BLidgets: Blue Lucy Widgets
THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF BLAM WORKFLOWS.
CONNECT TASK-SPECIFIC BLIDGETS TO BUILD YOUR OWN WORKFLOWS IN OUR USER-FRIENDLY INTERFACE
BLAM IS EQUIPPED WITH MORE THAN 100 UTILITY BLIDGETS AS WELL AS AN EVER-EXPANDING RANGE OF 3rd Party CONNECTOR BLIDGETS
Asset Operators
Assign as Parent
Assign as Parent
Assigns the asset as the parent of another asset based on a defined search query.
MORERegister Placeholder
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
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
Assign as Child
Assigns the asset as the child of another asset based on a defined search query.
MOREDelete On Date
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.
MOREAssign to Project
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
Assign to Group
Assigns an asset to specific permission group(s).
Remove from Workspace
Remove from Workspace
Removes an asset from a named workspace.
Add to 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
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
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
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.
File Operators
Copy File S3 (Cross-Region)
Copy File S3 (Cross-Region)
Copies an object from an AWS S3 bucket to another specified AWS S3 bucket across regions
MORESet S3 Tags
Upload to S3
Download from S3
Download from S3
Downloads a file from AWS S3, and writes it to a specified disk file store.
Register File
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
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
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
Calculate MD5 Checksum
Calculates an MD5 checksum of a file and stores the value as technical metadata.
Technical Data Brancher
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.
MOREZip
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
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
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
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
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
Delete File
Deletes the physical asset file from disk based storage.
Delete S3 Object
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
Copy File
Copies a file to a specified, mounted file system.
FTP Out
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
Check File Size
Conditional brancher which verifies file size against stored technical data.
Validate File Paths
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.
MOREData Operators
Report Writer
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.
MOREGenerate PDF
Generate PDF
Creates a PDF from an office document. Can convert most Microsoft Office and Open Office formats.
MOREWrite Asset Log
XML Writer
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
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
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
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
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
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.
MOREWeb-VTT File Writer
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
Get Technical Data
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
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.
Conditional Operator
Location Brancher
Location Brancher
Conditional brancher operating on file location.
Metadata Brancher
Metadata Brancher
Conditional brancher operating on asset metadata.
Integration Connector
Send SQS Message
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.
MORERun FFmpeg
Send SNS Notification
Ateme Transcode Controller
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.
MOREAWS MediaConvert: Transcode
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
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
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
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.
MOREEVS Logging Parser
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.
MOREGV Morpheus Playout Connector
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.
MOREGet Quantel sQ Inventory
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
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.
MOREQuantel sQ Record Controller
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.
MORESGL Flashnet Controller
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
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
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.
MORETelestream Cloud: QC
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.
MOREPublish to Vimeo
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.
MOREPublish to Wochit
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.
MOREPublish to 23Video
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.
MOREMedia Processors
Generate Browse (AWS)
Generate Browse (AWS)
Generates a browse of the input audio or video essence using AWS Elemental Media Convert.
MOREGenerate PDF
Generate PDF
Creates a PDF from an office document. Can convert most Microsoft Office and Open Office formats.
MOREAteme Transcode Controller
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.
MOREAWS MediaConvert: Transcode
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
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
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.
MORETranscode
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
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
Generate Thumbnail
Generates a single thumbnail image at a specified frame from a video file.
Generate JPEG from Image
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.
Notifications
Send Email
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
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
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.
Maintenance Tools
Resync File Locations (S3)
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.
MOREPrune S3 Object Entries
Prune S3 Object Entries
Reports and, optionally, removes S3 object location entries which do not exist or are inaccessible.
MOREPrune File System Entries
Prune File System Entries
Reports and, optionally, removes file system location entries which do not exist or are inaccessible.
MOREExcel Metadata Import
Run Script C#
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
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.
Operational
Get EasyTrack Work Orders
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.
MOREGet Work Orders
Get Work Orders
MOREProcess Work Orders
Process Work Orders
Processes Work Orders and based on contented raises Tasks or Triggers additional Worklfows.
MOREWork Order: Raise Task
Work Order: Raise Task
This BLidget allows the creation of a task or multiple tasks from a Work Order.
MOREWork Order: Trigger Workflow
Action Task
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.
MOREReview Task
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
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
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
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
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.