tags’ to be set from BLAM metadata to objects stored in AWS S3.

Upload to S3

Uploads a file to a specified AWS S3 bucket.

Download from S3

Downloads a file from AWS S3, and writes it to a specified disk file store.

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.

Calculate MD5 Checksum

Calculates an MD5 checksum of a file and stores the value as technical metadata.

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

Compresses files to a zip archive. Zips current version of an asset and (optionally) its child assets, or just the supplied asset files. All asset files must be downloaded onto a local disk first. The BLidget will overwrite any pre-existing zip file of the same name in the output folder.

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.

Copy File S3

Copies an object from an AWS S3 bucket to another specified AWS S3 bucket within the same region.

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 File

Copies a file to a specified, mounted file system.

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.

Check File Size

Conditional brancher which verifies file size against stored technical data.

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.

Report Writer

Writes an Excel report based on running a C# script. The report will be stored as an asset, and can be mailed to the user with the Send Email blidget.

Generate PDF

Creates a PDF from an office document. Can convert most Microsoft Office and Open Office formats.

Write Asset Log

Writes out a full audit history for an asset to an Excel document.

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.

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.

Location Brancher

Conditional brancher operating on file location.

Metadata Brancher

Conditional brancher operating on asset metadata.

Send SQS Message

Sends a message to AWS SQS using the provided SQS URL. Options for the message include adding a delay (in seconds) before the message is added to the receving queue, a Group ID used by SQS FIFO queues and 10 additional string key-value attributes. The Blidget uses the BLAM interpolator to provide BLAM asset metadata to the message.

Run FFmpeg

Passes user defined arguments into a deployed instance of the FFmpeg executable.

Send SNS Notification

Sends a notification to AWS SNS using a defined ARN.

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.

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.  

Generate Browse (AWS)

Generates a browse of the input audio or video essence using AWS Elemental Media Convert.

Generate PDF

Creates a PDF from an office document. Can convert most Microsoft Office and Open Office formats.

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.

Generate Thumbnail

Generates a single thumbnail image at a specified frame from a video file.

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.

Resync File Locations (S3)

Synchronises BLAM asset files with matching objects in S3. This BLidget should be used to do a one time update of asset file locations.

Prune S3 Object Entries

Reports and, optionally, removes S3 object location entries which do not exist or are inaccessible.

Prune File System Entries

Reports and, optionally, removes file system location entries which do not exist or are inaccessible.

Excel Metadata Import

Imports data from an Excel document to the BLAM schema.

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.

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.