Imagen Media Workflows 📕

This guide will introduce you to Imagen media workflows, what they are, and how they may be used. All media is ingested into Imagen using a Workflow.

Contents

What is an Imagen Media Workflow? 

Transcoder / File Conversion 

Custom workflows 

Introducing workflow modules

Workflow Selection

Default Workflows

Workflow Usage

Next Steps

What is an Imagen Media Workflow? 

Workflows are primarily used to create renditions of your media assets (i.e. versions of videos that differ in resolution, bitrate, codec, frames per second, language, etc.)

For example, an ‘Original’ (e.g., high-fidelity MP4 video) file can be used to render an ‘HLS proxy’ (HTTPS Live Streaming) file that is lightweight and optimised for web playback. You may also want to offer a ‘mezzanine’ rendition to fit (in quality) somewhere between the HLS proxy and the original file.  Renditions may also include thumbnails, reference images, and still frames used in a timeline (see below).

Workflow options allow watermarks or metadata from database fields to be burned into the media to protect content with logos or other images. Predefined text can also be added during the workflow process to set up rights or contact information.

Transcoder / File Conversion 

Imagen’s Transcoder module can output many kinds of media files, as shown in the diagram below (on the right-hand side of the Transcoder module). It can also work with files having more than one audio track (e.g., background crowd noise or alternative languages) that can be preserved or paired down to a single stereo channel. Whole or short sections of audio can be muted to remove sensitive or inappropriate material. 

Custom workflows 

If you are interested in creating custom workflows, please contact your Imagen contact or support@imagen.io. This guide provides an overview of how a custom workflow could be designed to meet your requirements.

Workflows can be created and changed using a “drag and drop” graphical interface. This allows for a granular definition of parameters in each workflow module, to both transcode and store media. Workflow modules can be connected to automate a complex sequence of processes.

Introducing workflow modules

Workflow modules are the building blocks of a workflow.

Starting with the Media Retriever, the workflow can be configured to return the original file, or a proxy version for additional lower resolution conversions - for web/social media etc. The media may also be retrieved from an external HTTP(s) URL. 

The Imagen Transcoder or Image Converter modules can then be used to transform your media once retrieval has been configured (above). Both modules will send the media to the Imagen Transcoder Farm for processing.  

The Store and Update module will store the output from the Image converter and Transcoder in specified Storage Profiles. It is also possible to send the output straight to your Social Media Accounts. 

Audio Transcription 

The audio transcription module allows you to leverage Microsoft AI services to transcribe the audio in your media, creating time-based metadata (annotations).  

Follow this link to learn more about how AI services can enhance your media workflow.

Media Retriever 

Whether the workflow is to retrieve the file from an upload, an HTTP(S) transfer - or re-transcoding from a file already stored in Imagen - this module will attempt to pull in the file, starting the workflow.  

Social Media Publisher 

This workflow plugin can be used to push media to your social media channels (e.g., YouTube and Twitter) for direct publishing.

Store and Update 

After transcoding or processing an image, the output files (and original) will need to be stored, and the record will need updating. 

Image Converter 

Our Image converter will allow you to create myriad versions of the original file. This could include a watermark or different resolutions and file types. 

Update Record Metadata (Embedded Image Metadata) 

If your Images contain embedded metadata, you may want to pull this data into your record metadata. 

Transcoder 

The Imagen transcoder creates copies of the master file (renditions). This includes a thumbnail, reference image, HLS media, and video thumbnails.  

Parameters set on this module give granular control over the output file formats, aspect ratio, bitrate, and even burnt-in timecodes and watermarks. Multiple versions of the same media can be offered to users based on their user permissions. 

Workflow Selection

Available Workflows will be displayed at the final stage when uploading media. Workflows that will ingest media (Create renditions) and store the media only (for downloads only - no image displayed on page) are shown below:

Job Priorities

Each workflow will have a priority, where 1 is the highest. If only one transcoder slot is available, and two jobs are requested, the job using the workflow with the highest priority will take precedence over the lower priority job. 

Priority is assigned when a workflow is created:

Default Workflows

The workflows delivered out-of-the-box allow for most media ingestion or clipping. It is possible to add data overlays and burnt-in timecodes, and if this would be helpful please check out custom workflows. The default workflows are shown below

Workflow Usage

Next Steps